Rust - 1st Gen

[Griswald]

Hey guys - Just registered, I'm new here.

In the market for a 2nd vehicle - older, less expensive, 4x4.

On the fence between an old 4 Runner and a Cherokee XJ.
I only like the 1st Gen 4Runner, manual transmission.
BUT, just like a lot of old XJ's rust is a concern.

At what point does a little rust become too much? Obviously a rusty frame is not good. Kind of hard to find one without any rust at all.
There's one for sale nearby that has a little rust on the fenders. He's sending pics...

Anyone have experience / advice w this?
Any threads on this topic I can get a link to?

thanks guys!

 

[shawski]

I've heard 1st gens have a-pillar rust issues, so look closely there. Also to note, if the window trim has the chrome package, dirt collects and holds moisture in - look closely there too.
That's all I've got on this topic. Good luck with the search! I recently bought a 22re, manual, 1st gen and have ZERO regrets!

 

[Night_Wolf84]

I don't mean to scare you away, but 1st gens. rust in a lot of places depending on where the truck has been most of its life and how well it has been taken care of.
Frame rust is a big concern obviously. Any holes can be a PITA to fix.

A-pillars, inner fender wells front and rear especially underneath the pedals on driver side and passenger side, fenders rust front and rear, rocker panels, tailgate, the roof, and underneath the rear seats (in my case).

Look long and hard for the right one. The best ones come from an area that doesn't get much rain or snow, obviously.

I've put A LOT of work into mine and still the rust is coming back with a vengeance. I WISH someone out there would make replacement floor pans for the front, but so far I've only found floor pans for underneath the rear seats and the rest of the rear of the truck.

 

[penbergm]

1st Gens rule.
Consider traveling to get one that will be relatively rust free. They can be found, but probably not in your neck of the woods.

 

[fourwd1]

Frame rust is a big problem in the Mid-Atlantic, especially on Toyotas. I ended up putting a new frame under my 83 a while back.
When I decided to get a 4Runner I found one with a solid frame in Pa. The 89, also with a solid frame, also came from Pa.

They rust from the inside out, so you don't see it until it's real bad.
The most common spots (but not limited to) are above the rear axle, where the fuel tank sits against the frame, and anywhere the frame turns up from horizontal. Check inner, outer and bottom sides of each frame rail. I use a small hammer to tap everywhere.