Rust on Rear Axle on 2004 4runner SR5

[mkrunnersd]

Hello and I live in San Diego CA and test drove/borrowed 2004 4Runner V8 AWD from Dealer and bring back to dealer tomorrow if I want to purchase it. Upon looking at undercarriage, I saw rust on the following (see photos below):

1) rear axle differential
2) lower shock mounts
3) lower spring perch on rear axle
4) exhaust piping
5) gas tank skid plate

What was strange was that I found no major rust towards the motor and front differential. The carfax said that car was registered in New York, Utah, and Canada. I'm thinking that the salt on the roads caused it.

Question: Is this rust normal or ok? I think it is abnormal and planning to bring to local off road shop to get opinion. The truck has 91k miles and offered at $13k which seems like the dealer might know of the rust. Thanks.

Mike

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Can't tell from the pictures too well but it looks more like surface rust, at worst it will make taking bolts off a pain.

Is the metal flaking? Its not surprising that the front isn't as bad, the gravel shields would mitigate the salt getting in there and the rear of the car would get the worst of it during driving.

 

[Greydog]

Looks fairly typical areas of rust for the 4runner. It has a bit more than mine at 156k, so perhaps it was Used more in wet conditions (trailing, beach, towing boat) or parked in damp locations.

Although, in some states that is not abnormal due to salt use. MA and NH rigs seems to be the same as those pics.

Doesn't seem like a deal breaker, perhaps use it to negotiate down a bit.

 

[WXman]

My 04 was registered in New Hampshire and Cincinnati, OH and it looks as bad or worse than the one pictured here. Every single repair becomes a nightmare because ALL nuts will be frozen in place. Alignment might be impossible when doing tires. Shocks won't come loose. Exhaust flanges will be rusted together. It's just a PITA. Toyota is known for not treating frames properly during manufacturing. The Tacoma and Tundra recalls prove that. Mine is so bad that the front crossmember under the radiator is eaten completely through almost.

And here's the thing...mine was a one owner and he clearly cared for the vehicle because the paint is flawless and all service was done. He spent a fortune keeping the thing on the road in the first 100K so obviously he cared about the vehicle. It's just a Toyota thing. If you like the vehicle and you don't mind fighting with rusty bolts and nuts later down the road, buy it and enjoy it!

 

[97hb]

All I know is I have none of that rust, my diff housing still has the black coating on it.

 

[mkrunnersd]

Thanks for feedback but another question

Thanks all for the quick response. Should I eventually remove the rust since it may be an issue in the future? The front and rear shocks were replaced with Bilsteins.

 

[WXman]

I roughed mine up with a wire brush and/or sandpaper and then hit it all with black spray paint. It won't last forever but it does help and it's cheap.

 

[wyanrard]

It's about on par with the rust on my 03 with 149k miles on it.Looks like a lot of surface. I think you'd be good though. And those bilsteins make me jealous that mine are still sitting in my living room til saturday :/

 

[MarcusAurelius]

Thanks all for the quick response. Should I eventually remove the rust since it may be an issue in the future? The front and rear shocks were replaced with Bilsteins.

I would just brush it with either Ospho or do POR15 treatment on it if you were concerned. It will stop the spread of rust. IMO it doesn't look that bad and looks like it's just surface rust, that won't effect much besides the occassional stuck bolt.