Rust Protection

[Syr4RinNC]

I have been able to keep my '03 rust-free even though it lives in MA and has never spent a night in a garage. I used to have a thing for old British sports cars and those things rusted like CRAZY if you didn't take care of them, so I learned a few moves. For my 4Runner I have just used a wire brush and POR-15 sprayed on. Every spring, I just lay out a tarp and put the 4Runner up on jackstands and use a cheapo wand sprayer. Don't be lazy: remove the skid plates and the spare tire!!!

It's not that dirty if you do it every year. You really really need to get any scale -- no matter how tiny -- off before putting on the POR-15.

The mechanicals and electrics of 4Runners are pretty bombproof, and easy enough to fix or have fixed if they need it. But you have to stay ahead of the game with rust and I haven't found anything better than POR-15. It has worked extremely well on the Toyota, despite 2003 apparently being one of the very worst years for frame rust. The car will be 19 years old in a couple of days; I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if I still drive it after 19 more years -- it's basically an anvil!

Good to hear
- My 03 rusted through
- My 08 im trying to do better with

 

[Hitmanhink]

I have been able to keep my '03 rust-free even though it lives in MA and has never spent a night in a garage…

…I haven't found anything better than POR-15. It has worked extremely well on the Toyota, despite 2003 apparently being one of the very worst years for frame rust. The car will be 19 years old in a couple of days; I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if I still drive it after 19 more years -- it's basically an anvil!

Im bringing an ‘05 back from CA to NY next month I was planning on doing Fluid Film. The only rust I’m seeing on mine is on the exhaust, but probably nothing serious since it’s been in CA it’s entire life. Is there a reason you chose POR-15 over Fluid Film? I’ve heard some say POR-15 is better if you already have rust? But are there other considerations? I want to do whatever I can to combat the salt.

 

[Motonoia]

Were the 03-04 models more prone? I figured they would have used the same frame throughout the entire production range from 03-09.

I am currently looking at 03-04 models, if they do not have rust yet and I live in a dry, salt-free area, am I good to go?

 

[delstele]

They all rust in a salty environment if they are not treated with rust inhibitors.Mine an 05 has been in Mi it's whole life the frame has rust issues in the very front recovery points so I bought the new crossmember and plan on cutting out the old and welding in the new piece. I could use a new skid plate too but I plan on waiting until spring for that as well.


Prevention is the key and if you have spots of concern address them as soon as possible ..