Rust question

[sweendogie]

I found a decent deal on craigslist for a 5 speed 4runner. The guy said it is from new mexico and the autocheck shows that it's been there for the last 12 years. I had him send me pictures of the underbody and everything seems pretty good except one picture near the back of the frame where the hitch mounts.

It looks like it has rotted through but I can't tell because of the low resolution picture. What is everyone's opinion of the condition of the frame? Is that just the hitch or is it completely rotted through that section of the frame?

 

[sweendogie]

Here are the other pictures. Just want some opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

[shootmymime]

Here are the other pictures. Just want some opinions. Thanks in advance.

that frame is clean for never being cleaned or painted in the past.

those holes you see are drain holes. the only rust is surface rust and completely common. i would not worry about any frame or rust issues.

 

[sweendogie]

that frame is clean for never being cleaned or painted in the past.

those holes you see are drain holes. the only rust is surface rust and completely common. i would not worry about any frame or rust issues.

The picture is upside down but if you look above the drain holes along the top of there the hitch is mounted you see what looks like perforation. I didn't know if that was just the gap or if it was actually rot.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

I highly doubt it. I'm pretty sure you are looking at the seem between the hitch and the frame rail in the upside down pic in the first post.

Considering what the rest of the pics of the undercarriage look like, I don't think you need to worry about a rotted frame. That would be some pretty localized rot if it was.

 

[audiness]

That's about as rust-free as a 3rd gen can get.

 

[JeepKiller]

A little wire brush and rustoleum will have that looking brand new in no time.