Rust - Tell me what you think

[npompei]

Ok guys so I have a chance to buy an 88 that, minus the rust is in great shape. But its got rust starting and I wanted to see what you think. Should I buy or should I run?!









Now I will withhold info on the truck (engine, condition, upgrades, etc.) because I dont feel like any of that matters with the rust to be honest. If you think the rust isn't terrible then im in. I'm only looking to buy it for $2k so if it cost me that much to fix the rust than its not worth it for me. It's also going to be a fun 2nd truck, not a dd but not a trail hog either. Your thoughts?

 

[91'4bee]

the rust under the door looks pretty hardcore but if you are just gonna use it as a fun truck then see if you could bring the price down to $1200-$1700 if you can.

 

[Nervo19]

I would get it if the engine and trans seem good and you plan to fix the rust right away. You didn't show the frame rails. If they are rusty I'd say forget it. There are no replacement rockers made to fit. A place in Canada sells them but they do not fit. You can cut out the bad areas and weld or panel adhesive new metal easily enough. If something isn't done about the rust soon the truck is doomed, IMO.

 

[sam24th]

Considering you live up North, Id say the rust is probably pretty ordinary for a truck of that year up there. Down here I wouldn't even think about buying it to be honest. The rust on the rockers look pretty bad and so are the fenders.

 

[KidVermicious]

To see how bad the fender rust is you'll have to pull the chrome. Mine looked like surface rust until I pulled those chrome bits and found it all eaten away underneath them.

You'll pay a pretty penny for a rust free truck, especially in your area. If you like the truck otherwise, bite the bullet and plan on learning to do bodywork.

 

[fourwd1]

Your main rust concern should be the frame, and you can't tell how bad it is just by looking at it.
The frame rusts from inside out, so you don't notice it until its real bad.
You have to take a small hammer or something and start tapping it on the frame, everywhere.
Bottom and both sides of both frame rails. Especially anywhere the frame turns upwards from horizontal, above the rear wheels, and where the fuel tank sits against the frame. Also check body mounts.
FWIW I bought both my 4Runners in PA, and I bought them because the frames were solid.
They all have the fender rust over the wheels, you can't seem to avoid that around here.

 

[slacker]

A place in Canada sells them but they do not fit.

that would be wolf steel I assume ?

and yes .. to the original poster , if your wanting to "restore" ... your over 2G for sure !!


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[Nervo19]

that would be wolf steel I assume ?

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Yes. I know you've tried to warn everyone about them in the past. I should have specified because you're in Canada too. I haven't had the pleasure of making a purchase from you. I would have if you would make a dog leg that fixes the area covered by the "rear wheel house," the area in front of the rear wheel that is covered by the gravel guards.