Rust

[lojeff]

Here is a pic from the front passenger side of my 2004 4Runner. It looks like a suspension bracket came apart from the rusted frame along the weld.

This doesn't look good. Tow truck driver and friend with welding experience said the truck is now scrap metal. Rust is throughout the frame.

I assume the best thing to do is just call junk yard and see how much $$ they'd offer. Anyone know if Toyota is doing anything similar to Tacomas? One thread suggested they might be doing something but what happens if I sell the car before that happens?

 

[jonesmw10]

Here is a pic from the front passenger side of my 2004 4Runner. It looks like a suspension bracket came apart from the rusted frame along the weld.

This doesn't look good. Tow truck driver and friend with welding experience said the truck is now scrap metal. Rust is throughout the frame.

I assume the best thing to do is just call junk yard and see how much $$ they'd offer. Anyone know if Toyota is doing anything similar to Tacomas? One thread suggested they might be doing something but what happens if I sell the car before that happens?

Have you owned your 4runner since new? Toyota did some frame replacements on 4Runners of people who are on here (at reduced cost). Might be worth investigating since a control arm separating from the frame at high speeds could be incredibly dangerous

 

[lojeff]

I have owned it since day one. Do you suggest I call local dealer or corporate offices. Thanks.

 

[M1911]

Don't call Toyota. The job of the drone at Toyota is to say no.

Call the service manager at your local Toyota dealer. If you have a dealer where you bought and/or serviced your 4Runner, that would be better. Tell them about the problem, as to be able to have the truck towed to their shop, for them to evaluate it, and for them to call Toyota and see if Toyota will offer assistance.

That is what I did, and Toyota replaced the frame on my '03 4Runner. I'm the original owner. The offer from Toyota was that I pay the first $1000 plus any worn out/rusted components (that cost me another $1000). Toyota covered the rest.

See:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/180929-frame-rust.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/199782-possible-future-frame-service-campaign.html

 

[Greydog]

Looks pretty rusty under there, but the cross member/sub frame that the broken control arm ears attach to looks somewhat OK.

I would investigate getting that re welded, perhaps use some parts off a scrap 4Runner of possible to get those pieces.

Based in the rest of the frame quality, keep it or sell?

 

[BOSMECH]

Ah the Northeast home of the salted winter roads, my 03 had rust also, even though I washed it all the time in the winter.
I will not miss it at all especialy last years snow, now I am back home in Seattle on the west coast finally

 

[smokey73]

Frames rust!!!

 

[Maineiac]

So sick of seeing Toyota not do the right thing. I have a pretty decent hole in my frame and they gave me the runaround as well. I wonder how many people will have to get hurt before they do anything. Great trucks but if you live in the salt belt plan on replacing your frame and hatch no matter how much you wash it.

 

[lojeff]

1)No help from Toyota.
2)Local welder won't touch it and says to scrap it.
3)Friend that repairs Caterpillar equipment says it's done

This stinks. Who cares how good of an engine/transmission Toyota puts in the SUV if the frame rusts away to nothing.

 

[radlynx]

You can have it welded. bring it to a body shop

1)No help from Toyota.
2)Local welder won't touch it and says to scrap it.
3)Friend that repairs Caterpillar equipment says it's done

This stinks. Who cares how good of an engine/transmission Toyota puts in the SUV if the frame rusts away to nothing.