To all with frame rot and rust through

[T4Rscott]

I agree with you Whiplash. I believe that Toyota has been on a downhill slide since all the recall fiasco of the last couple of years.

Just to update; my 99 has been running great. However I recently discovered a cancer spot on the rocker panel. So far I have one quote for 400 to fix it. I am on the fence if I will buy another Toyota. Fluid Film is great stuff. worth every penny.

Just to set any record straight, my 4R came from Ma. I have taken great care of this vehicle. I still believe Toyota can do better.

Scott

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

I just found "hidden" rust rot on my frame. It's in the same place that many of these pictures are showing - next to the muffler on the passenger side. I went from loving this truck to kinda hating it. I have sunk a couple thousand dollars into this thing in the 3 months I've owned it. I've had it towed once when it mysteriously broke down, (thought it was a bad fuel pump but I got it home and gave it gas while trying to start it and it started after a little coaxing WTF!)

To all you that think this is a maintenance issue, just the fact that this rust is happening in the same place on the frames - should answer that question. My truck also has the dif leak from rust. Also, almost got the pink milkshake. Point is, all vehicles have their common weak spots, it just so happens that the three things I just mentioned are three MAJOR components of a vehicle that cost A LOT of money to fix. Is it also a coincidence that they all seem to have something to due with corrosion? I highly doubt it. It's a shame because I really like the truck. Drives great after fixing the things I fixed. I also believe the motor would run a long time with proper maintenance. I just wish I had the time to research this year truck before I bought it. I was under the gun, without a vehicle after a total loss on my previous vehicle. I would have ruled out the 4runner unless it came from a warmer climate. I truly envy you that don't live in the "rust belt"

Sorry for the rant but I am just really mad about this. Really disappointed. I enjoy reading this forum. You guys know and love your 4runners. Believe it or not I like working on the 4runner. It's somewhat easy and there's a plethora of parts available ,new and used. Don't take this wrong, but I'm not a vehicle "fanboy" Ijust want a good reliable vehicle that I can maintain and not have to worry about.

After reading this thread, I don't expect much sympathy. There's a lot of 4runner love here and rightfully so, and expected, as it is a 4runner forum. I guess I just expected more from a Toyota, and, to be honest, expected problems because I bought used, but this is ridiculous! If I owned this truck from the beginning I may have caught this, maybe. I've had MANY vehicles here in NJ and I've never seen anything like this before. My '92 Exploder had the rocker panels rusted out and the frame was just beginning to rust but that truck was almost 18 years old when I sold it. Still going to this day. (my brother in law bought it) I will try to fix this. I have to. I know some welders. Gonna fix it right (if a frame can be fixed right) then probably sell it as I just don't have a good feeling anymore about it. Shame because other than these things it's in great condition and, from what I've read, a very desirable year and package. Flame away.

 

[afg10000]

I will say one thing. My '96 had pretty bad rust hole in the normal spot, back side by the muffler, etc. When I got hit (Dodge pickup), going at least 40, right on my passenger side wheel. The frame nor the control arm mount budged. Destroyed the body and what not. I really think the main outside C channel frame carries most of the load. I'm no engineer, nor do I care. I was just really surprised that as much as I was worried about that frame and bracket, it was a bit stronger than I thought. That said, I'm not normally one to tempt fate.

 

[roger123]

98 4 runner

Im in Northern Ontario and they use a shit load of salt and sand..I just rebuilt the frt floors and it was"t pretty..I have under coated every other year with corroision free. The rust still finds it"s way to the frame. I have to go underneath and beat the frame with a hammer and scrape whats there off the layered cake of crap. That will be done this week...I find that it should be done every 3-4 years...the only way to beat it is move where there is no snow..

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

I will say one thing. My '96 had pretty bad rust hole in the normal spot, back side by the muffler, etc. When I got hit (Dodge pickup), going at least 40, right on my passenger side wheel. The frame nor the control arm mount budged. Destroyed the body and what not. I really think the main outside C channel frame carries most of the load. I'm no engineer, nor do I care. I was just really surprised that as much as I was worried about that frame and bracket, it was a bit stronger than I thought. That said, I'm not normally one to tempt fate.

What is the "main outside C channel"?

 

[afg10000]

What is the "main outside C channel"?

As far as I understand, the main frame rail facing the outside is shaped like this, ]. To my knowledge, that steel is nice and stout. Then, they weld a crappier, cheaper piece into it facing the opposite direction to create the box frame, [. Like a small c going into a larger C. As far as all my reading over the past few years it makes sense why the inside of the frame by the muffler and along the seam welds where they fit the smaller inside c channel is generally where the rot occurs quite commonly. I normally don't see outside facades of frames have much more than surface rust. I'm no doctor and possibly could be quite wrong about this.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

As far as I understand, the main frame rail facing the outside is shaped like this, ]. To my knowledge, that steel is nice and stout. Then, they weld a crappier, cheaper piece into it facing the opposite direction to create the box frame, [. Like a small c going into a larger C. As far as all my reading over the past few years it makes sense why the inside of the frame by the muffler and along the seam welds where they fit the smaller inside c channel is generally where the rot occurs quite commonly. I normally don't see outside facades of frames have much more than surface rust. I'm no doctor and possibly could be quite wrong about this.

After looking at it again you are right. I feel A LOT better now that I know my frame is not going to crumple. Some of those pictures in this thread show the bottom rotted out which mine isn't doing yet, although after poking through some of the manufactured holes I can see some pretty serious scaling going on. The person that covered this up did a fantastic job. I need to get on top of this right away. That Eastwood site seems to have everything one needs to combat and protect from rust. Thanks again for resting my mind a little.