To treat rust or not to treat rust?? How bad is my frame and what's easiest diy fix?

[Road_Runner]

Hello guys so I have an 09 4runner v8 4wd with 229k on truck . I've been told that my rust is not bad just some surface oxidation but it's bugging me and I really want to take care of it before installing 3 piece RCI aluminum skid plates. I have been online and watching videos of ways to take care of rust and I think I might just go to town with wire wheel and brush then coat it . Posting some pics of my frame so I could get a general consensus of how bad it is. What are easy and inexpensive diy products I can use? I also want to know what's the best way to get into the frame crevices. I'm Not the best at mechanic work. Any advice would help since I'm planning to do this as a DIY project.

 

[rdruss]

That's barely rust and yes, I would treat it with the method you are planning; wire brush/sand it, paint it over. You obviously don't live in the rust belt so that should take care of it.

 

[Hungryhawk]

I have used a chemical to treat rust that I originally discovered maintaining the Volvo engine in my sailboat, which was full time in the ocean and exposed to its salt.
This acid base product is best selectively used for accessible heavy rust. It converts rust to a stable compound. I use it after any chipping, scraping, wire brushing etc. It penetrates deep and after painting over, lasts a long time.
It requires personal protection gloves and coverings for skin and splash protection for face and eyes. So use it carefully to stop rust.
It is Skyco -ospho. I am unable to upload photos. You can find it on internet.

 

[NachesPass4x4]

I bought a 3rd gen like this, with the welds all starting to rust. I wire wheeled to clean metal, treated with ospho and painted with rustoleum. I did this last fall so no long term experience but The product appears to work real well. It was a ton of work and I removed alot of stuff to get good access to everything I wanted to clean up.

 

[AuSeeker]

Your rust is not all that bad.

Question, why are you parked in a "Handicapped" parking spot?

 

[Berty_K]

My frame was slightly worse. Used all Eastwood stuff. Rust converter and Chassis Black.

The entire process is very dirty. Don’t skimp on PPE

 

[Road_Runner]

Your rust is not all that bad.

Question, why are you parked in a "Handicapped" parking spot?

I have a bad leg from motorcycle wreck in 2012.

 

[Inv4drZm]

I wouldn't bother wire wheeling or stripping, you'll just remove extra powdercoat or whatever Toyota uses as a frame coating and it'll take forever. I'd just use rust converter and then spray some fluid film or similar on top every winter and that will slow it down enough to last for 20 years in my opinion.