undercarrage rust worry?

[HappyHooligan]

so I might have found my new 4runner but the seller says it has, "some cosmetic or surface rust on the undercarriage."

How worried should I be on that? I plan on undercoating it anyway pretty heavy.

 

[thecole1098]

Ask for pictures.

 

[HappyHooligan]

well I believe it has it, my question is how much is a deal breaker? if it's starting is the truck screwed?

 

[Kanoe]

Better yet crawl under it yourself if you are able.

 

[thecole1098]

If its just surface rust or some spots here or there where it's more than that, it is possible to wire wheel the areas down and put rust converter over it then some black finish to cover it. I see you're in So Cal so if the truck is also from So Cal its likely just surface rust.

 

[HappyHooligan]

If its just surface rust or some spots here or there where it's more than that, it is possible to wire wheel the areas down and put rust converter over it then some black finish to cover it. I see you're in So Cal so if the truck is also from So Cal its likely just surface rust.

I'll look this weekend. apparently the truck spent it's early life in the midwest. I"m trying to find a rust free cali truck but this one hits all the checkmarks I'm looking for, except the rust.

 

[thecole1098]

I'll look this weekend. apparently the truck spent it's early life in the midwest. I"m trying to find a rust free cali truck but this one hits all the checkmarks I'm looking for, except the rust.

What exactly is on your list to have?

 

[HappyHooligan]

My list is 4x4, 1999-2002. A lighter color, prefer leather but this truck doesn't have it. It's a Sport version too which is a plus. And lower miles, under 200K, and the body in good shape/not abused.

 

[Rayford]

If it is from the Midwest, inspect the undercarriage very very carefully. Most states here salt their roads in the winter. Just about everything on a 4runner can be fixed except a rusty frame. Light surface rust is OK, but be cautious if the frame has spots where it is flaking. Salt water gets inside the tubular frame and rots it from inside out.

 

[tvpierce]

I'll look this weekend. apparently the truck spent it's early life in the midwest. I"m trying to find a rust free cali truck but this one hits all the checkmarks I'm looking for, except the rust.

Look very carefully at the underside. Midwest and Northeast trucks take a beating from the salt.

West coast trucks look brand new to us Easterners.

 

[thegipper]

We would need to see some detailed pictures to make any kind of accurate assessment. Even then, the frame can rot from the inside out.

Only way to be certain is to bang on the frame with a hammer and see if it is weak anywhere.

The pictures of my frame made some people on here uneasy but when I checked it (hammer method) everything is rock solid. The frame can certainly be cleaned up and protected with various products which is what I did.

Good luck

 

[Hitman]

Frame rust is a major weakness with 4Runners. My 4th gen frame is getting really bad lately and I've been very good with powerwashing the undercarriage after every winter.

 

[Rudedawwg]

I wouldn't worry about some surface rust in some spots. But it its more than that especially on the frame where the rear control arm brackets meet the frame STAY AWAY.

 

[HappyHooligan]

the guys sent two pics for me, once was bright and just showed some surface rust on the skid plate, but the other one was dark and zooming in it looked crusty but he said that's probably the rubber undercoating?

 

[jkh44]

Rear axle looks pretty rusted over, but nearly impossible to tell from the photo. Ask the dude to send some decent photos, ask for 10 at least. If he wants to sell the truck, he'll take some photos. If he's hiding something, and won't take any reasonable photos, you don't want that truck anyhow.

Don't fall in love too soon...there are plenty out there worth the $

 

[T4R2014]

Lmao you Californians are insane

 

[Scramble]

Lmao you Californians are insane

LMAO! The steelie spare almost looks brand new.

 

[HappyHooligan]

Lmao you Californians are insane

I know we're spoiled. But I plan on keeping this truck for decades and I don't want any surprises along the way. My current truck is from 1970 and still has it's original muffler. So no, I don't like rust. lol

 

[Mark_BC]

That undercoating may be hiding a lot of rust on the axle. It does more harm than good by trapping in the moisture and salt.

 

[Scramble]

I know we're spoiled. But I plan on keeping this truck for decades and I don't want any surprises along the way. My current truck is from 1970 and still has it's original muffler. So no, I don't like rust. lol

Get the car fax & see what states it lived it's life in. But really that's not rust I'd be worried about at all.