Would you Undercoat a 4Runner ?

[BlueRunner428]

Bumping this as didn't want to start a new thread, but my question is, is rust-proofing and underbody coating needed if you wash your vehicle frequently (including underbody spray), like say once a week?

 

[BlueRunner428]

Another question, but if I have this done at a shop, should I have them remove the skid plates and spare tire to hit those areas as well? Like would they be able to do that? I don't want to do it myself because it's freezing out here now plus I don't trust myself not to mess something up and not be able to get them back on or something.

 

[blackened_offroad]

Another question, but if I have this done at a shop, should I have them remove the skid plates and spare tire to hit those areas as well? Like would they be able to do that? I don't want to do it myself because it's freezing out here now plus I don't trust myself not to mess something up and not be able to get them back on or something.

my trd orp is 3 years old. I took the lift off this weekend and there is a ridiculous amount of seized bolts and rust starting everywhere already. Granted, I have 80k on my truck, most of which was done in 2 years, and that has included a lot of driving across the west to go skiing, but i'm really wishing I had coated it with something.

 

[Too Stroked]

Another question, but if I have this done at a shop, should I have them remove the skid plates and spare tire to hit those areas as well? Like would they be able to do that? I don't want to do it myself because it's freezing out here now plus I don't trust myself not to mess something up and not be able to get them back on or something.

Absolutely yes. And also have them coat the entire trailer hitch.

 

[Too Stroked]

Bumping this as didn't want to start a new thread, but my question is, is rust-proofing and underbody coating needed if you wash your vehicle frequently (including underbody spray), like say once a week?

I've lived in the rust belt for my entire life. Trust me, washing a vehicle regularly helps, but there is no substitute for additional rust proofing. As for what "proper" rust proofing involves, here's what I did:

Complete Corrosion Protection for my New T4R | Tacoma World

BTW, I would never use conventional "rubberized" undercoating to rustproof any vehicle - particularly Ziebart. It causes more problems than is solves.

 

[1100 Remington Man]

What I did after watching Repair Geek, I went with Fluid Film inside the frame and Blaster Surface Shield every where else. Repair Geek video on YouTube is impressive for rust prevention.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Do whatever you can. Its impossible to get 100% of the vehicle, but anything is better than nothing. fluid film, wd40, woolwax, etc etc. Wash when you can. Im also a big fan of rough sand, clean and rustoleum rust converter when you see any

 

[Mike Beyers]

Do whatever you can. Its impossible to get 100% of the vehicle, but anything is better than nothing. fluid film, wd40, woolwax, etc etc. Wash when you can. Im also a big fan of rough sand, clean and rustoleum rust converter when you see any

This is absolutely spot on! After losing my beloved 4th gen V8 to frame rust that I lost control of, I fluid film my 2016 every year. I used to have a shop do it, but he's so busy, he won't do it while I wait any more. So, for the past three years, I just buy 6 cans at Lowe's, and do it myself. Drop the front skid, and the spare, and just do the best I can. contrary to what's been said, it holds up for "most" of the year. I'll touch up areas when I do oil changes throughout the year, but for the most part, once per year is enough, even here in Jersey where towns and counties seem to have contests on who can use the most salt on the roads.

 

[mainerunr]

Never undercoated any vehicle I've owned and it's never been a problem (also never owned a Toyota, just a couple Fords and a couple Nissans over the past 30 years...).

Guess I've got time to figure out what I want to do since I won't have my 4R in the next 2 months (according to what my sales guy can see coming)...

 

[BlueRunner428]

This is absolutely spot on! After losing my beloved 4th gen V8 to frame rust that I lost control of, I fluid film my 2016 every year. I used to have a shop do it, but he's so busy, he won't do it while I wait any more. So, for the past three years, I just buy 6 cans at Lowe's, and do it myself. Drop the front skid, and the spare, and just do the best I can. contrary to what's been said, it holds up for "most" of the year. I'll touch up areas when I do oil changes throughout the year, but for the most part, once per year is enough, even here in Jersey where towns and counties seem to have contests on who can use the most salt on the roads.

The issue I've read with Fluid Film is that it attracts a bunch of dirt and grime and makes the undercarriage look filthy, is this true? And also that if you wash the vehicle frequently with an underbody blast, it washes off too easily.

The 4th Gens from what I understand, Toyota made a blooper and did not properly coat the frame with rust inhibitor and thus the 4th Gens became known for rusting if you weren't careful.

 

[BlueRunner428]

I've lived in the rust belt for my entire life. Trust me, washing a vehicle regularly helps, but there is no substitute for additional rust proofing. As for what "proper" rust proofing involves, here's what I did:

Complete Corrosion Protection for my New T4R | Tacoma World

BTW, I would never use conventional "rubberized" undercoating to rustproof any vehicle - particularly Ziebart. It causes more problems than is solves.

How the heck do they stay in business? Everywhere on the Internet, I read do NOT use Ziebart for the reasons you state.

 

[Too Stroked]

How the heck do they stay in business? Everywhere on the Internet, I read do NOT use Ziebart for the reasons you state.

Having used Ziebart in the past, I can answer that one. They use extremely high-pressure sales tactics and schlock science. That and lots of people just don't do any research. The best part is that the vast majority of their product is invisible to the owner after application. When was the last time most folks put their vehicle up on a lift and really looked at it? Sadly, I rest my case.

 

[Grug556]

Fluid film is not that effective for undercarriages due to it washing off from rain and puddles. It never dries. It is great in other locations and applications but not an under carriage. LPS3 on the other hand dries to a film and lasts much longer. I just used a gallon under my 2020 due to the crap these use here in NY during winter.

Yeah my experience as well. Works great...doesnt last very long at all.

 

[RichinRidgewood]

Unless you live somewhere when there is very little rain and no salt, undercoating with Fluid Film is mandatory.