Tell me how this frame looks

Hey guys, picked up this 99 4Runner 4x4 for $4,000 with 264k this week and and hoping to get some feed back on the frame. As far as I can tell it’s solid from tapping it with a wrench around the parts I thought were the worst. I was thinking this summer I would wire brush what I could and coat it with POR15 or something similar.

I was not able to get info on the maintenance history when it was purchased so I do plan on changing all of the fluids and plugs and wires as soon as I can and the timing belt eventually. Most of the parts look OEM so I am gonna go ahead and get some work done on the front end, Lower ball joints first because I know those could be a potential issue.

It also came with this wench which I’m not sure if I’m gonna keep or sell. Any maintenance tips on what I should I should change first or feedback on the frame would be appreciated! Thanks guys.

 

Only thing I see of concern for me that is is the front Sway bar bushings and grommets need to replace them. And that is a nice winch the VR-10 is a $550 unit with steel rope 10,000lbs cap, Not the most fav due to weight but then not bad winch.

 

Thats about as bad as mine was before hosing down with POR.

 

I think you should be doing something to slow/stop that rust progression now, because any further along and it may be too late. Take your pick after doing your research; there is no shortage of rust proofing options out there. I personally have all of my vehicles Fluid Film'ed underneath. If you havent seen it yet, this guy did a pretty good comparison:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXlhmbvdKBo

 

thats a great video. I’ve watched some of his other stuff and just put in an order for a few cans of fluid film. Thanks.

 

Frame is less rusty than my 2010. Wire wheel or use a needle scaler. You won't get it clean enough for POR15. Spray some Tremclad semigloss rust paint and that's it. I don't think they salt the roads in Wichita.

The steering rack is leaking and will need replacement.

 

I wouldn't say that the steering rack needs replacing because that oil could be from above and it appears to be on the sway bar also.

 

^This is 100% a steering rack leak. Looks to be late stages, too. If it were coming from above, the rack mounting clamp and the top of the bellows would be wet. I've seen enough of it on 4th & 5th gens, as well as Tacomas. @thatgoodfellow should check and top up the power steering fluid weekly until he can get the rack replaced.

 

I'm sure the southern and western members are horrified, but doesn't look bad to me.

I'd wire wheel the heck out of it, then coat with Woolwax or similar.

I wire wheeled mine, then coated with Rust Bullet, then top coated that with satin black Rustoleum.

I'm actually not sure the paint was required, I think the Woolwax alone would have been good.

I liked the rust bullet over POR15 because the rust bullet seemed less picky about prep. It's held up great, 4 years and counting.

 

I’ll have to look into getting a new steering my rack. I don’t think they are too pricey. Not sure how the install is though.

 

Er OKee if You say so ....I personally would Never say that "It is" I have worked on Toyota's, Mercedes, and Antique cars / trucks for a bit over 38 years full time for 23 of those years and now as a weekend Mechanic helping friend who has a full time shop and way too many times we have seen others come in wanting an exact job done and we look at it and ask them why you think you need that? "well that is what they told me" and "They" turns out to be the internet "experts" and it turned out to not be what was needed, So that is why I say "I would not positively say that it is the steering rack" Perhaps Investigate where that oil is coming from check your steering rack like pull the boot back from where it attach to the rack and see if it is full of oil.

 

New OEM rack is ~$500 online: https://parts.nucartoyotanorthattle...ota-1995-2004-toyota-gear-assembly-4425035042
New aftermarket rack from a decent mfr (BBB Industries) is ~$300: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8393912&cc=1357455&pt=7388&jsn=12

Access on the vehicle is quite straightforward, way more open than on 4th/5th gen. Risk lies with the two fluid lines, mounting bolts, and tie rod ends being rusted. If you DIY, be sure to have a propane torch, penetrating oil, and good flare nut wrenches for the fluid lines and tie rod jam nuts.

 

whoops typo there I meant they aren’t too pricey. I was looking at an after market one on 1aauto. I watched a video on how to replace one, it doesn’t look too bad. The thing I love about these 4 runners is that they are fairly easy for DIY maintenance.

 

Run, who would even buy that thing?

Just run.

Run!

 

I am thinking of buying for my son, and worried about rust as well. Does this look terrible??

 

I like what I see there But the only Rust I'm worried about is that Spot on the front bumper... the Kid might not like it Actually I see some very positive things there like newer lower radiator hose and newer V belt with the only concern I do have that should be verified is the Engine timing belt has a new one been installed and if not I would have it done along with replacing the water pump $500 to $600 dollar job.