Rusty frame on potential purchase. Pls help

Hi,

I have the opportunity to by an 04 4WD 4runner in great shape at a great price BUT......

It spent 15 years in New Jersey and the frame is very rusted. My question is is it too much rust, dangerous or is it surface rust, that I could deal with.

I don’t mind spending $500-$1000 to undercoat or do something to clean it up.

Many thanks

 

Depends on your level of interest in working on the vehicle. There is so pretty intense pitting and deterioration in some of the pics, especially the 2nd one. I had a friend who recently bought a Tacoma with similar (maybe even worse) rust than this, and he's already had to rebuild the back half of the frame, because the shock mount straight up broke off at the top.

If you're already interested in a project car, know how to weld, and have a bunch of rust converter, maybe.

If you're wanting to just pick it up and drive it, maybe not.

BTW the diff doesn't look bad, and back side of the rear cross member doesn't look too bad either, if you can determine if you can punch through some of that rust with a needler or hand tool that might help determine how much you can convert and how much is a lost cause.

 

Thanks for your perspective. Unfortunately I do not know how to do much other than ‘basic’ stuff and would be picking this up to drive it to Colorado and start driving down dirt roads ASAP. The price definitely reflects the poor shape of the frame but I’m thinking I better keep looking to have better peace of mind. The frame was the last thing I planned on worrying about.

 

It's not that it's a bad vehicle, but if you got one less rusty you'd probably worry less, and enjoy the vehicle more.

 

If you have no knowledge on how to properly fix the rust and replace what needs to be replaced, I would definitely pass.

 

NO NO NO! Never paint over rust, its shutting the barn door after the horse escaped. The rust doesn't stop because its covered in under coat, it will keep eating whatever metal its on. The worst thing you could do is paint over the rust because it hides the very thing you are trying to get rid of. An undercoat is a good idea once the rust is completely cut out.

 

I might pass. Have it checked out at a good rust shop. Get the price down by $1,500 if they say the frame is safe.

My 2005 V6 144000 miles has just superficial rust.

BTW. Pictures #1 and #3 look like from two different cars?