looking to buy 2004 Tacoma concerns with frame rust

Hi I am looking at a 2004 Tacoma the frame concerns me. I have added some pictures if anyone could give their opinion on this frame it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

Definetly not the worst we've seen here, but those upper shock mounting points due to tend to break free.

Your gonna get the "due the hammer test" recommendation. Tap, listen for thud (bad) vs ringing/metallic (good).

Check the front attachment point for the rear springs. Most common breaking point.

Edit: As a 2004, you may want to confirm with Toyota. The frame may have been replaced during service campaign.

 

Thanks for the feedback defiantly will check those things, Thanks

 

It has been painted over rust. Get to work investigating the frame with a hammer and be ready to walk away.

 

it was painted over to hide rust. Hard to tell with just these two pictures but you will definitely need to check the frame thoughly and tap it with a hammer

Worst areas for rust are where the leaf springs attach to the frame, right behind the cab, inner frame rails by the gas tank and catalytic converter, frame section under the bed around the shock mounts (what you sent pictures of)

 

As others have said, take a hammer with you, it will tell the story.

 

Buy one from Ca.

 

Paint over rust like others have said.

 

Best of all where does the truck live ??

So any frame that has been painted is to be ruled out ?

Just curious I better not treat the frame in any way ?

On these trucks unless the frame sees lots of love if you see winter chemicals it is only a matter of time.

Even the Frames replaced.

 

Painting over rust is like putting a bandage over an infected wound. You must first remove the infection or treat it THEN you put the bandage. If you paint over rust that is more than just surface rust without treating or removing, the only thing the paint will do is get the rust trapped between the paint and the frame and it will fester there, untill it is too late and you see holes in the frame.

It is obvious the frame on this truck was not treated and it was just painted over and the rust is just waiting to come back worse in a few months/years

So, what you do when you have to deal with a rusty frame:

• A good wirebrushing to remove loose rust and flakes
• Rust treatment (rust killer/converter)
• Paint
• If your truck is exposed to corrosive agents, such as winter salt and chemicals, then rustproofing/greasing is a must

 

If you really want to know for sure, you might be able to convince the owner to let you take the bed off. Then you can get a really good idea of what the back of the frame looks like

 

You missed my Point it seems painting you all feel is bad !! After the new frame was made or any splicing or repairs are completed so it seems it is better to just leave the bare steel is that what you mean?

It seems the frames I rebuilt are doing just fine after priming and painting 20 plus years ago.

Then I have never been good enough to make a call from just pictures .

 

Another point about painting over rust, is if it was to be done properly, they would take the bed (and other parts) off and at least paint the top of the frame. That's honestly the easiest section once it is apart, and they obviously missed that

 

If its not brown and flaking it's good

 

I never said to leave the steel bare, it's actually better to paint it than leave it bare. Especially if it has been grinded or welded.

I said you must not paint over rust that is deeper than surface rust. If it is deeper than that, like scaling or flaking rust, you need to remove the loose flaky rust first then treat the rust, otherwise the paint won't hold because of the untreated rust underneath that will make the paint bubble and peel off after a while.

So you can paint over surface rust no problem (it will even help the paint adhere to the piece/part), but not over flaky scaly rust without taking a few steps beforehand

 

THIS application of paint is bad, and others like it are equally bad. Someone painted OVER rust here, seemingly with no prep, and that's obviously bad. I don't think anyone one said paint by itself is bad. Certainly the right paint applied appropriately is a very good thing.