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Frame Rust! Good or bad?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by adsan8, Nov 10, 2024.

  1. Nov 10, 2024 at 5:58 AM
    #1
    adsan8

    adsan8 [OP] Member

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    Hey guys. Looking to buy a 1st gen taco, but not sure when and if i can cross the country to take a look at the car in person. I understand that there are many things one would want to confirm if the taco is in good shape. Especially, the frame rust. I uploaded some photos, if anybody can tell just from these few photos how the rust on this frame is? Whether it is not in bad shape or if this just looks like normal rust for these 1st gen’s? In addition, ball joints replacements shouldn’t be too pricey, right? Any other suggestions?

    IMG_8428.jpg
    IMG_8427.jpg
    IMG_8426.jpg
     
  2. Nov 10, 2024 at 6:09 AM
    #2
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A トヨタ純正男娼

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    ^Not in focus in the photo, but this area by the transmission crossmember looks like a big rust hole:

    upload_2024-11-10_9-9-29.png

    The frame also looks to have been repaired previously with Safe-T-Caps or similar plates. Factory frame rail corners are more rounded:

    upload_2024-11-10_9-15-35.png
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2024
    adsan8[QUOTED][OP] and Chuckk321 like this.
  3. Nov 10, 2024 at 6:16 AM
    #3
    adsan8

    adsan8 [OP] Member

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    I’ll try to get more photos of the frame. But from your standpoint, would you say it’s a solid no for this 1st gen? It’s a 4x4 with under 90k miles.

     
  4. Nov 10, 2024 at 6:19 AM
    #4
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A トヨタ純正男娼

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    ^Correct. It is not roadworthy. Even as a parts truck, the rust would fight you with every part you try to remove.
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2024
    adsan8[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  5. Nov 10, 2024 at 6:21 AM
    #5
    SWPA Tacoma

    SWPA Tacoma Well-Known Member

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    I'd avoid this one. That rust hole is telling. Its what else you cant see that would scare me.
     
    adsan8[OP] likes this.
  6. Nov 10, 2024 at 6:54 AM
    #6
    Pbfender15

    Pbfender15 Well-Known Member

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    If it was local, check it out. Probably not worth crossing country for that. Travel for something clearly rust free...
     
    adsan8[OP] likes this.
  7. Nov 10, 2024 at 7:09 AM
    #7
    Cucvfan

    Cucvfan Well-Known Member

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    Have you looked to find a rusty tacoma closer to your home?
     
    adsan8[OP] likes this.
  8. Nov 10, 2024 at 7:44 AM
    #8
    Black97v6MT

    Black97v6MT 366k on the 0D0 ... 5VZFE R150F 4WD

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    28 years of livin' Gen1 TacoLife...
    2500$ ?? less?

    it lookin' a bit crunchy to me
     
    adsan8[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  9. Nov 10, 2024 at 7:56 AM
    #9
    ace_10

    ace_10 Well-Known Member

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    Don't travel for rust. Ever.
     
    adsan8[OP] likes this.
  10. Nov 10, 2024 at 8:02 AM
    #10
    Black97v6MT

    Black97v6MT 366k on the 0D0 ... 5VZFE R150F 4WD

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    28 years of livin' Gen1 TacoLife...
    it would usually depend on the severity of the condition, yes? no??

    this particular taco looks quite advanced from the pics
     
    adsan8[OP] likes this.

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