Rust Under Carriage, Need Help

New to the group. I recently purchased a 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4wd with 40K miles from an auction. It was a Seal Beach Life Guard truck (in that area the whole time) there seems to be a decent amount of rust in the undercarriage. So Now, I'm wondering if I'm too deep into my head with it. Thanks in advance for any advice and or any input.

 

It looks fine. I would take it somewhere and have it de-scaled and coated in fluid film especially if you live in the rust belt. However if you live in the rust belt this is pretty normal on older vehicles. Before spending the money just walk around and bang on the rusted bits with a ball peen hammer to make sure none of it is rot. If you find any holes the frame may still be under warranty in which case take it to toyota and check.

 

Welcome to TW! Rust level is similar to Northeast / Canadian trucks of similar vintage lol.

Check the inboard wall of the frame near the cab mount (see red arrow) on both sides of the truck. That area typically sees the worst rust. Rust holes larger than 10mm is classified by Toyota as un-roadworthy. If you see no rust holes there, then it's fine. If you're in southern California, one coat of cosmoline RP342 will prevent the rust from getting worse.

 

A day with a various size wire wheels and a wire brush should knock most of the heavy stuff off. Then soak it in a gallon of Fluid Film.

The lower control arms look particularly rusty. Probably not an issue until you go to get an alignment. I can almost guarantee the cam bolts are frozen which means they will not be able to align it. When you get around to doing the job, I would recommend biting the bullet and going new OEM LCA, plus all new cam bolt hardware

 

Looks like the spare tire is original factory Dunlop AT20 (i.e. 9 years old). It's probably hard as plastic now. Make sure the spare tire hoist still moves, then replace the spare tire when you get a chance.

 

Just replace the leaf springs and lower control arms and you should be good to go

 

Thank You All For the Advice

 

Thank You All For your advice, input, and help - Much Appreciated.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW. Go to your local hardware store pick up rust cleaner and a can of VHT. Flame proof worked for me. I think you will be fine.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Thank Again To All of You.

 

Welcome and good luck I’m sure you’ll find plenty of help here