Avoiding frame rust in the Midwest?

Im a diehard chevy guy but im looking into buying a 2nd gen standard cab tacoma as a beater daily driver. I know the engines and everything are reliable but the frame is what scares me. I live in the midwest so its gonna see salt. Is there anyway of preventing this or certain years that is better? On my silverados I load the rockers and undercarriage with fluid film and they still look new. I love the looks of the 2nd gen tacomas but it doesnt matter how reliable it is if the frame rots out. Id rather put a new motor in it than a frame. Anything particular to look for on the frames when i go check one out? I dont have any experience with tacomas so any help is appreciated. TIA

 

Surface rust is fine, but deep rust is the issue, I use a ball peen hammer and lightly tap on the frame in trouble spots.

If I were to buy a 2nd gen I'd have it scraped/brushed then fluid filmed.

Not too many failed in my region, but its still a thing to be aware of.

 

Good tips in the post above.

The most likely place for frame problems seems to be inside the boxed section near the cats. Salt gets in between the layers of the frame and rusts it from the inside out.

Unfortunately, that's a hard place to see so visually inspecting the other areas you can see as well as pounding on it with a hammer are the two best practices.

Once you find an acceptable one, treating it with Fluid Film/Woolwax would be a good idea IMO.

Good luck with your search!

 

150+K on my 2011 in salt country of Northern ME and NH FF first year and ever since, frame is still black.

 

Coincidentally, there happen to be some frame rust discussions going on right now.

You can look through the recent posts from the last week or so. You'll see photos of frame conditions as well as the TW member's opinions on whether or not they are salvageable.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-rust.830684/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/is-my-frame-gone.830674/

 

OP, The GM clones like the Colorado and related have their own frame and rust issues from that era that, while not as bad as Toyota's, are close. Their frame design is a bit different but they are thin and they do rust.

 

The main point IS to look at the frame. Too many of the horror stories I've heard involve people who never took the time to, or were able to lay down and have a look.
Check the areas of the frame where the rear leafs mount. If there's any flaking or delamination, I'd stay away from it.
The problem areas most talk about are in the boxed section near the catalytic converter/s, but the sandwiched, multi layer areas back by the front leaf mounts will show some swelling and flaking if there's a problem.
Post pictures here if you want some opinions.
Keep us posted!

 

I've seen them V-shaped at the box and cab in my area.

 

Find one in the South. Fly down to buy it and drive it back. I used to think it wasn't worth the effort, but I've known of several guys who saved enough money to make it worth it. I have a BIL who flew to Austin TX from North GA to buy a new F150 that he drove back. Another friend bought one out of Oklahoma and paid to have it delivered to GA recently. The same guy drove to NY from GA to buy a motorcycle that he trailered back.