Hosed or a fun project

Hi all,

I just got a 2002 V6 TRD Double Cab PreRunner 2WD w/ diff locker with 272K miles on it for $6k. First time buying a used car and I knew I wanted a project, but I may have dove into the deep end…

I’ve always wanted a 1st Gen but I jumped on the first one that was near me and available. It runs and drives great with lots of recent work under the hood that involved new plugs, coil packs, serpentine belt, new alternator, AC compressor, and a radiator. Timing belt was done recently. The frame was redone from the recall so it’s structurally sound, but starting to show surface rust on the edges. Thankfully the cabin is in great shape.

After a thorough inspection under the car I noticed a pinholes in the rear differential pumpkin that I plan on welding. Eventually I hope to entirely replace it.

Other than that immediate issue, the rust on the hubs, rockers, and bumpers seems the most dire. With alittle bubbling on the doors near the front tires.

Front steering/suspension looks okay, but without a thorough maintenance history, I reckon it needs atleast the upper/lower ball joints and tie rods replaced.

At the end of the day, I have a truck that runs but needs lots of TLC. Curious what everyone’s opinion is on it and whether I’ve picked up a death trap on wheels or a project car.

Thank you in advance and I’m excited to learn about these trucks! BTW this thing has lived its life in New England which explains the rust.

 

I would have to say hosed.
So much rust.... I mean, everything is fixable, right?
I suspect the rust is much worse than what you are seeing.

 

I think that rear shock is in 2 pieces…

best of luck to you

 

What do you want us to say?

Looks like a rusty truck with a ton of miles

If clean ones with no rust and less miles are $15-20k and this thing does what you ask then sure you got a deal

If it ends up being a money pit and rusts apart then you got hosed

Glass half full or half empty.. it's up to you

 

Def. a project truck.

 

It’s August and it still has salt on it
The problem isn’t New England, the problem is the neglect from the previous owner

I’d suggest you get rid of it

 

May you be blessed with mechanical skills, pro tools, room to work, experience working on light duty pickups, an acetylene torch, a wad of Benjamins, a sense of humor, and the patience of a saint.

Fare the well!

 

You must have forgot to post the fun part....
Ill check back again later...

 

Dude you’re fine. My first Tacoma looked very similar underneath. Replaced frame but still plenty of rust. Just get this thing undercoated with fluid film or similar and fix what actually needs it.