Frame Rust

how bad is this frame rust and is it something that should keep me from purchasing this truck?

 

When it comes to rust like that nope. Like herpes rust is for life when it comes to these frames. I don't care how many people that claim it can be patched I wouldn't touch it.

 

If you can get a pre purchase commitment from a dealer for a new frame, that would matter a lot.

If not, walk away.

But good for you for even looking!

 

well, not good.

the thing with these frames is that they rust from the inside out, so what you cannot see is often worse that what you can see.... If seller is okay with that, bang the frame thoroughly with a hammer. It's the only to know if the frame is rusted through on other areas. It can look ok from the outside when it is in fact the frame is paper thin. Worst area for rust is this one, around the leaf spring hangers (especially on the inner side), then the inner frame rails by the gas tank and the catalytic converter

If you can't test it that way, walk away

 

Surface rust is negotiable depending on severity. A hole in the frame is a no go.

Only way I’d buy it is if I was planning on keeping it for life and appropriately fixing it or going to use it as a trail beater, and I should know, I bought a rust nightmare that bit me in the ass because I didn’t catch it on inspection.

 

I walked away from 3 trucks with similar rust and found one with a brand new frame. .. sometimes best to walk away

 

Walk away just watch my video on youtube johns rusted truck frame they did replace frame buttttttttt now its like everytime I turn around something else goes wrong sucks. truck on has 54000 mies on it.

 

WALK AWAY !

 

It might be hard especially when you really want to get into a Tacoma. But as others have said it would be best to walk away.

 

That would be a hard pass from me...

 

This is what I did.

Turned out I am dumping more money into it than I thought to get stuff up to par for them to work with.

in hind sight it is a project im having fun on. But I wouldn't recommend it.

 

Also,

Walk away.

 

People have been quite successful dealing with far more rust than that.

If you are a competent welder/fabricator, this would be a pretty easy repair. However, the fact that you’re asking about it means you’re more likely the average joe.

Evem still, it CAN be done, but make no mistake, it’s not that easy of a job for the average joe, especially to do it *right*.

So, as much as it pains me, I would pass unless you’re looking for a project truck. There are better trucks for a daily driver.

 

No big deal that's very minor, if that is all the rust it has. Replacement weld in frame sections available, /www.autorust.com

 

If you already bought it I would say fix it, but it is not that one spot. it will be like that threw the entire frame just hidden.

If you have not bought it then Do Not.
There are many many many threads about rusted frame disasters.

Good job for looking!

 

That doesn’t look bad at all but it’s up to you

 

I restored my frame myself...to an extent...had similar rust spot like that near the passenger side rear shock mount....basically this is what I did...

Removed the bed from the frame....6 bolts...then media blasted the whole rear portion of the frame from the cab back...stripping away the wiring hareness...spare tire etc...

Then I had the cancer removed and welded in a new piece...after that I used POR15....degreaser...metal prep...and POR15 itself to coat the entire frame...put 2 coats on it...plus the finishing layer...then even topped it off with a couple cans of undercoat from Advance auto...I also used Eastwood box frame rust inhibitor...and sprayed inside the portions of the box frame coating the inside as well.

I'm trying to build this truck to hopefully last another 20+ years ...

 

Sounds good

 

I know this is an old thread, but what happened to your truck w/the rusty frame?

 

It comes down to just what the specs of the truck and price is .

So many are still unaware of these frame issues till after the truck is at home.

From the picture it looks like it did not have the undercoating so even if still within the time frame might not qualify for a new frame.

If rust is a deal breaker and you live where winter means ice and snow look at 2010 trucks and newer they might have got things right by then