Moving to the Salt belt...

It is a 4x4, has lived mostly in the southeast, SC, NC, TN, and CO when I lived out there. I'm in Tennessee/Kentucky now. I have experience driving in the snow in 4wd, as well as rear driven and front driven cars. And my commute to and from work will not be far.

I've read into fluid film and crown a lot. That stuff does seem to work. Like I said, I'm hoping I won't be there for very long, maybe two winters.

Maybe I'm freaking out over nothing, but I'd rather be prepared than have a Swiss cheese taco. I'm moving in july/August time frame if COVID allows, so I'll have time to prepare.

Thank you all for the advice

 

My Taco has been in VT all it’s 12yrs and 190k. The salt, salt brine is harsh.
I had a long ass post but! I tried and failed new frame 2yrs ago. It’s like new again!
If you can avoid exposing it to salt do it.
Subaru’s are great in the winter and can be found for decent money. Timing belt needs to be done by 100k.

 

If you don't want the winter salt and chemicals to eat at your truck, have it rustproofed (or use Fluid Film if you want to do it yourself) and have it done yearly to keep maximum protection against rust

That's the only way to protect it, other than not driving it though the salt

If the existing rust is surface rust only, don't need to remove it before a rustproofing treatment. If you have loose flaking rust, it is best to remove it with a wire brush before applying the rustproofing grease

 

Icon shocks are much more resistant to corrosion than others. HOWEVER, the salt and bullshit still does a number on them. The springs rusted the first year and the adjustment nut was corroded so tight when I went to longer springs it took a bench vise and an air hammer to break it loose. Cannot recommend that process ever again. Storing it for the next couple years is your best bet but letting vehicles sit can cause issues as well.

 

Buy a beater and park your Tacoma during the salted road time.