Opinions on the condition of this frame

I'm planning to take a look at a 2004 4x4 5spd V6 tomorrow with 96K. How do you think this frame looks? I see some surface rust(I'd consider normal) but I see some wrinkly looking areas along the frame. I'm not sure if its normal or painted over rust issues. Opinions?

Thanks

 

^^ I agree. Not bad as some I have seen.
Didn't know that cars rusted in FLA. hahahaha

 

Though its a one owner truck, the carfax shows it has been in Missouri, Texas, and FL. The other two 1st gen tacomas I've inspected had smooth metal along the frames and a little surface rust. This looks ok, but I don't know how to explain those wrinkled looking areas along the frame.

 

Looks good but I would take a small hammer and tap it in a few places just to make sure it wasn't painted over. Pay particular attention the the front leaf spring hanger area.

 

These don't rust like the typical vehicle. They can be decieving and look fine. If you can't hit with a pointy pic hammer go get an inspection camera and look in all the holes. Focus on the bottom sides of the rails and where ALL the cross members are welded on.

 

Looks to be in decent shape. Be sure to check holes with flashlight and test the frame with a hammer.

 

youre kidding me right this is the truck im looking at right now, did you go look at it and how bad is it?

 

One of those eBay watchers I guess.

 

looks purdy decent to me...

I don't even see other areas that would commonly show rust.

But I don't think rust is an issue in Florida

^ assuming that's where the truck is from ?

use a ball peen hammer...
and tap the bottom of the frame
especially where the spring perches mount.

if it's not soft under the paint...
ya probably have no worries.

 

This

 

The trucks origin could have little to do with potential rust. As the Carfax report shows, it has been in a few states. Not to mention depending on salting or adding chemical to icy/snowy roads may of exasperated the rust issue on our trucks.

 

my opinion was based primarily
on the picture you posted.

not where it's been.

most road salt victims/rigs display more visible rust and abrasion
not just on the frame but the under body as well.

if the frame were re-painted or touched up...
at least it's not a ridiculously thick paint ( POR )

looks purdy clean at it's underside
long as the frame proves to be solid...
I'd roll it.

good luck

 

Thanks? I think the frame looks great as well.
Just clarifying for the OP that there are other factors than where the truck is from such as where the truck has traveled or lived

 

That frame is immaculate, go for it dude. It needs to be coated or treated though, I can see it's just bare metal and that will eventually rust really fast. The wrinkles you are seeing are probably just bends in the metal from production casting, all frames have those.

 

sorry for the delayed response. It was a 4 hr drive to the truck. My buddy and I checked out the truck and knew after 15 seconds that I was going to pass.

Too much rust for my taste. The sellers photos of the frame didn't really show the worst of it. I had hopes high for that truck. Thank you all for your input and advice on that frame. It's much appreciated. I'm back on the hunt.

 

That leaf spring mount looks like crap... Good choice stayin away from that one, thats a big weak spot on the first gens.