Rust removal / prevention

I recently moved to Arizona from Michigan and would like to do some rust maintenance on my truck. I have some pretty bad rust on my trailer hitch as well as my rear diff. Is sanding it down and painting over it with undercoat or a similar coat the best option?

 

Not sure about removing that much rust.

My frame and components had some rust (not as much as yours) that I wanted to stop since Toyota wouldn’t replace it after 2 attempts. I cleaned what I could with a wire brush, wiped it down really good then sprayed on Amsoil Heavy Duty Metal Protector. I used 1 large can and ran out at the very end. I did this about 5 months ago and my frame still looks good! I plan on doing it every year give or take. I missed a spot just about the exhaust and you can see the difference, wish I would’ve taken “before” photos but this stuff works. Rain and car washes haven’t effected it.

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-prod...nts/heavy-duty-metal-protector/?code=AMHSC-EA

 

I’ve seen the guys in here mention POR 15 I believe for rust prevention once it’s all cleaned up.

 

I’d bet what we can’t see if that hitch is way worse. I’d be replacing that

 

This guy did a pretty awesome job...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-restoration-did-it-myself.368199/

 

Luckily my frame was replaced with the recall, so frame is rust free! I will see if I can wire brush it off and maybe I'll test that amsoil out!

 

Yeah, that thought has definitley crossed my mind... I don't tow at all though so not rushing to do it. Would at least like to clean up the rust and paint over it to make it somewhat presentable.

 

I don’t tow much either but I’d at least like to know I can when I need to

 

Just purchased some on Amazon, gonna give it a shot!

 

Ended up using Rustoleum Rust Reformer instead of the POR-15. Amazon won't take it as a return since it is flamable so I can always use it down the line if I decide to. Think it turned out halfway decent!

 

I removed mine all together mine was rusted but not as bad as yours. If you don’t tow you can save about 50-60 pounds of dead weight. If I ever decided to tow anything again I might just buy a ball mount and secure it through the center hole of the bumper. As long as your load is pretty light

 

Did you just leave the rust reformer as the top coat? I am deciding if I want to paint over it in a few days or just let it be and touch it up at any point I see chipping or rust.

 

If you just moved to Michigan you may want to consider Krown rustproofing. There are a few threads here where it is discussed. They do a great job and the price is not terrible -- in the $125 range for the treatment (give or take). I have a 2005 Tacoma that I bought used and that had been through the frame recall. I am in lower NY and there are no Krown dealers here but the good news is a place near my house that does LineX is going to be doing Krown in the fall. They will put the truck on a lift, grind any rust off and do the Krown treatment for $300. Well worth it.

I am sure there is Krown place in Michigan and it might be worth looking into ...

Great job, by the way !

 

I just moved from Michigan to Arizona Might still look into doing something like that as well though. I called around when I first got here to see if anyone does undercoating but since its Arizona, well, all the replies I got were "no".

 

Sorry ! Got it backwards. Story of my life.