Rusty engine bay - any saving the truck?

Is regular old WD-40 fine for a degreaser btw?

 

This hurts to see, you’re going to have to pull out your engine to do a proper job and to even get access to those spots

 

since this is the only thing I’ve been able to think about for 3 days straight and knowing my local Toyota I won’t be getting in for quite a while I figured I’d post some pics of the frame anyways… I will be getting it professionally assessed ASAP but just wondering if you guys can gauge anything despite the Krown coating. I scraped off some of the coating in certain areas for a better look. The hitch area is a disaster not sure why it’s so much worse than the rest (as far as my noobie eyes can tell anyways)

 

Frame looks good actually trailer hitch looks aftermarket same power wash degrease and fluid film I’d get 8-10 cans for the entire truck

 

Just went to the shop and got a load of FF. Thanks so much. Really appreciate all the feedback.

 

From a rust standpoint, i'm glad we don't use Salt in Alberta on the roads. But it's save able. How deep you wanna do down the rabbit hole is another question, for "the basics" as others have point out make sure the frame is good. I usually get under with a medium hammer and hit it with about 40-60% strength all around. Especially near mounts like upper control arm, engine, leaf springs, etc and if that checks out good then hammer that fluid film all around and inside the frame. Obviously a body off the frame restoration is the best thing but I don't imagine thats how far you're looking to go

 

Anytime might want to "try" and lower the spare tire as well and get get some spray up there, if it has not been lowered in a while it may not come down

 

Agree with NYRob, you can powerwash.
I pretty regularly do it to our cars without issue. Hit it with Some degreaser (simple green or more aggressive stuff). Just don’t directly blast the battery and fuse box areas, and use one of the medium pressure nozzle, not the high one. Some people will put a plastic bag over these areas.

good advice on not painting it too. It will keep coming back unless you can sand 100% if the rust off. Fluid film or I think there’s a CRC product that has some good reviews.

 

It doesn’t look awful from those shots. Get under it with a screwdriver and a hammer. Check where the front cab mounts are welded to the frame. Under it and on the inside. Work your way up toward the engine. Especially where the CATs are. Tap the frame with the hammer, pick at the drain holes. If it’s solid everywhere, you are good to save. . If the screwdriver can make new holes…we get concerned. Small areas of the cancer can be repaired. If long sections and rotten, you’re fucked.

One more thing, you can and should inspect it yourself in the driveway to start, it’s not hard. I also wouldn’t necessarily bring it to toyota for inspection/repair, they are parts changers and can’t really help you unless you want to buy a new frame. Go to a local body or preferably a specialist for frame repairs. There’s not a lot of them but depending on where you are you might be surprised.