Source
r/4Runner•
Silver302

97 4Runner rust

Looking at a 97 with roughly 140k miles on it for $2k. This would not be a daily driver and I have no problem grinding and sealing this rust, it is it too much for a weekend off roader? I hit and poked every part of it and there’s no holes but definitely some flaking in spots that need to be grinded and sealed. If it matters, it’ll live in a rust free part of the country from now on.

Considering the miles and the price, what are your thoughts?

Album: https://imgur.com/a/afInV3M

Posted Aug 22, 2018, 6:23 PM UTC

19
FMcamaroZ28'99 SR5 4x4 & 99 Limited 4x4•

The frame itself isnt too bad, but the axle is rough. The 4runners love leaking gear oil out of rusted diff covers.

The spot you want to check is just in front and above the rear lower control arm. The 4runner i used to have needed a patch there - see this photo.

https://i.imgur.com/w22GPaj.jpg

Also drop the spare tire and check the back of there too.

2
Silver302OP•

Thanks! That spot looks pretty decent on this one.

Regarding the axle, any recommendations or just grind it down and treat it?

1
FMcamaroZ28'99 SR5 4x4 & 99 Limited 4x4•

Yeah that's really all you can do. Beware though if it starts leaking you can't just buy a new cover. You gotta do the whole axle.

Some guys JB weld it but that's ghetto

For 2k if it runs good and you can do the rust work then it's prob worth it.

1
jim_okc2002 4Runner - Pennsylvania•

You need to look here:

http://i59.tinypic.com/r1ihkw.jpg

That's where the rust gets them.

Sometimes the rear axle 'cover' rusts out. This one looks pretty close to that. If you choose to buy this one, I would not grind it down and treat it, as suggested. You can't afford to remove any good metal. Just keep it coated with Fluid Film to prevent it from rusting further.

2
CameToDestroyAARP•

Maybe I’ve been in California for too long but that looks beyond salvageable to me.

1
Mijbr90190•

Im from pa. Not bad at all. Lol. Some wire wheeling and por 15 will make it good again.

2
Silver302OP•

That’s kind of what I was thinking too since there’s no obvious holes/cracks/rotted welds etc. The pumpkin looks bad but it should clean up nicely.

Certainly won’t be easy but for the price I think it’s worth it but I’m not an expert which is why I’m soliciting feedback. Thanks for yours!

1
Mijbr90190•

No, not an easy or quick job. 2k for a 4wd aint bad though. Check by the cat, in between the gas tank and frame and around the spare foe holes. Those areas seem to get it the worst.

1
Targaryota•

I did por-15 on my tundra last week and it's still all over my arms

1