Is this just surface rust?

Looking at a 2006 4Runner, and the body is in good shape - few dents and dings, but I saw this on the back tailgate. Is this bubble rust/paint easily fixable or is this indicative of a larger problem? The rest of the gate has no other spots of rust, so I'm thinking this is just surface?
Any thoughts/impressions appreciated. Thanks!

 

The tailgate is a know rust area for this generation. It comes from water getting trapped inside the gate due to plugged drain holes. There are many threads explaining the issue.

 

So, looking at the threads, if I replace the upper seal and clear the weep plugs, is there still rot inside the gate? Is this thing a goner eventually?
Thanks!

 

Not surface rust, but you can prolong its life somewhat:
Order a can of spray paint to your paint code. It won't be an exact match but good enough for a 20 year-old vehicle.
Sand the rust down to bare metal.
Spray primer.
Spray paint.
Spray clear coat.

Every generation of 4Runner has the tailgate rot out first before other areas. The roll-down window is engineered as a controlled leak. The water then doesn't drain properly.

 

Check under the car and look at the suspension and drivetrain components...make sure the frame is merely, if any, just surface ruat...the hatch could be replaced if it bothered you too much but it is, like stated, a spot that sees a lot of rust. If that's the only spot showing it, I'd encapsulate the inside of the hatch and call it a day, knowing if you live long enough, you might see it completely rot out...

 

Thanks!

In looking at this issue through forums, it looks like for some, when they finally remove the inside back of the tailgate to get behind the rust, they find much, much more.
I am not a handy person, and I don't have a shop, so is it still worth the gamble here? I don't have an issue removing the trim and fixing this spot, I'm more worried about taking a huge risk that it's worse than it appears.
Anyone with experience on this?

 

^My experience looking at used 4th gens, if this the only paint bubbly spot on the tailgate, it's actually among the better ones. Hell, my 5th gen tailgate is in worse shape, due to paint being rubbed through by the plastic trim, design flaws Toyota never fixed.

How is the rest of the vehicle mechanically? Common leak points leaking badly?

 

I think mechanically, it's solid. 188k miles, very well maintained according to service records. Spent the first half of it's life in CA. They even installed back shocks and new brakes before putting it up for sale. I checked underneath and the frame has surface rust (of course) but very solid. My plan is to run it over to my mechanic early next week for a professional inspection. It drove extremely well, shifted great, and it's clean. Interior is great too. Of course it has the tire pressure light on, but no cracked dash, etc. Obviously the owner cared.

I could not find any rest anywhere else, but when you say common leak points, what should I be looking for?

Also, thanks for all the feedback and support! I really appreciate it.

 

I had this issue with my 2007. Here are a couple of posts I did at the time. I would recommend reading the entire thread. Notably, it’s six years later and I have had no more problems.

 

Did your issue first present as a small bubble of rust like what I have pictured?

Also, how difficult was it to take the tailgate trim off and get a sense of the rust? Wondering if I could do a quick check ahead of purchase, or is it way more involved than that?

Thanks!

 

Yes, I think one of those posts has a pic. A row of little bubbles.

Removing the tailgate trim isn’t that hard or time-consuming, but then there’s this clear plastic film with gooey black adhesive that you would have to peel back to see inside. You would definitely need a flashlight too. It can be done and the plastic is easily put back because the adhesive stuff stays gooey. You just press it back on and you should be good to go.

But…the rust inside the tailgate is typically underneath the factory sound deadening material, so you can’t see it until you scrape that stuff off.

 

Thanks again. Truly appreciate you.

When you remove the plastic film, is it pretty easy access to this area, or does it require removing and unplugging parts? Also, roughly, how large is this area of sound-deadening material? I read your threads (great stuff), but it's hard to get a sense of the size.

 

Nothing to unplug. Once you have the trim off and peel back the clear plastic, you’re there. It’s a little awkward and not much room to get your face in there to look, and definitely don’t get that black gooey crap in your hair or anything. :-O

The sound deadening piece IIRC is about maybe 2 feet across and one high.

 

I guess at this point, my question is, should I move forward with getting this one? Is it worth the risk, or do I keep looking?
I'm not in a hurry at all, but I also really like this one, and if I can fix it myself, that would be great.

 

Use mirrors and a flashlight and it'll be easier to see as you'll likely need to pull the hatch down a bit, after the trim and plastic are outta the way, to see better.

Maintenance history is primarily factor when looking at these awesome trucks. If this checks all the boxes and has had the water pump, timing belt, thermostat and even the lower control joints replaced at the spec'd mileage intervals, thats a great reason to consider this one. On the other side of this decision, you're not in a hurry, so dont be. Look more and see if you can find a better example with the features that youd like. Stay away from sunroof models as those have drain challenges. TPMS light, tho handy if you dont ever look and check, can be toggle off. I threw a switch on mine and have had it toggled off since purchased 15 years ago! Less lights and things that need attention...the sensor in the wheels, for example.