What to do about rust?

I've been into the offroad/ Overlanding thing for only about a year now, thinking it was something I wanted to do or at least get started in.

Recently I got a 2007 4runner limited with 130k miles. I was super excited about starting the journey. Already ordered a lift (Bilstein shocks with OME coils for ab 2.5" lift)

4runner did have a radiator leak so went ahead and got that replaced under the warranty the dealer offered.

Picked it up today and the mechanics at the shop told me the rust was pretty bad. They stated that this was just going to cause me more trouble when having to replace things down the road.

Need some advice from anyone who has run into this problem, or any advice on if it is worth continuing the build, and if there is anything I can do to help!

 

Any pictures of the rust by chance? If it's just surface rust, then it's no big deal, but will want to clean it up the best you can ASAP to keep it from getting worse... but if you already have holes, soft spots, or heavy flaking/pitting; then you definitely have a genuine concern, on or off-road. In some cases, it can be patched/boxed in with some new metal (not sure if anyone makes a kit for this for 4Runners? I know they do for jeeps); but in other cases, and the better long term solution either way, is to do a frame swap.

 

Can you guys see these pictures? May not be the best

 

I don't see anything to be concerned about. The frame rails appear black in the photos. Show us a photo of what you are concerned about.

Exhaust and driveshaft yoke rust is nothing to be concerned out. Both are replaceable parts.

 

I agree with chassis. If the rest of the frame is as clean as the pics id say you're good. I worked as a fabricator for quite awhile. I've actually fixed a couple of 4runner frames and that one doesn't look too bad.

 

Looks good to me. I agree with @chassis for exhaust and yoke. Looks like where a new muffler was welded in place.

 

for an '07 the pics you took actually look pretty good.

 

I expected to see rusted flakey frame.... but that doesn't look bad to me.

 

The frame was supposedly sandblasted and sprayed with linex to I guess cover it up.

 

I see nothing of concern in these pictures either. Typical surface rust. Hell, my 2019 looks about the same as this, lol.