1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Frame rust

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by senior master, Sep 6, 2021.

  1. Sep 6, 2021 at 10:34 AM
    #1
    senior master

    senior master [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2021
    Member:
    #19503
    Messages:
    17
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2002 toyota 4 runner limited 4x4
    stock
    My 2002 3rd gen 4runner is showing signs of rust now on the frame NO HOLES YET caught it early what is the best way to deal with this pressure wash the frame and then undercoat it???
     
  2. Sep 6, 2021 at 4:35 PM
    #2
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Member:
    #7224
    Messages:
    1,599
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota 4 Runner Offroad
    @senior master - pressure wash with hot water, descale with an air needle gun, final cleanup with wire wheel, treat with rust converter inside and outside the frame, paint outside of frame with POR 15, apply fluid film to inside of frame.
    There are other products that may work equally well, I’m not a partisan when it comes to rust proofing, or feel a need to debate what’s best. Every car guy has his own magic elixir that he believes in, lol. But I’ve used this process on several vehicles and it works well.
     
  3. Sep 8, 2021 at 11:14 PM
    #3
    dricko

    dricko New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Member:
    #4667
    Messages:
    78
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derick W.
    Chassis Saver is a good substitute for por15. It is a less labor-intensive job.
     
  4. Sep 11, 2021 at 4:00 AM
    #4
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2020
    Member:
    #17209
    Messages:
    1,184
    Gender:
    Male
    Memphis, TN.
    Vehicle:
    1997 4 runner limited
    upgraded suspension, large all terrain tires
    no matter what product you choose...it's important that you attend to the rust, ASAP. as Neil Young once sang. ' rust never sleeps '..
     
    senior master[OP] likes this.
  5. Sep 11, 2021 at 8:25 AM
    #5
    BroRunner

    BroRunner New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2015
    Member:
    #828
    Messages:
    61
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2015 4Runner Trail Edition
    How do you apply fluid film inside the frame? Is there a special wand or something you can buy in order to get in all the holes and along the frame rails?

    And what can be done inside the frame to remove existing rust?
     
  6. Sep 11, 2021 at 8:32 AM
    #6
    Gamma Ray

    Gamma Ray Be excellent to each other

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2020
    Member:
    #13277
    Messages:
    1,454
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 SR5 Barcelona Red
    Who cares? This never shows everything anyway.
    Get a bunch of regular spray cans, pull off the nozzle, and put this in its place. Stick the hose inside the holes and go to town. It says Woolwax, but it works with Fluid Film cans. You could also use Woolwax. Having done Fluid Film last year, I may switch to Woolwax in the future. I still have a bunch of Fluid Film spray cans left over from last year, so it'll be a year or two before I make the switch, though.

    https://www.amazon.com/Fluid-Film-S...e531a7d6286&pd_rd_wg=Rq9sh&pd_rd_i=B00CLUGXFI

    This video is a good place to start, but I'd recommend using some kind of respirator especially if you're going to be doing it in a garage. I'd also recommend using a respirator outside if you're going to be jacking the 4Runner up and getting under it to spray it. I usually skip the respirator when just touching up the frame or whatever, but I make sure not to breathe in while I'm doing it.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0lJDuCWFlA
     
    Don1 and BroRunner[QUOTED] like this.
  7. Sep 11, 2021 at 8:35 AM
    #7
    Gamma Ray

    Gamma Ray Be excellent to each other

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2020
    Member:
    #13277
    Messages:
    1,454
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 SR5 Barcelona Red
    Who cares? This never shows everything anyway.
  8. Jul 23, 2023 at 12:34 PM
    #8
    rmiked

    rmiked New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2023
    Member:
    #31156
    Messages:
    495
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Fort Mill, SC
    Vehicle:
    2023 ORP, Lunar Rock , Moonroof, rear sliding cargo deck, cargo mat
    Has anyone used the Fluid Film wand nozzle that attaches to the spray cans? If so does it work? If not is there a better wand out there? I don’t have an air compressor and will be using spray cans. Thanks
     
  9. Jul 24, 2023 at 12:10 PM
    #9
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Member:
    #7224
    Messages:
    1,599
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota 4 Runner Offroad
    Hey rmiked, I’ve used the plastic extension nozzle and it’s still going strong with regular cleanup after use with brake cleaner fired through it. It’s pretty effective, although sometimes the nozzle comes loose from the slippery nature of the fluid film and can squirt from the top of the can and in your hand. I don’t sweat stuff like that, and hold it on and keep going.
    I tape the plastic hose with electrical tape to a flexible wire, like from a coat hanger, to give the extension some improved rigidity being stuffed into a boxed frame and other hard to reach places. It works well, overall, in terms of getting the fluid film where it needs to go. If it fit tighter and stayed in place on the can 100% of the time I’d give it a 10/10, but because it’s messy to use, I’d give it a 7/10.
    The only other criticism is it’s cost, which seems very expensive for what is. The tip works well though and dispenses the fluid film in a consistent 360 degree pattern. Mine has been reused many times, and is probably 4 years old now, so I don’t worry about it’s cost based on my usage.
     
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2023
    NOS4A2-1 likes this.
  10. Jul 24, 2023 at 12:40 PM
    #10
    rmiked

    rmiked New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2023
    Member:
    #31156
    Messages:
    495
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Fort Mill, SC
    Vehicle:
    2023 ORP, Lunar Rock , Moonroof, rear sliding cargo deck, cargo mat
    Sounds good. I like the idea of the coat hanger to stiffen up the extension hose. Thanks
     
    Oldtoyotaguy likes this.
  11. Aug 5, 2023 at 2:48 AM
    #11
    427L88

    427L88 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2023
    Member:
    #34623
    Messages:
    15
    Vehicle:
    '99 4 runner in restoration
    Use 3M Cavity wax to seal what cannot be seen.

    PS I am in the process of cleaning up a 99 frame, and hitting the rusty areas with POR 15. Trouble is, even after full restoration, no amount of under-oiling will prevent Buffalo NY salt from messing with her. :( ( so I am putting Blizzaks on my '13 Highlander and never selling it!)
     
  12. Aug 5, 2023 at 4:50 AM
    #12
    Zakgold

    Zakgold New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2023
    Member:
    #34332
    Messages:
    35
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ed
    Vehicle:
    2023 4Runner Off Road Premium
    Teton Workshop Red Shift knobs, Raptor lights, Baja Fog lights , Red Shackles, rear molle panels, black out lettering, blackout exhaust, fold down seat protective panels (rear seats), LED lights, Fog light brackets with Tri-Color lighting, Black front lower valance, TRD black rims, running boards, roof rack cross bars.
    I’m a fan of Blaster’s Surface Shield. It is lanolin-based like fluid film but it seems to have some better properties. I have it on my vehicle.

    There is a number of reviews and comparisons on YouTube and that’s why I picked it out over Fluid Film. Check it out.
     
  13. Jan 8, 2024 at 12:39 AM
    #13
    tyshirl

    tyshirl New Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2017
    Member:
    #4085
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tyrone
    Vehicle:
    2000 4 Runner Limited Sand color
    I have a third generation Toyota 2000. 4runner limited the rust is atrocious. Is there anyone out there who specializes in repairing the frames hate to let this vehicle go because it runs so good I have on this vehicle for 23 years or should I just forget about it. Everything in this vehicle still works it’s still looks like the day I drove it off the showroom floor. Please help if you can
     
  14. Jan 8, 2024 at 6:47 AM
    #14
    negusm

    negusm New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2019
    Member:
    #11745
    Messages:
    1,867
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2002 4Runner SR5 4WD
    There are still stories of 4Runners up north getting frames replaced by dealers.

    There people are getting rejected by dealers too.

    Worst case is they say no, I suppose.

    Other than that, it's probably time to move on.
     
  15. Jan 17, 2024 at 2:42 PM
    #15
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2020
    Member:
    #14189
    Messages:
    2,611
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2013 T4R Trail Edition
    Stock
    There's a company called Safe-T-Cap that makes replacement frame patches for many vehicles, I think including the 4Runner. I would look into that, and see if you could find a local installer willing to do it. Other than that you looking at a frame replacement, which will probably cost more than what the vehicles worth, so it might be time to let it go.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top