Rust on my beloved 100 series - new member. (1 Viewer)

[Edsel]

Hi everyone,
I just joined and have read other posts about rust on their Cruisers. I purchased my 2000 Land Cruiser new and for the last 16 years it has been a flawless truck. I owned a 1991 FJ 80 before the 100. My mechanic recently alerted me to the extensive rust developing on the frame members and engine brackets.

I took a few photos and ask if you could tell me if I'm in danger of an accident or if towing a 4000# trailer could be dangerous. I love my truck. I can't afford a new one but plan to retire this one to "yard" duty in 3 years. I live in New England and have never garaged my truck.

Thanks in advance for your expertise!

 

[Edsel]

Photos of rust. Sorry, I'm still learning to navigate this forum.

 

[labcab]

I'd find a body and frame specialist to make friends with. The worst of it looks to be on the crossmember which can be replaced, but the rest isn't pretty. A frame shop can help you determine whether it's safe, and come up with a plan to fix the rest. Or at least slow it down.

 

[SWUtah]

Your mechanic just noticed the rust?? WOW, looks very unsafe.

 

[SWUtah]

Here's mine for comparison, but I live in Texas and keep it clean and rust free.

 

[kbahus]

When you live in the rust belt things are a bit different. That is nothing compared to some things I have seen, that also looks like almost every Toyota product that has lived in my area for it's life. I can`t give an answer on how safe it is via some pics, if it is rotted through.......

 

[Kabanstva]

You will be fine. Every older truck looks like that around here and people just keep using them for 20 more years no problem.

 

[kbahus]

Just for giggles and to make the op feel better at least it doesn't look like this:

 

[SWUtah]

When you live in the rust belt things are a bit different. That is nothing compared to some things I have seen, that also looks like almost every Toyota product that has lived in my area for it's life. I can`t give an answer on how safe it is via some pics, if it is rotted through.......

When I lived in KC Missouri I had a 2004 LX470, kept the bottom cleaned up and removed any surface rust Spring and Fall. Took about 1 hour each time. I understand most people don't do that and just drive them and trade cars. But about the only thing that can kill a 100 series is rust. I once saw a 3 year old 100 series that lived it's life in Chicago with that salt on steroids that they use to keep the streets clean. Even the aluminum on that 100 was pitted and deteriorating.

 

[taco47001]

Scrub it good with a wire brush and start spraying it with fluid film annually in the fall.

 

[Edsel]

I'd find a body and frame specialist to make friends with. The worst of it looks to be on the crossmember which can be replaced, but the rest isn't pretty. A frame shop can help you determine whether it's safe, and come up with a plan to fix the rest. Or at least slow it down.

Thank you! That is a terrific idea.

 

[Edsel]

Your mechanic just noticed the rust?? WOW, looks very unsafe.

My truck doesn't go into the shop very often. This time it needed a new exhaust header and some brake lines replaced. He thought it wasn't worth the expense because the rust had pretty much overtaken the engine compartment (component brackets) and the underside.

 

[Edsel]

View attachment 1274617 Here's mine for comparison, but I live in Texas and keep it clean and rust free.

That is incredible! That looks better than brand new Land Cruisers sitting on dealer lots here in New England.

 

[Edsel]

When you live in the rust belt things are a bit different. That is nothing compared to some things I have seen, that also looks like almost every Toyota product that has lived in my area for it's life. I can`t give an answer on how safe it is via some pics, if it is rotted through.......

I guess I should have a specialist look it over. Brake lines in the engine compartment rusted through 6 months back and I replaced brake lines under the truck too when the exhaust header was replaced.

 

[Edsel]

You will be fine. Every older truck looks like that around here and people just keep using them for 20 more years no problem.

That is my wish; keep my truck until it won't move. I still wish I had my 1991 FJ80 it was a better vehicle for New England terrain & woods but it was stolen.

 

[Edsel]

Just for giggles and to make the op feel better at least it doesn't look like this:

View attachment 1274631

Before state level vehicle inspections; that is how so many vehicles looked in the 1960's and early 70's.

 

[Edsel]

Scrub it good with a wire brush and start spraying it with fluid film annually in the fall.

Occasionally I see "professionally" applied undercoating deals. Are they effective for a vehicle with advanced stages of rust?

 

[marshcat]

Occasionally I see "professionally" applied undercoating deals. Are they effective for a vehicle with advanced stages of rust?

Once you're already rusting away, undercoating is closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. If there's rust underneath the coating it will continue to eat away.

 

[sean2202]

I feel your pain as I have lost a few trucks to rust living in the NE. As far as pulling a trailer check your rear frame where your hitch mounts to and the general area around it for extensive flaking. Also check the inside of those lower control arms for rust though pic #4. Check the rear upper shock mounts for rust, stuff gets caught up there. All brake lines should be checked as well.

 

[RND1]

Where are you located in New England?