2016, to coat the frame or not?

i own a 2016 Platinum. Got it with 46k miles. Honestly, I think it’s frustrating that the frame is showing rust signs for 3 years. Knowing Toyota and their frame recalls!! Should I even bother removing the rust, painting it and then using fluid film to protect it ? Or let it rust and then complain? Because if down the road they do issue a recall. They won’t replace it if it’s in somewhat good condition. What are your thoughts and how are your frames ?

 

I would recomend having them look at it since the recall is almost reaching its end date,(ill try to find you the exact date) wouldnt whant to hear that”oh that recall is over already” and im going thru the same situation as you but i have an 08

 

I asked the dealer about any recalls. And they said there was only one for 3rd gen. Or for my 2016. Which was a support bracket for rear bumper. Didn’t mention or say anything about frame. I mean my frame is good. But for 2016.... my 97 4runner has less surface rust lol.

 

Where do you live?

 

NJ. I think the truck came from Montana. But that’s neither here or there.

My 4runner. I wire wheeled any surface rust. Then used VHT chassis paint. After that, fluid film on the frame. And Eastwood heavy duty grease for inside frame and cavities. Amazing product. The Eastwood is very sticky. The fluid film is Also great.

 

Well, I would guess the shit they drop on the roads is absolutely brutal on steel. Wouldn’t most any frame begin to rust at some point?

 

I just read Jersey is one of the worst offenders for dumping salt. I can’t tell you to coat or not and I doubt there will be a recall anytime soon.
Maybe try to get the salt off at least once or twice a week with a good undercarriage douche. You live in one of the nastiest states for rust. It is what it is.

 

Does coating it void the warranty?

 

Oh yeah. Not denying that. They lay so much salt. That every year they basically raise taxes to get more salt lol. Anyways, it’s a tough decision to choose. Wether to take matters in my own hands and maintain it. Or like you say, just rinse it and let it be. But if it rusted out and they never issue a frame recall. Then I’m doomed. But I guess I wouldn’t have much to loose if I maintain and prevent any further rust ?

 

Good question, have no idea.

 

I just don’t understand how any manufactures can be held responsible for vehicles residing in “the salt belt”? It’s like wanting a new paint job when the Arizona sun fades your vehicle paint.

 

I’m not asking or holding them responsible. I’m just seeing what your thoughts are. Maybe someone who owned a Tacoma or older tundra and went through this ? What about the states that don’t lay salt? Wasn’t it said that it was the manufactures fault? Old 4runners have the same exact frames. Minus that they have coil set up vs leaf spring set up. They are manufactured in Japan. The Tacoma in here. The Tacoma was the one with recall.

 

One thing I feel confident saying is that thick coating that is around is to be avoided like the plague. I did see a thin film coating that many were happy with.
Either way, I wish you luck. I know it would bother me as well. Ask the dealer what their thoughts are and what will not affect your warranty. And keep that thing as salt free as you can.

 

Thanks. Good point on simply asking the dealer.

A good coat of fluid film would definitely keep salt or any water away from the steel. I don’t know if you are familiar with fluid film or not. But it’s grease type product. Stays on about 3-6 months.

 

I'm in North Jersey and have been using Fluid Film since the truck was new. It has been through 2 winters so far I'm very satisfied the results. The initial application was done by a shop and then I re-apply (touch-up spray can) whatever is needed prior to beginning of each winter season.

 

I don’t think 3rd gen frame rust is common so most likely salt free states are not seeing any issues. Still, have it documented by your dealer even if at this point they will do nothing.
Is anything besides the frame showing surface rust?

 

I’ve heard good things on the fluid film. Actually watched a video of it. I’ve watched horror stories of that thick black tar garbage they use. I would recommend not going that direction.

 

12 year old frame in CO...no rust..yet..

 

I get the mag chloride off quickly though. That stuff is nasty to.

 

OP, IF possible I would wash your undercarriage as often as you can. Did your Runner spend its whole life in Jersey driving in winters to?

 

I high pressure spray every weekend in the winter after each snow. The only thing I'm OCD about. Mag Chloride not near as bad as NACL.

 

Same. I give it a day or two and then wash. What is NACL?

 

Pure Salt. Sodium Chloride...

 

Never mind. Sodium chloride.

 

You beat me to it!

 

I drive a Slate " Grey"...heh....heh...

 

I don’t know the exact history. But I’ve owned it for 5-6 years. And yes, I’ve wheeled and driven it in all winters.

 

I have to get under it again tomorrow to have a good look again. I’ll snap few pics to share.

 

A lot of people tell you to not use high pressure wash. As it can possibly force the salt or whatever into tight areas. But who knows? I heard people put a sprinkler under the vehicle. Something like this.

https://m.hammacher.com/product/bes...8woHg5fPzgFarVccPiKjsCxY7QBrxsIQaAvqYEALw_wcB

 

I go with what works best for me. No salt here in CO for the most part. I must be doing something right. Repeat... 12 year old Tundra with no frame rust. Years ago....when I first started 4 wheeling in western Oregon, not exactly a salt free zone on the coast, I pressure washed then.....not talking about sand blast pressures....