04 Double Cab rear frame rust.

Hey guys, I recently acquired an 04 Double Cab and when I initially inspected the frame I missed some rust that is of concern. Looking through the forums the rust I have isn't nearly as bad as some examples. I'm wondering how I should proceed given the rust I have in this seam near the rear tire wells. The seam looks like it is separating but there are no holes in the frame and as far as I can tell the metal isn't thin enough to poke a hole through YET.

 

That doesn’t look very severe to me. I would clean up with wire brush then coat with Cosmoline or surface shield.

 

Check out the @shifty` approved thread. It's got links for frame rust.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

 

That is the frame stiffener.Very common for it to delaminate like that. One side of my truck is like that. I used POR 15 to cover it. Another member ripped his out and made new ones.

Have you dropped the spare tire and checked that crossmember yet?

 

Good idea. I have some surface rust in my truck's nether regions as well and the spare gave me some grief. You'll want to spend some time under that spare tire area after you drop it, lubricating the hoist/spooling mechanism/winch thingy. Lots of recommendations, everything from white lithium to silicone spray to dry lubricant to etc. etc. I think the idea is just to get something in/on/around that thing once you initially bust 'er loose. I blasted all my bolts back in that area too with penetrating/rust prevention/stuff while I was up under there. Now the spare raises and lowers easily.