Frame Rust Check

Looking at buying this 2003 4x4 AC, but not sure about the rust situation. The frame itself looks really good (I think) but don't love the look of the other components.

 

Nope. Walk away. The delamination at the leaf spring mount should be enough of a red flag, if that's happening there, you're gonna find it in other places too. Like at the frame reinforcement, where you see it's also starting to de-lam.

Whereabouts are you looking, regionally?

 

The last 3 pictures are the most concerning. Looks like pretty serious rust. I'd probably pass.

 

Thanks guys. Walk was my gut feeling too, but wanted some more educated opinions. I'm in TN, so looking in the southeast preferably. This truck was near Indy though.

 

I'd keep your search radius to a hemisphere from TN and below. So many options between TN, GA, AL, SC, and I've even seen great options in NC. I picked my truck up out of Birmingham AL, by way of Auburn AL.

 

What part of TN? I'm in Knoxville and I bought my Tundra from a small car lot in Maryville(Mervuhl).

Agree with Shifty. Find a Tundra that's been in the South and thoroughly check the frame in person. Even drop the spare tire and check that crossmember.

 

Yup I think that's gonna be the plan now. TN/NC and down.

 

Outside Murfreesboro. And yeah will do for sure once I find one worth looking at.

 

What are you hunting for at the moment, cab-wise? It looks like V8/4WD is your preference? Any specific options, like leather, power seats, steering wheel controls, JBL audio ... ?

You're in Murfreesboro, reminds me I need to check in with my buddy Spencer, see how he's doing.

 

Oh and I reckon you probably found this thread, since you knew to post asking for frame rust advice too, right? https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

 

I did find that thread yes. So useful man, really appreciate you putting the time into writing all that out. I have it bookmarked to come back to while I'm truck hunting.

Yeah looking for a V8 4x4. Preferably an AC for better maneuverability off-road, but if the right deal on a DC came up I would also take that. The rest you mentioned I'd love to have, but definitely not deal breakers.

Planning on putting a light pop-up camper (FWC or similar) in the truck bed and doing some traveling next year across the US/Canada for a few months. I'm thinking a newer full size may be too big and bulky and a Tacoma/mid size may be too weak to full-time a camper, so hoping a 1GT can be the sweet spot if I can find a solid one.