Rusty cross member question

So I just got Patrick. Reading about common or semi-common problems. Rusty crossmember is one. Is that the two cross pieces the bed attaches to? How many crossmembers are there? Stupid question, but is it easy to notice if its rusting? Or is it usually out of view on the top or between body and the crossmember? Also can you just sand and paint it with some rusteleum paint etc or gotta get a new crossmember? I dont see rust, but wanna make sure I take care of this problem if it exists as planning on keeping it until I cannot drive anymore.

 

If a first gen is rusty, you will easily know crawling up under the truck. Shoot some pictures from under there and post them, folks will be happy to offer feedback.

Some rust is repairable, some not. Many of the frames were replaced by Toyota due to rust issues.

 

Not always true. Like, this one for example, someone painted it black or something to hide what was going on, IMHO:

https://www.tundras.com/threads/frame-rust-opinions.98705/

Wasn't ultra-visible. Or this one, where the frame just straight up got compromised and cracked but wasn't hella rusty:

https://www.tundras.com/threads/rusty-cracked-frame-on-2006-tundra-—-opinions.99458/#post-2536305

Here's a good example of a truck from your mile high state:

https://www.tundras.com/threads/what-should-i-list-for-2000-tundra-122k-miles.97134/#post-2466638

There's no single specific place where you'll find the rust. But it may look like any of the ones above.

There are some warning signs you'll see right away without even looking at the frame. Like ... if you pop the hood and see bolts, fasteners and braces are orange.

 

Crossmembers connect the two main frame rails. Poke around with a long screwdriver to verify no soft spots. Look extra carefully around the steering rack since it is very much critical.

 

If you do find some rust (likely) I would recommend POR15. Be sure to follow all the suggested prep work. Pretty spendy but has a good reputation. I recently used it on some areas of my sequoia and has been holding up well. It's not reasonable to get every last spot but would still try and get as much as you can.

 

There are a few shops that will mask, sandblast, and coat for a fee if you wish to go that route.

 

Thank you everyone for replies. I will do all the things suggested. Por15 is fantastic!!!!!
My dad used it on his 64 1/2 Mustang. I will take some pictures and post em when it’s not raining sideways and the wind isn’t howling here in Portland.

 

Don't forget to check under the bedliner if you have one for rusting through the bed. Happens on a lot of these trucks.

 

It's all cleaned out. gonna go to the car wash and scrub all the rubbed in grime over the last 15 years and then put back on. Thank you for your response.

 

that still looks good compared to mine. I got snap crackle pop crunching. Took off the plastic bedliner and I got holes all over. Now I got to find a used bed and have it repainted to match my color. aaarrghhhhh!

 

I have to do the same. Have you done it yet? Also, my cross member is bad. I need to replace it. Anybody ever remove and replace a the rear crossmember ?