johnxyz

Hi Guys, Considering purchasing either a '03 (71k miles) or '06 (83k miles) GX 470. I noticed what appeared to be a lot of rust and corrosion on the underside of the 2003 - suspension pieces, diff housing, inner brakes components and the frame. I didn't see anything quite as bad on the 2006. Should I be concerned about all that rust? Is that considered normal or excessive? Both trucks are in Northern NJ/metro NYC so some exposure to salt air and road salt during winter months. Thanks.

Also does the driveshaft 'clunk' and leaking transfer case TSB's apply to both the 03 and 06?

No question, pay a few thousand $'s more and go with the '06 or is the '03 OK? Thanks for your guidance.

redrocks

It's normal for the GX as others have experienced the same. I sprayed Permatex Rust Treatment on the spots where rust was forming.

mbenz80

John,
I have 258K miles on 2003, very nice at that age and mileage. I do have the rust and also the common leak on transfer case actuator (will address both as soon as I can).
Rust is all over but only on surface of the frame and suspension components practically starting at every weld area.
The main thing on either one of them would be timing belt service (if it was not done yet).
You don't have to have them change the water pump when they are doing the belt, mine was the original from factory still fine at 256K miles (dry, clean with solid bearing and good seal) but I changed it since I had the engine opened up for other service.
Check the service records for both, compare them and that should tell you the whole story, if it is worth to pay more for newer one. You may get better chance of good will repair on that 06 (if something would go wrong) out of warranty but they would not do that any longer for the 03 model.
Good luck.

ROSCOGX470

Pretty normal. When I bought my 04 It had surface rust all over as well, I had them power wash and apply a rubberized undercoating and so far everything seems good.

97JZA80

Went thru this exact problem with my tundra, toyota eventually replaced my frame. Buy a truck from the south, then maintain it.

I traveled for mine partly due to this, all good so far....

meyer65

Granted I live in CA but I have absolutely zero rust on the undercarriage of my 04-

ROSCOGX470

Its absolutely a regional thing. I just wouldnt be too concerned with surface rust on the frame and suspension components as long as its not on moving parts or internal pieces. When i get a chance I will post a picture of my 04 undercarriage with some surface rust and the poster can compare.

ALAN553

if you think you are going to keep the truck for another 20 years, i would find a pristine under carriage, i have had surface rust underneath at welds for year, has not gotten any worse, not worried about the integrity of the frame, i paint some spots every once and a while, maybe i have too much free time on my hands.

Lexus 4 ME

2003 is out warranty for Driveshaft replacement 2006 too. I think its 5 years/60k miles. As far as rust the worst happened to me was Rear height air sensors got stuck due to rust.