So I have a '99 4runner sr5 v6 with some underbody rust. While addressing a brake line leak i noticed my RR top shock mount was basically just rust waiting to give way. The other one is fine which is strange but im afraid this means torching off the whole spring/shock bracket and getting a new one welded on. Any other ideas of what to do? I live in New Orleans and don't have a trusty mechanic since I'm rather new in town. With the roads the way they are down here, I'm surprised it hasn't blown through yet.

 

Your sure it is to the point of having almost rotted away??

Have you done the screw driver test or wacked it with a hammer.

If it is indeed that far gone about all you can do is remove the bad one and replace with a new one.

I am in the process of doing this on a T100 the upper part of the bracket runs across the top of the frame. This is where a lot of the strength is no doubt why yours has not broken yet.

The hardest part of course is getting the old one off.

Maybe you will be lucky and someone on here close to you will offer to help.

Good luck

 

I have some underbody rust on mine too just due to I got it on Cape Cod and now live in GA, I have done the tap test as was previously stated, but also if it was going to give way it would have already. I do recommend soaking it down w/ WD40 or if you have access to BG product try some N-Force. also might want to check your rear body mounts for rust. and soak them down

 

I recommend an annual spraying of Corrosion X HD on under carriage parts as a rust arrestor. The LP sprayer they make does a far superior job than spray cans but spray cans are much better than nothing.