Carrier/rack problems of the 1997 Toyota 4Runner

Right rear upper shock mount rusted out and shock broke through frame while driving on a city street (bracket sub assembly rear - right rear). Had to remove shock so it would not bust through causing ride instability.

While sitting at a stop sign, I was hit from behind and the driver took off. Having insurance coverage on my 1997, I took it to 2 garages for repair. The frame was bent at the back wheel, both garages said there is no way this car can be repaired due to the rusted and almost non existant frame. If the body shop were to cut off the bent part of the frame, the remainder of the frame is so bad, there is nothing to weld the new part to. This vehicle has been mine since 1998, garage kept, no body rust, excellent condition, but I can no longer get it inspected because of the totally rusted out frame. Over the years, I've had to have the frame patched and welded just to pass inspection, I lost my gas tank one day, rusted bracket broke, now due to the poor condition of the frame, when hit from behind, it just crumbled. Inspection is due in February 2015 and no one will inspect it and no one will fix it because there is no frame left. How can this be unless the frames are defective.

The frame on the passenger side of the vehicle rusted through just in front of the rear axle. The bracket that holds the front of the trailing arm suddenly separated from the disintegrated frame causing the axle to move forward and backward. The vehicle was on the interstate at speed and became wildly difficult to control.

Vehicle developed serious rear end sway when going over bumps in road. Loud popping noise was heard in the vicinity of the rear axle on the passenger side. Upon investigation it was observed that the frame rail had rusted through in several areas. Additionally the frame had rusted away from the lower track arm mounting plate on the passenger side resulting in foward and backward movement in the mounting plate. The vehicle is otherwise virtually rust free.

While traveling on the highway the truck has a thumping noise coming from the rear. The dealership is aware of the problem. The right rear seat will not fold. The brackets have been replaced twice and the seat is still half way folded. Also the door indicator light illuminates and does not go off and the locks will not lock. They were inspected and no problem was found. The driver side mirror is falling. The brakes needed repairs performed. The front rotors had excessive rout out.