Frame rust severity
 

Well, I managed to snag my dream truck. Reg cab short bed 4x4, i6 5 speed and 3.73 gears. Problem is, this old gal sat in grass for 4 long years. It hasn't seen salt so instead of patches of rust damage I have a nice, uniform patina. I've looked all over and haven't found any holes, but I did have to replace all brake lines because a few were ruptured.

My question to those with similar states of rust. How long do I have before it becomes structurally unsound? Could I actually tow anything behind it? I'm going to replace leaf hangers at sime point but I'd hate to spend more money than I need to on a truck tasty can't do truck things.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...d6a7e38349.jpg

That just looks like surface rust. Maybe a little wire brushing and undercoating and she's good.

More pics, or drive it for a month or two and see how it looks then.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...b299e876e8.jpg
You could hardly believe it's that rusty by this pic. I think this is my favorite paint scheme I've ever seen. My grandpa had the same two tone in a 2wd and this truck wss manufactured 1 month after I was born dec 1988

I would say it's beyond surface rust in most places. It's pitting and scaly. If I took a hammer tob the frame it should flakr off. I got two more pics and I'll get more later when its dry.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...21dc2edcd2.jpg
Picture of the hitch connection

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...c7368fec88.jpg
I replaced the hard lines but disconnected P brake. Drums wouldn't go on with then connected.

You would be surprised at what "looks bad" vs what is bad, *especially* after sitting. You'll find that a few months of daily driving will totally change the way parts, if not all, of the frame look. I don't see anything dangerous, so I would drive it a bit and see. Maybe even spray it with engine oil or something of the like.

it's showing it's age, and you are going to come across some difficult fasteners as you work, but i agree that there's nothing scary going on.
here on the "wet" coast we seldom need salt on the roads, but with the constant rain most trucks have frames that look like this after 25 years or so and are still working and towing just fine.

Looks fine, take a hammer and hit it in a bunch of spots, if it has weak spots you should be able to hear them. Its crazy how much rust a car can have a still drive fine. I had a mustang that was horribly rusted and was good to go. Had it towed on a flat bed and the guy said where he normally hooks to drag it up was compltly rusted away on both sides. You should be fine

Take a hard look around/behind the front spring towers. That is an area that can get very "decayed" and you won't really know. Another spot to look is on the radiator support at the bottom. I think that is the first place to rust through on these trucks. Fortunately, the radiator support can be replaced.

My frame had some rust pinholes in it. The area under the passenger side floor board was the worst spot. I had a reputable frame shop patch it up with steel plate for a couple hundred bucks. It passes safety inspection with flying colors. I wouldn't think twice about towing a trailer with it.

I've actually had to replace both spring towers in a 96. I made sure to check those out because I didn't want to do it again. All in all I suppose it's not as bad as I thought given the positive replies. I do some landscaping so it would be nice to have the ability to tow a few thousand pounds without worry.

I love these old trucks and I think I'll hang on to this one until I can get a really clean one. I took it out when it snowed heavy last week and cruised through some rough allies in 4lo. This is by far my favorite of all the tucks I've owned. The short wheelbase is awesome.

Mine looked much worse than that, and didn't have any holes or cracks. I hit it with a needle scaler, and repainted it. Never had any problems. Your's looks fine

Prime candidate for a POR job.....

Just take a chipping hammer and starting beating the frame everywhere you can. If you make a hole, then you have a problem. If, not you are fine