It's a tacoma that likely had poor attention to prevent any rust. Normal.
how come my '97 rig does not have that massive amount of rust up front???
If you've treated your chassis with a rust inhibitor, thats your answer.u see this crap?
Gen2 suspension crossmember under cover...
Suggest removing the part. Strip the paint, remove the rust. Follow with a 2k automotive grade prime and paint. Don't waste your time with a rattle can. Squirting cosmoline or FF or any type of rust prevent snot will not stop the corrosion. You can fix it or apply a cover up.www.tacomaforum.com
If you've treated your chassis with a rust inhibitor, thats your answer.
Appears salt has been hard at work on that engine shield.
Trust me, I've seen a gen1 stack of replacement frames just as high as those gen2's here.