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Mixed feelings...just finished driving an 03 F250 for a few days.

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by MGH-PA, Oct 11, 2009.

  1. Oct 11, 2009 at 6:44 AM
    #1
    MGH-PA

    MGH-PA [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Northcentral, PA
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    05 Tacoma TRD AC 4x4
    265/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers, Bestop
    My truck was just in getting an alignment/tires balanced, so in the mean time, with my wife working, my dad let me use his 03 F250 for a few days (I couldn't pick my truck up for a few days due to my schedule and the shop's hours conflicting). Anyways, I learned to LOVE driving my truck all over again. My dad's F250 (5.4, no diesel) is a dog, rides like hell (yes I know SA to IFS, but still), interior is cheap, he has a constant clunk in the frontend that Ford can't seem to figure out, etc. It just was not an enjoyable drive.

    Anyways, picked my truck up, glad to be driving it again, but for one, I now have pronounced hopping in the rear (I'm assuming axle wrap, although I've never experienced that before) at 50mph, and when I got home to look under the truck, I forgot just how much I'm going to need to do something about my frame. I treat it every winter (wire brush, wash, dry, and rustoleum it), but it's literally just flaking away (particularly in the rear end portion). I was hit at least once a week during the winter as well. Sort of makes me ticked seeing as I really like the truck otherwise, but these issues I'm having are no joke either (just like the issues with my dad's F250).

    So, as I contemplate whether or not I'm going to battle it out to 200K with this truck like I did my last (I'm at 82K now), I suppose, I need to temporarily fix these issues. Starting with the frame. As far as undercoating is concerned, do you guys recommend a professional application/process of undercoating?
     
  2. Oct 11, 2009 at 6:47 AM
    #2
    paintdiddy

    paintdiddy Machine gun shits

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    shithead
    nj and not from "the jersey shore"
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    i would take a f250 diesel crewcab over a tacoma these days. they dont have a death mat or rotting frame.
     
  3. Oct 11, 2009 at 6:58 AM
    #3
    Warren Thompson

    Warren Thompson GeoTaco

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    When I bought my '06 DC TRD Sport, I could have had a NEW F-150 for the same cost. The F-150 is an excellent vehical with a good engine, design and warranty. I have driven F-150 for many years, but decided that I could do my work easier with a Tacoma.

    I do not regret purchasing a used Taco over a new F-150. There are issues with both, but as F-150 quality rises over Tacoma, there will be hard future decisions.

    Be a digilant consumer. Shop, research, ask questions. Give your money for the best product.
     
  4. Oct 11, 2009 at 12:31 PM
    #4
    MGH-PA

    MGH-PA [OP] Well-Known Member

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    265/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers, Bestop
    Truck is already bought and paid for. I do really like it, but like I said these issues really tick me off.

    Anyways, as for undercoating, has anyone had it done professionally? Happy with the results?
     
  5. Oct 11, 2009 at 12:49 PM
    #5
    def4pos8

    def4pos8 Well-Known Member

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    undercoat, running boards
    A huge reason I just (--and I mean that! Friday. . . .) traded my '02 Ranger for a new Taco was frame corrosion. Winter road salt/mystery chemicals are laid at truly horrific levels around here. Also, the fuel filter had welded itself to the outlet lines and I was faced with an amputation/mod to replace it. Somebody else's problems now. . . .

    Ziebart will goo the chassis and underbody bits in less than 72 hours. They offer annual "maintenance" for ~$40.00. I may add some traditional undercoat goo. Outfits like O'Reilly auto parts offer it by the aerosol can.

    I'm paranoid about corrosion but it will be several years before I find out if Ziebart and my own efforts will make a difference.
     
  6. Oct 11, 2009 at 1:15 PM
    #6
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

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    Magnaflow 12576 muffler & chrome tip, Westin step bars, 27% tint, Pop N Lock, AFE ProdryS, bed mat, Husky liners, D-rings added, Access Literider tonneau, Pioneer 4-ways all around, GY Wrangler Duratracs 265/75/16, 5100's @ 1.75", 1.5" AAL
    Neither does my Tacoma.
     
  7. Oct 11, 2009 at 1:32 PM
    #7
    gcwaterski

    gcwaterski Well-Known Member

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  8. Oct 11, 2009 at 1:43 PM
    #8
    MGH-PA

    MGH-PA [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Northcentral, PA
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    265/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers, Bestop
    The only thing I can say about the frame is the damage may have been done before I bought it. I bought it used at 50K, frame only had minor surface rust them, but I've tried to keep on top of it, but to no avail. I live in an area with very salt-laden roads, but this is unacceptable for a truck at 82K miles and only 4 years old.
     
  9. Oct 11, 2009 at 1:54 PM
    #9
    BlackRig

    BlackRig Well-Known Member

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    I've driven a handful of the big 3's vehicles over the past ten years for work. Anywhere from a 92 dodge work van, a couple different fords (vans and a F450 v10 triton w/a telsta bucket), and currently an 02 chevy 3500HD. The dodge was my favorite.

    I'll take my tacoma any day over any of those. They are constantly either leaking something or a random piece will break or dead battery out of nowhere. It's a total crapshoot. You never know what annoying rattle or part will randomly fail in the field.

    The tacoma has a few issues but they're mostly predictable. 09's have bad radios. 05's got weak welds, ect. It's few and far between that a tranny has real issues or the wiper stalk breaks off.

    The rust issue is a little concerning. I think Toyota has overlooked the frame rust in hopes that they can "buy it back" for another trade in the future. I read posts of guys getting $13K for a 10 year old trade with 250k miles :eek:. Right. And would they have gotten that same trade amount anywhere but a Toyota dealer?
     
  10. Oct 11, 2009 at 2:06 PM
    #10
    Hootbro

    Hootbro Omnipotent

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    Having traded in my 2005 F250 for my Tacoma, I have no regrets.

    Unless you actually need the extra towing and hauling capacity on a frequent basis, the F250 is overkill and a waste IMHO. The F250's are not without their problems also. Fuel injectors, ball joints, "Death Wobble", turbos, rusted through differential cover and oil pans are just a few of their habitual problems on that platform. Lastly, my fuel bill is cut in half with the Tacoma.
     
  11. Oct 11, 2009 at 2:08 PM
    #11
    Warren Thompson

    Warren Thompson GeoTaco

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    I agree it really is a crap shoot with the "Big Three" or now the "Big Gov Two". At least with the Tacoma, you know the weak points and can watch for them.

    As for the corrosion issue, just undercoat it and keep it undercoated. This will eleviate about 80% of bad corrosion for the life of the vehicle. Get the rattlecan tar stuff and spray the weak points (frame and undercarraige). No big deal. This is the best way to "bond":eek: with your new truck!!
     
  12. Oct 11, 2009 at 2:19 PM
    #12
    Asgard

    Asgard Well-Known Member

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    No salt on my roads and after 3 years and 50,000 miles, no rust at all.
     
  13. Oct 11, 2009 at 2:37 PM
    #13
    chach

    chach Member

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    Sand doesn't corrode, but salt does.
     
  14. Oct 11, 2009 at 2:57 PM
    #14
    paintdiddy

    paintdiddy Machine gun shits

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    damn you guys.lol i hate that i have a rusted frame on a new truck....it fucking kills me. no way in hell am i letting the dealer zip tie my floor mat.
     
  15. Oct 11, 2009 at 6:12 PM
    #15
    Blacoma

    Blacoma Well-Known Member

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    Westin Bull bar and skid plate, leveling kit, chrome tailpipe tip, window vent visors, dark tint, scangauge2, shorty antenna.
    Hootbro,I agree with everything you said. I also traded in a 05 f-250 on my Tacoma. It was nice while I had it, but I would take the Tacoma over that any day.
     
  16. Oct 11, 2009 at 7:45 PM
    #16
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

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    Well I do live in SC (read as: no salt) but I do think it's ridiculous that you have rust. I know from 29 years of experience that NJDOT salts the shit out of those roads.
     
  17. Oct 11, 2009 at 8:25 PM
    #17
    BlueT

    BlueT Well-Known Member

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    I moded 1999 Taco so much it had turned to Land Cruiser
    Wirebrush and put industrial primer on it, then paint it. Will not rust again ... I got enough with the rust so now my frame got heavy coat of primer (tractor supply is your friend) and on the top is painted black. I want to see salt getting through 2 mm of paint :D
     

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