Better frames

Co-worker had an 07 ' that the frame looked like new. Always did an underbody wash in the winter,though. And we get plenty of "brine" in the winter.

 

Every once in a while I'll check out the frame on an older Tacoma around here and they seem to hold up fine in this area. I grew up in Pittsburgh, heart of the salt belt. F150 had rust holes above the wheels, my jeep in high school had fiberglass floors because they rusted through, and my dad just started fluid filming the hell out of his Chevy 1500's frame because it is becoming dangerously rusted. So yeah everything rusts there.

 

I have a 1996 Tacoma thats been through at least 10 winters in Wisconsin. We use salt ALL THE TIME. My frame has rust all over it but is still solid. I had up on a lift and hit it all over with a hammer. No holes. It has 246,000 miles on it. How come my frame is good and the newer ones fall apart? Is my frame from Japan vs. Dana corp frames?

 

A lot of people seem to get really carried away with this "rust issue."
I have a 2010 and live in the Northeast, in an area that has roads covered in salt and whatever other chemicals are popular for that season. We usually see salt covered roads for a good 3-4 months.
I have no significant rust on my frame or anywhere else. There is some surface rust here and there, but nothing to be concerned about. I had a Jeep and a Ford prior to my Tacoma and they both had about the same or more rust.

I get an underbody wash a couple times each winter and hose off everything thoroughly once winter finally breaks.

 

Let’s consider the list of Toyota truck rust problems of the last decade or so:

• 2001-2004 Tacomas recalled for rusting spare tire carriers (this recall)
• 2005-2012 Tacoma TSB for rust stains under door handles
• 2008-2010 Tacoma TSB for rusting chrome rear bumpers
• 2001-2012 Tundra TSB for rusting rear bumpers
• 2000-2003 Tundra frame rust recall and frame replacement program
• 2007-2012 Tundra TSB for bed bolt rust issues
• 2007-2011 Tundra TSB for bed floor rust
• 2007-2012 Tundra TSB for rusting tailgates

All told, that’s eight documented rust issues on Toyota trucks, including two recalls and one massively expensive frame replacement program.

Toyota – WTF is going on?

 

We want hot dip galvanized frames!

 

That made me laugh Allstar780.!!
.

 

OP: I'd say go ahead and purchase the year model you want. If you want anything to last, you just have to maintain it well. Toyota or not.

Some may say I'm excessive/thorough, but this is what I do.

Once a week: Run it through a touch less car wash that includes underbody spray.
- Takes care of the salt application on roads during colder months and nasty pollen during warmer seasons. (Not that pollen causes rust, I just have black paint.)

Twice a year: Crawl underneath and use a few cans of Fluid Film on the frame.
- Use a Fluid Film soaked microfiber to get the harder to reach areas.
- Make sure your spray bottle comes with a straw, because this is some nasty smelling stuff.

In the event that I do spot rust!! - a simple use of alcohol or paint thinner, sand paper and some "Duplicolor Rust Tough Enamel" spray should complete the trick.

I just took care of my rusty hitch receiver two nights ago.

Yes, its a 2014.

Yes, I'm excessive.

 

Left my hitch in for a month or two. Got a lil rust on the mount. Rust. Need to sell it.

Kidding, but I do need to get it off and touch it up. This just inspired me!

 

For all things rust:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-prevention-treatment-consolidation-thread.355928

 

When I drove my 2015 home from the dealer, I went directly to my shed and pulled out my compressor , undercoating gun and fluid film and coated the frame. Even lowered the spare tire and blasted that area also. I bought the fluid film kit before I bought the truck.

 

I did the exact same thing on mine except I used the CRC Brand of Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor.

 

The only thing I regret is not knowing about Fluid Film before I purchased my truck, nor knowing the long history of Tacoma frame rot. I did buy a Fluid Film kit from Kellysports and it's really the only way in my opinion to thoroughly treat the frame, inside and out with Fluid Film.

 

I feel like the frame rust is not only dealing with the area you live in but also your luck.

 

Don't blame Engineers often then designed the right way for the conditions then sourcing supersedes them to save a few $$.

 

I agree, I bought mine from Kellysport also. When I do mine, I pour the FF into one off those plastic bottles and put it in a big pot of hot water. It makes the FF more liquified. Then apply it with the compressor set at about 60lbs. It really comes out in a fine mist cloud and covers really nicely.

 

Rust Cure Formula 3000 FTW

 

I was going to do the same, but after talking with a representative from Fluid Film, he said it only needed to be at room temperature to apply. One 70 degree day I left everything in the sun for 5 hours and used a mixer attached to my drill to make sure it was properly mixed. I don't think heating Fluid Film will hurt, so I might just try it to see if there is a noticeable difference in the spray pattern and coverage.

I still say Toyota should recommend in the owners manual, to apply an undercoating to the frame annually to prolong frame longevity.

 

Speaking of rust, I left my trailer hitch on for way too long and it is now rusted in place. Any advice on how to break it free?

 

Soak it in pb blaster?