What to do about cracked frame?

I have had my 1997 Tacoma since since 2004, it's been great.

A few days ago, I went to get the truck checked due to some noise coming from the back. I had thought I was in need of new shocks but, to my surprise, I was told the frame on the rear passenger side had cracked.

The truck is in great shape other than this. I just got a new catalytic converter in September and just a week ago, it got a new radiator and a tune-up.

The shop told me that I shouldn't even drive it home due to the crack in the frame and that it would be extremely expensive to fix. I also called a local body shop to see if it's something that could be welded, while they said "it could be done" they wouldn't be doing it because it is not safe and jeopardizes the integrity of the frame.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could do with this?

Location: Northern Colorado

 

ouch sorry man, I imagine that feels like a kick in the gut.

This company has been recommended through here before for getting quality weld-on frame repair components, not sure if they sell the piece you need but they have them for the common weak spots...

https://www.autorust.com/product/rear-forward-spring-area-toyota-tacoma-art-083-r/

 

Just curious, was it due to rust? If the frame was inspected and treated by Toyota before the deadline you may qualify for a replacement.

edit: actually for the 97's I think it was a buyback program, not sure if they are still honoring that. Someone else will have to chime in that knows more about it

 

Take the box off and weld in a new piece. This is a good time to think about buying a decent MIG welding rig.

the boxes come off super easy.

I fixed mine by welding in patches. Its not rocket science. The patches will be stronger than the original frame.

 

Anything is fixable with expertise, money and time.

 

@oldtoyotaguy I have two of those things.

 

Any decent fabrication shop can fix that for a couple hundred bucks.

What is your location and skill set?

 

@koditten I am in Northern Colorado, Fort Collins area. I called a body shop and they said they wouldn't do it because it's unsafe.

Unfortunately for me, when it comes to vehicles my skill set is 0.

 

You need a fabrication shop. They will weld anything.

I wish you were in Michigan, I'd do it for you.

 

That's a good start! It's just another project.

 

1st gen tacos are cool and always worth saving.

 

That shock mount looks like a clean break. From what I can see, the frame looks excellent compared to what we have around here.

Think about learning to weld and fixing it. If you are gonna run old shit, you are gonna have to learn to fix it. Not a big deal.

 

whole inside of frame behind shock looks rotted out to me.

 

I have to agree !

That is a simple fix

New shock mount from Toyota

Make a nice piece with some 1/8" or 3/16" bend it to cover the top and the whole side extended @2" from the damage .

I fixed a T100 that tore the shock mount off about the same way .

One would also inspect the rest of the frame as well.

It is a shame some fab shops do to insurance clauses must remove vehicle gas tanks for any welding work which raises the labor costs quite a bit .

Around here the rusted fuel line connections at the fuel pump bracket tend to discourage taking on this work

If you were close I would be glad to help as well

 

Yeah up to 2000 was a buy back and with all of them it was/is 15 years from "in service date" so a 97 is way out of coverage...

OP hopefully the rest of the frame isnt too bad otherwise as others have said that really isnt the end of the world. Others are in a much worse situation than yourself. If you find the right shop you'll be back on the road in no time. Good luck!!

As much of an issue this frame deal is becoming these days, it just becomes more and more of a problem everyday for people. Even the new replaced frames are becoming badly rusted already if not kept up on! So you gotta figure here in a few more years there will be a serious demand for new frames. I hope here soon some manufacturer offers new frames onto the market for us to buy so us diehard 1st gen tacoma owners can keep as many of these things on the road as possible!!

 

Thanks for all the info, guys. I found a fabrication shop who said he can fix it, I'm going to see him tomorrow.

I'll keep you posted.

Hopefully, this little truck will be back at it soon!
Thanks again!

 

Good to hear!