Help....Rusty Frame

Opened a case today for cracked frame. Sounds positive for replacement but I really hope I get a loaner pick up!

I absolutely need it for work!

 

Received some amazing news this morning. They've ordered a new frame for my truck and it's on its way. Can't believe their going to replace it. Hadn't heard from anyone in a bit so my feelings were that it was unlikely anything was going to get done.

 

Posting in case anyone in the future needs help. See post #15.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-rust-in-first-genetrations.461362/#post-13765217

 

Frame is here and taking in Monday for the swap. My concern about this process is they get in there and need several extra parts due to rust and corrosion. The guy at the dealership indicated buying extra parts is a possibility. Considering the condition of my rusty frame I believe its a probability.

The good news is if they have to replace a strut or something similar the labor will cost quite a bit less. I can also bring in aftermarket parts for them to install while their doing the frame swap.

Any feedback on this situation? I would like to find a good local parts supplier here in Nashville in case I have to buy some extra parts, just don't want to drop excess cash.

Also of note I have a lift of around 2.5" to 3" on my truck. I bought it this way and unfortunately don't have any of the paperwork of exactly what was outfitted.

 

It was my understanding from what other folks that had a Frame replaced said. Toyota will pay for anything (that's not reusable) their mechanic's HAVE to touch when removing the bed, cab, etc.
So if they remove brake lines. The truck must have brake lines on it when it leaves at no cost to you.
It's part of the "Frame Repair" Shocks & Springs on the other hand are "normal wear items" They need to take those off anyway. If you hand the mechanic a new set they shouldn't be trying to charge you labor for a part they need to install anyway. I would think anything that usually lasts the life of the truck Toyota should pay for. Like Transmission rubber mounts.

When you pick your truck up: Don't sign anything till you go for a ride with a Mechanic/Dealer Rep with you. Turn on Everything to see if all the lights, Blower fan, Heater , A/C , Vent, Feet, Recirc, radio, 4X4 , 4L, Etc just to make sure they didn't pinch a wire or hose something.
They might tell you cannot leave the property until you sign. Let the mechanic drive the truck & you can ride shotgun. Check the front end alignment to see if it pulls going down the road. This should be included free as part of the frame repair.

 

And double check, before leaving with the truck, that you don't have this stuff going on.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-installs-a-defective-frame-under-my-truck.469756/

 

You can order frame reinforcement parts from this company. Have a local welder install.
http://www.autorust.com/product-category/toyota-tacoma/

 

Any particular reason I would need the frame reinforcements?

 

I just added that as info for anyone who has rusty frame and finds this post.

 

My truck is currently at the Toyota dealership and I may be in a bind.

Originally I was told I could bring in aftermarket parts, but after my service advisor spoke with his supervisor he gave the no go.

Here's a list of what their offering to replace and the rough price:

2 Rear Shock Absorbers - $65 each plus $120 in labor and $18 in shop supplies
Front Brake Line (chassis to caliper) - $0 and no labor cost
2 Flexible Hose (not sure what this is for) - $113 each with no labor cost
Front Shock Absorber with alignment (I'm hoping at this price that means two) - $533
Front Upper Ball Joint - $488.62
Muffler - $872
Spark plugs - $322 (labor included)
Spark plug wires - $217(labor included)
Water pump w/ timing belt and drive belts - $956 (labor included)
Universal Joint - $543

Rough Total for all repairs: $4426
The service advisor says their willing to work with me on price but gosh it seems steep to me.

Any suggestions? I was thinking of getting the bare minimum done with Toyota in order to complete the frame swap, then taking it to a local shop for other repairs. It's definitely in need of some love as you can see, but I was hoping I wouldn't have to put this much money into it at this time.

 

They're trying to make a buck off you. That's totally ridiculous, a u joint for $543?! That's a $20 part. Tell them to swap everything off your old frame onto the new one, then replace it all yourself when you get it home. Why the hell do they need to replace spark plugs and wires as part of the frame swap?
I would tell them you're not giving them a dime, finish the frame swap as required and give you the truck back.

 

Have no idea! Guess it's like you said, their trying to make a buck. Not even sure why they would have checked spark plugs during a frame swap.

Problem is I'm guessing their going to try and make me purchase some of those parts in order to put the truck back together where it meets the standards it needs to from Toyota and/or insurance companies.

 

Insane...
My dealership noted a few things on my swap as well but the prices weren't anywhere near that!!
FWIW I had my h20 pump, t belt and front axle seals done for $701.88.
Do what drr suggested...

 

It looks like their charging close to an hour shop rate for a 8 minute job on those rear shocks...
Alignment should be covered in the swap! Their taking the entire gawd damn front end apart!!

Here's my skeleton frame after they pushed it out the door.
I fucking hate greedy ass dealerships. Their already getting a shit ton from Toyota corporate for the swap. They'll hammer it out in 30 hours, bill corporate for the allotted 62 and pocket the difference!

 

I agree. Toyota needs to pay for the frame swap. Do the shocks yourself after it's done. Spark plugs ? Really? I don't know what the flex lines are either ? Maybe one for rear axle flex line (brakes)and clutch slave flex line?

 

It might be worth an hour consulting fee for an automotive lawyer to write up something to show the dealership that you won't pay for anything.

I had a problem with a $500 (non refundable) depot I put down on a Corvette once. I ended up writing letters to every Corvette club in the state with facts from the Better Business Bureau.
I took the letters with me and threatened to mail them. I got my deposit back. Check for complaints against the dealer. Maybe you can reason with them. Tell them you'll spread the word about how great you were treated.

 

Just remember every dealer is different that is why some have no trouble installing after market parts while others refuse.

I can understand the need to make a profit but this is a little hard to take $4426.00 in extra costs

Just how have the decided you need a timing belt and spark plugs ??

Then maybe your exhaust system is falling off I am surprised they did not say you needed new Converters as well

It only needs to meet what standards need to be met in the State it is in

 

Maybe if All of US call the dealer and polity ask to speak the the manager he'll realize how much influence one person has on his bottom line. : )

 

Still trying to sort this out. If I can get my truck back together and out the door for around a $1000 it will be a good day. The part prices their quoting are insane. My guess is their definitely going to want to add the new shocks to put everything back together.

Regardless if the front shocks are wore out, they still should be able to put the suspension components back together right?
The truck was driven there and the shocks weren't falling apart when I pulled into the dealership.

 

You offered to give them new shocks. I don't see how they can justify charging you to install something they need to install anyway. The shop manager might try and tell you "We're only billing you the bare minimum labor rate to cover our cost's. "we need to pay our mechanic's" Toyota is paying the dealership. There must be something online in the frame recall that explains exactly what will be & won't be done to your truck. After all, Toyota doesn't want to piss off the guy that might be the original owner (is still making monthly payment's)who now has to get his frame replaced at some astronomical out of pocket cost.
The dealer will get their money back.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/ACM13951320/RCMN-09V444-0123.pdf

http://tacomaproblems.com/2015/11/2580-down-2800-to-go/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaRAfhw8Z4A - Time-laps of frame replacement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kg7IcCH7Ns Time-Laps of frame replacement