Frame Replacement Questions

Greetings Everyone,
Just joined the forum. I have a 2001 with 139,000 miles that I bought new and on Thursday the the local dealer's service manager failed my frame and has scheduled a replacement in 3 weeks. What a pile of work to do on a 9 year old vehicle that is probably 3/4 through it's useful life!! And the thought of the local dealer taking my truck completely apart and reassembling has me a little concerned. This is not a project to be taken lightly.
Anyway, what problems do I need to know about with this frame replacement? Are there things that typically cause problems? Is there anything that I need to do to be proactive?
Should I have the clutch replaced while the truck is apart? With my mileage how much longer do the clutches last (I am pretty gentle with it)?
Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thx,
Jon

 

People havent had any problems after the frame swap, atleast not on here.
And your truck has alot more life in it man. Your more like maybe 1/2 way there, not 3/4.
And Im not totally sure on the clutch man. sorry!

 

You have a Truck for 10 to 15 more years....... don't forget, it's a Toyota !

 

x2....it aint 3/4's done.........its just getting good and broke in man!!

 

I've seen a few of these swaps being done at the local dealer. They do a great job, you will basically be getting a new truck back.

 

While they're swapping out the frame have them look at the back of the engine with emphasis where the xmsn goes in. You want them to look for any oil leaks or seeps that may have started. I've got a 95 with 167000 and it's like tacoman said "it's just broke in!"

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys.
I am impressed that Toyota is standing behind these trucks like this. It shows integrity. Everybody makes mistakes, it's how you fix them that counts....
I'm still concerned with this work being done by my dealer but I feel better knowing that others on the forum have had no problems.
I'll let everyone know how it goes.

Jon

 

toyota pays them well for this labor. For them they see it as revenue at a time when things might be slow.

 

Mine went pretty well. I didn't have them do anything extra as I'd already had my cooling system (waterpump, radiator, and hoses) replaced over the summer, and have a 1 year old exhaust on there. It took almost 3 weeks total, but most of that was the dealer just waiting for the parts to get in. They gave me a free loaner car for the full time. Now I have brand new frame, new parking brake line and lower control arms and all the related underneath parts. The only thing that was wrong after I got it back was they forgot to tighten the exhaust clamps from the cat back, which caused a leak large enough to set the CEL off. I just tightened it up and reset the CEL and all was good. I wouldn't be worried, maybe just check and see how many of these your dealer has done.

 

where did you go to get yours done? Im also from MA

 

I went to Boch Toyota in N. Attleboro, on Rt 1. Like I said, they did a pretty good job. My only complaint was they almost threw out my old leaf packs that I asked 3 times for them to put in the back of the truck. They gave me a free oil change for that.

 

Jon A,
Today I was reading my letter from Toyota regarding the frame rust issue and it contained an offer to buy back at 1.5 times KBB. Did you have that option?
My 2002 doesn't live in the salt states so it doesn't currently qualify. I was under my truck today and didn't see any rust problems but who knows what will happen in the future.

 

eeek. that where i bought my truck from. never buying from them again. il try shopping around stealerships

 

I have an o1 that also fail, boch n.attleboro , ma . wants to do a frame replacement. my question would be: since the exhaust is original wouldn't it break or fall apart if touched. also, what about my tow kit, after market. U-haul. would it be put back , intack? is that all cover or not?? they really are pushing to do the work

 

I heard that if stuff is welded on to the existing frame, you're pretty much SOL for them to put it back on the new frame. If its not welded on, I think there's a pretty good chance they'll do it, but you might have to insist a little, depending on your dealer.

 

They'll be careful but keep in mind, it might suffer with the muffler swapping.
My mechanic took care and everything went fine with the muffler.
If you do need another muffler, get a Toyota muffler. The replacement is always free after the 1st replacement.

You might consider getting a new one now as the labor will be free. Plus it's easier for the mechanic, working with new parts.

Same with replacing shocks. I had original shocks.
Dealer gave a discount and the labor is free with the frame swap.
Save now!

My aftermarket frame-mount receiver hitch was removed and replaced without any extra cost.

I had the clutch unit replaced also. (98,000 miles)
It saves on labor when the clutch is easily accessed. I saved $300 from the last clutch job. That $300 labor saved basically paid for the parts.

 

X2 - if you need work done or will need it in the near future have them do it while it's apart. Boch told me no labor fees if I had anything done. As for the hitch, just ask them. If its the same place I had it done, on Rt 1 just north of the mall, they've got a 2 person team who only does frame replacements. I'd just ask the front desk if you could talk to the guys directly, and ask them. Whatever you do, don't talk to only the front desk people, talk directly to the mechanic. It was the front desk who never told the mechanic about my old leaf springs, the mechanic said if I'd talked to him he would have put them in the bed when he was done no problem. I wish I remembered the guys name, but he did a good job overall.

 

On the 4 cyl. there is a fuel filter that is impossible to get to with everything in place. I'm definitely having them replace it while everything is out. I'm also going to get a quote for the clutch. If it's not a great price I'll wait until it goes and do it myself.I'm also going to ask for visitation rights. I want to see everything apart and maybe learn a little about my truck.....


Jon

Jon

 

I had them replace my fuel filter when the engine was out. Easily accessed then. It had junk in it (98K) so it was good I replaced it.

You'll save on labor if the clutch is replaced while in the shop. Easier to get to.
My dealer also gave a discount on all the extra parts I replaced.
Fuel filter, clutch, shocks, radiator hoses, etc.
I gave free rein to the mechanic that if anything needed replacing, just do it. I didn't want to hold up the job while he contacted me.
Many items he said were fine and not needing replacing.
Treated me fine.
Do it now and you'll save on labor. Enough of a savings that the parts bought are VERY reasonable!

I was able to visit every day and take pictures. Dealership was very receptive.....
In on Tuesday, done Monday morning and it was completed by just one guy and it was his first.
He's good!
Next one will be even quicker.