Durability of 3rd Gen Frames

Hi guys,

I'm sure this has been brought up numerous times, and I've searched for answers. What is the deal with the Gen3 frames? Are they durable? Are they crap? Are they just okay? I've been searching for comparisons to the Hilux, which everyone says is the superior vehicle to the Tacoma. However, the 2017 Hilux really has a lot of the same parts as the Tacoma it seems. Minus the fully boxed frame.

Trust me, I would love a Hilux, and lately, I've been searching for comparisons between the two trucks. It seems as if they share the same axle, transmission, and 4x4 system, but the Tacoma lacks the diesel engine, fully boxed frame, and higher payload.

Anyhow, just curious.

 

Ask again in 8 to 10 years...

 

I was about to say, people thought things were fine and dandy with the 2nd gens and here we are 12+ years later and same story as 1st gen. Only time will tell.

Even with the changes to the 3rd gen frame all it takes is for some brand new TW user with 1 post putting up pictures of their neglected frame that has holes from sitting in salt brine without being washed and people will be pointing fingers at Toyota.

 

I agree; not sure how much of the problem is poor choice of steel for the frames or poor maintenance in the rust bucket states, but I tend toward the latter.

Nonetheless Toyota has deep pockets and where they went wrong was in tacitly and voluntarily accepting liability, and attempting to make it right for buyers of the '95 to '00 and then '01 to '04 model years. That set a precedent that made the '05 to '10 class action suit a "no brainer" and from which they will never escape.

It may take 5 or 6 years but there will be a 2011 to 20?? class suit, or maybe even another voluntary "warranty extension". They should provide a mandatory annual CRC application in the brine soaked states, with a "drop-dead" clause if the customer misses a year--it would be a lot cheaper in the long run...

 

What exactly did they change on the frame from the Gen2 model? Also, how does the C-channel really compare to a Hilux full boxed frame? I've read so many different things.

 

Before or after 2009?
There were frame changes in 2009 as well; so it would comply with rear end collision standards.

Boxed is stronger, all other things being equal. Are they equal though? Steel? Thickness?

When Toyota was buildng fully boxed frames, domestics were doing c-channel, claiming the benefits of a flexy frame. Now, domestics are boxed and Toyota claims the benefits of c-channel are a flexy frame and ability to not trap water/dirt/mud.

Personally, I think they chose c-channel for assembly cost purposes; not just initial cost.
Think of all the crap that gets bolted to our frames. Now, try doing that with a boxed frame...twice the holes, longer bolts, etc.

 

Then in the old days we boxed our C channel Frames for more strength .

When building High Horse Power pulling trucks.

Having a 2000 I just might build a C Channel frame If I need to build a Frame.

Are the New frames better who knows We don`t know if the replacement frames that are being done and have been done will last any better.

 

Yeah, it seems like Toyota did a C-channel to save costs. Why would you do it on some trucks, and not the other. Also, their trucks started as box frames. Kind of disappointing when you think of the short cuts they take, but want to market the vehicle to do so much.

 

Then back in the Day we did not have that Evil Liquid Brine so hard to compare then and now .

Much less Salt was used as well now the Roads need to be bare for the Masses that can`t drive.

Frames rusting out in the sixties were unheard of but no internet so who knows

 

Well the 3rd gen chassis is full boxed, double c, and single c channel all in one frame. So it is the best and the worst no matter what side you are on.

 

Introduced on the Tundra as "Tripletech".

 

It looks pretty much the same as a 2nd Gen Frame, but has several areas reinforced.

 

Yeah, I am no expert, but I was just curious how sturdy these non boxed frames are.

 

the flexing is great for off road traction and compliance. flexing is good for on road in a truck as well for easy handling and comfort. but once you start loading her up with huge weight the game changes and more reinforcement becomes more important than chassis compliance.

for me, driving mostly light and unloaded, the frame is terrific as it is. if i used it for a work truck then I'd probably say different, and i would prefer stronger and less compliant.

 

I agree! But then again, if I were to be doing a lot of towing I would have probably gotten a half-ton. For the tacomas uses, these frames are great

 

exactly! if you want what the American trucks promote, then get one, or a Tundra. they are amazing powerhouses for sure. i don't need or want that. hell, I'd buy a mini truck if they still made em like they used to.

 

8 years later. They're doin' aite.