I know this isn't the first frame thread

lol, what the fuck? who said that frame is fine? They need to be reported to the Better Business Bureau.

 

Or you can call up Toyota and ask them to explain it to you over the phone, or email you documents.

 

They said it was fine 3 years ago. I honestly don't recall what it looked like 3 years ago. I don't remember any holes.

The photos are from a couple of weeks ago.

 

If they'll tell me. Not a bad idea though. If I get some time today I'll try that.

 

OP: i suggest reading through this recent post. lots of important issues to be aware of:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-frame-replacement.506528/#post-15866896

 

I was at my dealer for my annual frame inspection in June, and spoke to both the manager and service writer about the warranty. My frame did not fail at that time, but it was strongly suggested that I keep an eye on it, and bring it back in next year before the warranty runs out (8/2018). The manager said it's thin in several places. No mention was made of any impending changes to the warranty. It may be that they were not aware at that time, or that those changes would not apply to my case. Or they clouldn't discuss it yet. Who knows.

In your case, three years between frame inspections is plenty of time for that much perforation to occur. I had pressure washed my '01 frame when I bought the truck, and it was fine. I then replaced the front and rear suspension, and it still looked fine. Shortly thereafter, the dealer was inspecting it and had no problem putting the hammer through the frame near the front leaf attachment points. I'm hoping that if my '03 frame is going to fail, it does so soon, and does not hang on until after the warranty is over.

 

There are ways to speed up that process.

 

I have a little more information. I called Toyota USA (or whatever it's actually called) and explained my problem. They opened a case and said someone would have to call me back because it required a special . . . something. I assume it was sort of like sending me to second level support.

They called back today and said that my truck isn't eligible at all for a frame. "Oh shit", I thought. I explained that I had a case number and confirmation number from 3 years ago before I bought the truck where that's *not* what I was told. So, she put me on hold for two songs, then came back and said that I was right. The truck is eligible for a frame. The truck is not subject to the 2011 inspection/undercoating requirement because it's not a 20-state truck.

There is no "new warranty program". My dealer is most likely confusing the recent class action settlement for the 2nd gen trucks with the plan that my truck is covered under. The magic words for my warranty program are "Customer support program warranty coverage extension for frame rust corrosion perforation on certain 2001-2004 models". Also "CSP 01-04 Tacoma Rust".

I also asked how long it takes to get a frame delivered. She said that it could take 2 or 3 months. The interesting bit is that she said they custom make every one.

 

Good thing you have your act together, and didn't have a heart attack.

Congratulations, and thanks for the clarification.

 

That is probably the reason why you can't buy a frame anymore. I wonder if there could be a side business for company making these frames to sell them on a free market?

 

What amazes me is that they are going to pay to custom make a frame, then do the labor to swap it out. I've seen numbers ranging from $12k to $15k for the job. My truck isn't worth that much even with a solid frame. If they'd write me a check for $15k I'd be very tempted to make a down payment on a new one.

 

That's a good point. Perhaps instead of discontinuing the buyback program altogether, they could have retained it on the account that the buyback is for Toyota Credit to purchase a new vehicle from Toyota.

 

The dealership just called and left me a message. They have agreed to replace my frame. Some additional parts Toyota will cover, but some I'll have to pay for. We won't know which are which until they take the truck apart and Toyota makes their ruling. I don't know when they want the truck in, but not yet. They are a little slowed down because the parts warehouse is in Jacksonville, FL and has been closed due to Irma. It just opened back up today.

 

Alright, another chapter.

I couldn't get the dealer to return my calls, so I opened a case with Toyota USA asking questions like "is this truck safe to drive?". Toyota USA leaned on the dealership and they called me back on September 28. At that time the dealership assured me that the frame replacement was a go. It'll take 6 - 8 weeks to get the parts in. When they get the parts they'll call me and I can bring the truck. They said that they were "pretty sure" the truck was safe. I could put things in the bed, too, but I shouldn't overload it. I could put wood in there, but not a lot. I could tow, but not heavy. For example, I could to a lawn mower five miles or so. I'm thinking, "I'm going to own a dealership when this frame breaks while I'm driving".

Today they called me again. It seems that Toyota wants me in a safer vehicle and they've arranged for a free rental. So, now I've got 2017 Tacoma 4x4 in the driveway.

 

Someone in the legal department at Toyota must have got wind of your case. Can you imagine the liability if something happened after the dealer said it's safe to drive? You may well have owned a dealership, if you really wanted one - or were still around to want one.

Enjoy the 2017. Be careful though. I had a brand new 2012 loaner back when my '01 was done, and I came close to owning it before the '01 was ready.

 

I'm a little concerned about that. Fortunately, this one is an automatic so it tempts me less. If they'd have offered me a check instead of a frame I'd probably buy a new one.

 

You should have asked to play lets make a deal !!

Who knows if it worked out for Toyota USA and the dealer they might have gone for it.

I very well doubt the frames are Custom made as The new vendor has all the Jigs and Fixtures from Dana

Maybe it was just how the word Custom was being used

 

I had my frame swap done at Toyota Mall of GA just down road from you. They did a perfect job.

 

It's closer to the house than Atlanta Toyota, but I'm done with those bandits. Have you bought parts there? Holy shit are they expensive!

 

That poor truck. How are your repairs going.