Why there are no drain holes in Tacoma frame

When I look at the bottom of the long section of enclosed frame (between front and back wheels) I see only one or two tiny drain holes there. Why there are no more and bigger holes.



For comparison in 2012 4Runner there are whole bunch of big rectangular drain holes along the whole frame around.

I think this is one of the reasons for 1st gen frames going bad so quickly from inside out. There is no escape route for any salt mixed with mud that can get inside the frame. The low point further away from drain holes is just in front of leaf hanger. Do you think if it would be wise to drill something like 1/2 inch drain hole over there? Or it will weaken the frame to much?

 

Look at your frame, if it’s like mine, in the rear it’s composed of a C channel. Thus no real need for additional drain holes. In the front it’s boxed, thus more drainage.

 

Mine has drain holes....but they aren't supposed to be there

 

When I repair these I always add drain holes

Most often 1"

 

Drilling a small hole (1/2" or so) will have no structural impact on the frame at all, so long as you don't do it near a bend, and center it in the section.

Drilling multiple holes, now we're probably talking about problems.

If it was me, I'd just Fluidfilm the snot out of the frame, inside and out, and not worry about it.

 

From what I see the C-channel starts at the top of the arch above the rear wheel. The part from the going down and forward is all boxed. The only drain holes between rear wheel and front wheel (the long boxed section of the frame) is that one square hole at the front part (around transfer case in my MT):




and one tiny tiny hole at the back near the upward bend and front leaf hanger. That hols is so tiny that is clogged most of the time and people don't even notice it

Maybe enlarging that tiny hole at the rear will be enough.
By the way here is a picture of the similar part of the frame (close to rear bend upward) in my 2012 4Runner. Big difference, don't you think?

I do fluid film inside and out (what is shown on pictures), but making better drainage in the boxed part of the frame should help with getting rid of accumulated salt and mud inside.

 

I think you are on the right track. Use a step bit to enlarge that hole (make sure there aren't any tubes or anything in the way, first)... and of course paint the bare metal (and then fluid film it).

I am lucky in that I don't have to worry as much about this- in my climate, we don't know what snow is (well, we had it for a week last winter, but that's the first time in near 50 years I've seen it last more than a few hours).

 

I’ve been meaning to slug a hole in mine near the back of the cab and flush it out. One or two holes on the bottom of the frame aight to work eh?

 

I put a nice new hole right in front of the spring hangers

 

I'm going to go for a nice drive down a country lane on a nice rainy day. Then I'll pull over and fish out some cute little goldfishes out of a local creek. Climbing under the truck I'll find the frame completely full of water from my earlier drive and drop in the little fishies and weeeeee they will live in my frame and eat the rust that forms and the truck will live forever.

 

I'm going to quote you in my signature when I get around to putting one together. That was 10/10.

 

"If it was me, I'd just Fluidfilm the snot out of the frame, inside and out, and not worry about it."

That's what I have done for 3 years in a row. Not even going to bother this year. I still see FF oozing out of the holes in the frame.

 

Is it? I have original 1995 ex cab - two holes between wheels as I shown on pictures. The bad part is the rear holes is so tiny.

 

Can you take pictures of the size and locations? I may use it as a template to add holes to my frame.