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Rusted Frame

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by tacomainthesun, Nov 9, 2018.

  1. Nov 9, 2018 at 10:28 AM
    #1
    tacomainthesun

    tacomainthesun [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My frame on my 2002 is very rusty including holes. I didn’t realize how bad it was until my passenger rear shock bracket snapped off from where it was attached to the frame. Of course the local service center wouldn’t touch it, so I called around and finally found a welder that would patch part of the frame and weld a new bracket on to the shock where it connects to the frame. The insurance company has the truck valued way below what it should be, but I’m worried about whether it’ll be totaled in the long run. What should I do after I have the work done?
     
  2. Nov 9, 2018 at 11:50 AM
    #2
    Sperrunner

    Sperrunner Respect the International Dibs Law

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    Buy a new frame and swap it.
     
  3. Nov 9, 2018 at 4:01 PM
    #3
    tacomainthesun

    tacomainthesun [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Where would I get a new frame and how much would that cost me?
     
  4. Nov 9, 2018 at 5:34 PM
    #4
    RysiuM

    RysiuM Well-Known Member

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    I'm sure it will cost way more than it would cost to spray fluid fill every year for last 16 years o_O. I think new frames are not available, used frames from donor trucks that got scrapped because of something else than rust or front end or rear end collision. Sill the cost of the frame itself is just a half of the total cost of having it swapped.
     
  5. Nov 9, 2018 at 6:07 PM
    #5
    BartMaster1234

    BartMaster1234 American Auto Horns

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    Toyota pays $16,000 for a new frame and labor to dealerships, so that’s how much you should expect to pay.

    If you get a used frame and do it yourself, maybe $1-2k. Another grand for new parts.
     
  6. Nov 9, 2018 at 8:21 PM
    #6
    Riding Dirty

    Riding Dirty Sinner; saved by grace

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    Look in Arizona and California for a frame, they are typically rust free.
     
    Sperrunner likes this.
  7. Nov 9, 2018 at 8:41 PM
    #7
    970btu

    970btu Well-Known Member

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    OME, SPC UCA, ARB w/warn 10K winch, TG Rock Defense Rear, Marlin Clutch, Custom hi clearance under bed spare mount. 285/75/16. A ton of repairs done and a list up to come modifications.
    Welcome to the club. Sorry to hear that.
    there is a company called https://www.autorust.com/safe-t-cap-kits/ that sells caps and brackets for first gen Tacoma.
    I went that route, repairing as I went. Looking back, I should have, would have, wish I had just done a frame swap. It would have been a lot cheaper in the long run. It rusts from the inside out.
    Where do you live? I know of a few places that have really good frames out here in the west. I know of one that is being sold with the front suspension, brake lines, fuel lines ext for $450. many of the wrecking yards here have them from rolled tacos crushed bodies still good frames.
    The dealer hid the frame rust when I bought mine. I pretty much have a new frame now. added a bunch of weight to the truck but it should be stronger now. Its just been a pain. This weekend I should have all frame rust gone and the frame capped and reinforced. I even boxed the rear frame.
    I cut out all the rust I could. welded new thick iced in the lace then used the safe-t-caps. I ran 3/8 all-thread on a drill with chains welded on the end. I ran that inside up and down the inside of the frame to loosen any rust remaining. I used a shop vac to pull all out that I could. I then used https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-internal-frame-coating-14oz-aerosol.html to coat the inside of the frame.

    This weekend I am painting the bottom of the bed and the frame with https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H2VZA8C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    I am going to tape all the drain holes (including the new ones I made) and pour the rest inside the frame.
    I also welded up the numerous holes in the top and side of the frame. I figure the more I can keep out the better off I will be.

    Anyway, that is my painful experience. I should be in good shape very soon. I would not have done this much work with any other vehicle!
     
  8. Nov 10, 2018 at 3:38 AM
    #8
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    Just why is having the Frame repaired causing you to think your Truck will be totaled?

    A 16 year old truck is only worth top dollar to someone willing to pay I think my 2000 is rated like $2500.00 by now it might be less.
     
  9. Nov 10, 2018 at 6:37 AM
    #9
    2002Tacoma4x4

    2002Tacoma4x4 TRD 4x4 double cab

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    Any pictures ?
     
  10. Nov 10, 2018 at 9:55 AM
    #10
    tacomainthesun

    tacomainthesun [OP] Well-Known Member

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    There’s a lot of holes and cracks and it is just extremely brittle. If I would ever be in a collision it’d probably crumple like paper.:goingcrazy:
     
  11. Nov 10, 2018 at 9:56 AM
    #11
    tacomainthesun

    tacomainthesun [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I’m located in VA and insurance has it valued at 7.5k.
     
  12. Nov 10, 2018 at 10:01 AM
    #12
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    You can order a new 1st gen frame from Toyota and install it yourself our have your own shop do it...the new frame costs about $4k if I remember right. Someone in the lunchtable thread from Hawaii recently got one.

    Plenty of frames still being made or were made to do all the warranty work that is still in effect through next year for 1st gens. They'll gladly sell you one.
     
  13. Nov 10, 2018 at 10:02 AM
    #13
    tacomainthesun

    tacomainthesun [OP] Well-Known Member

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  14. Nov 10, 2018 at 10:02 AM
    #14
    Sperrunner

    Sperrunner Respect the International Dibs Law

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    I believe it was @Sebz13
     
  15. Nov 10, 2018 at 10:03 AM
    #15
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    Jesus christ Marie....yeah those rear shackles look like they're about to give out and then you're in trouble. Careful driving that thing if you must
     
  16. Nov 10, 2018 at 10:04 AM
    #16
    tacomainthesun

    tacomainthesun [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Frame costs 4k. As much as I like 1st gen, I might just have to do repairs on a need to basis, then buy a third gen in a couple years
     
    2002Tacoma4x4 likes this.
  17. Nov 10, 2018 at 10:04 AM
    #17
    Sperrunner

    Sperrunner Respect the International Dibs Law

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    Wanna buy one for 2500$? Lol

    Nvm saw you have a DC i only got a Ext cab one
     
  18. Nov 10, 2018 at 10:06 AM
    #18
    tacomainthesun

    tacomainthesun [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Did fine up to 98 on road. Was fine off-roading until shock broke loose. Lot of rust everywhere, it’s cold so those are a couple pics. Gets a little out of control if you hit bumps when crossing bridges
     
  19. Nov 10, 2018 at 10:09 AM
    #19
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    Yeah I bet...honestly the first pic you posted doesn't look bad at all, but those rear shackles are rusted bad especially where the mounts were welded to the frame...if that snaps off while driving you're going to lose your rear axle, and that won't be good especially if you're going fast. I would take it to a competent welder and see what they say they can do...be prepared to pay for quality work though, assuming they want to take the risk of working on it.
     
  20. Nov 10, 2018 at 10:11 AM
    #20
    tacomainthesun

    tacomainthesun [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Dang. Should I just see if the welders can do something about rear shackles? Or should I sell my truck:bananadead:
     

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