Shock mount broken off of frame

Hi all,

I discovered a very unpleasant surprise yesterday while driving my truck around. I heard a rattling sound coming from the rear of the truck and though it might be my U-bolts coming loose again. Well I immediately noticed my shock on the rear passenger side broken off and sticking above the frame. I got underneath and took some photos. It looks like the mount rusted through and the weld on top couldn’t hold anymore so it broke off. Some background on my truck: it’s a 2001 xtra cab TRD V6 with ~226k miles. I should also note that on either side of the frame in the rear are plates welded to the frame, kind of like those safety caps.

I guess I’m here looking for some advice on what to do. I’m calling my mechanic tomorrow morning to have him take a look at it. She runs great and I know she’s got more life left, but I also know I have to be realistic. I don’t know how much I could get for the truck at this point and I can’t afford another vehicle right now. I also have to drive 100 miles a day to get to and from work. Has anyone had a similar experience and have some advice?

Thanks.

 

Replace the frame. That one looks shot

 

Ouch. Wanna buy a frame?

 

couldn't this be a case for a full frame replacement by Toyota?

 

Trucks to old for that

 

Unfortunately 2001 is not covered anymore. Plus I don't think they cover modified frames.

 

Long term, swap the frame
Shoert term or as you go option https://www.autorust.com/product-category/toyota/tacoma-xtracab-4wd/page/3/ they sell just the shock mounts

 

Fix what needs fixed!

Get or make a new shock mount

To bad I am on the other side of the State

Most mechanics will run screaming and hide under the bed .

Even getting a frame for free the cost of shipping most likely unless you have family and friends running the Southwest USA to bring it home for beer

 

I’d swap a frame under it.. or rebuild the current frame

 

Broken shock mount
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-today-is-my-frame-junk.577543/#post-19134642

Broken shock mount repair
https://www.customtacos.com/forum/127-1995-5-2004/189145-broken-rear-shock-upper-frame-mount.html

Frame rebuild
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-rehab-plans-on-my-99.475827/#post-14428113

Frame repair Safe-t-tcaps
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/body-chassis/1603-toyota-tacoma-rotted-frame-fix/

Frame swap without pulling the engin trans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urqq8FbVvb0

Frame swap
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-complete-frame-swap.499441/

Frame swap
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/01-frame-swap-rebuild-thread.546223/

Another frame swap,
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-swap.541568/page-7

Befor and after video of a guy with the same problem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFHibh0SAhQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFHibh0SAhQ

Another guy working on his rear frame
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsQRBHy5RPc

Brand new frame from toyota dealer
https://parts.waldorftoyota.com/p/T...TSfS8PGdlf-DiqI-9gwssNZBkCw2vdo8aAsM_EALw_wcB

Used frame $200
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts/d/south-lake-tahoe-toyota-tacoma-parts/6765528588.html

$1200 used frame inLangford https://buffalo.craigslist.org/pts/d/north-collins-toyota-tacoma-1996-full/6772238709.html

No price https://greenville.craigslist.org/pts/d/fair-play-03-tacoma-frame/6771600808.html

no price TN https://lexington.craigslist.org/pts/d/knoxville-2002-tacoma-frame/6771598468.html

someone else looking for frames sometimes good finds
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...3-4x4-tacoma-v6-xtracab.585845/#post-19528706
Also looking for one https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wtb-01-04-frame-in-good-shape.581873/#post-19354235

This guy is parting out
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/96-extra-cab-part-out-picked-up-11-17-18.577843/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/04-xtra-cab-frame-and-parts-not-mine.582253/#post-19366304

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/96-extra-cab-part-out-picked-up-11-17-18.577843/

May have sold https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2003-extra-cab-frame-and-part-out-canadian-edition.529832/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/feeler-any-interest-in-a-rust-free-frame.566270/


Also wrecking yards in the south west sell frames

 

Granted we have a lift. But engine and trans stays in the body doing frame swaps at work. Makes like way easier

 

Well your frame is clearly shot. That big plate is what's kept it going & if you can't afford a new truck, that plate will be your stop gap. A clever welder will be able to patch your shock back on. But it will be temporary, just buying you some time to save up. Some good options linked by earlier posters. Also, if you could find a crashed truck w/ good frame you could use your truck to fix the other - might be cheapest route long term. Good Luck.

 

Provided of course there is something left to weld the shock mount to .

 

Thanks for all of the responses guys, I appreciate it. I knew it was as bad as it looked but I didn’t want to admit it. We’ll see what my mechanic says tomorrow but if I can’t get the frame repaired by a welder then selling it is probably my only option. I can’t afford to buy and have a new frame installed unfortunately I just don’t have the time or resources/money. I’ve got some thinking to do.

 

Gotta be someone out there that can keep you going for another few years.

A shame your on the other end of the state

I hate to see these trucks die.

 

If you decide to sell it, part it out if you have the time and space...you'll get more money that way as opposed to trying to sell a truck with a bad frame whole.

Make a thread for it on the buy/sell/trade forum here and people will let you know what they want, good way to stretch out it's value

You'll need 50 posts on here first though (to post something on BST)

 

I sold my 97 standard cab with 150k on it with a rotted frame for around 4k. Full disclosure to the buyer and it sold in less than 5 hours of me just putting a sign on it at the end of my driveway. Mine was so bad you could reach under and take a fist full of frame rail with you hand. The buyer was stoked to get it as he was going to pull it down and weld in new sections.

 

I myself have never had luck parting things out

When you figure the labor your ahead to sell it as is .

Any of the large heavy parts shipping is most often a deal breaker

 

Part out is only possible if you have the room to do it. Someone would likely buy it and find a frame for it for a fair price. I would if it were close by

 

Update:

My mechanic recommended a local shop to take a look at my truck and they were able to repair it! The mechanic said i “would have to do something pretty heroic” to break it again. I’m very happy and looking forward to many more miles in my truck. And to top it off, I went to fill up afterwards and the pump shut off at exactly $34.00. My lucky day!