Boxing the frame?

Yes. Right now the Tacoma is C channel. If material is same then box is stronger. If material is stronger on C channel then that is stronger.

 

Anyone know if the steel used for frames in question is of a different type?

 

A different type than what?

 

A metallurgic difference from one era to another.

 

Epic amounts of Bro-science in this thread. I admit that I prefer a boxed in frame. But I also admit I have no idea from a metallurgical perspective what the unintended consequences are with this new steel. And it may be just as stiff as c channel. I know for a fact that I don’t want to weld on it if I don’t have to. Like another said, rust nightmare.

 

Lol. Hey. Bro science matters.

Exactly. Which is why my run up began with “just wondering” and “probably” and “not”.

 

Bro-Sci DOES matter. And you’re good. It’s good to ask questions. It’s just that unless we have more Toyota material data, there aren’t going to be a lot of facts up in here. Unless it’s a dedicated desert truck, I default to the engineers.

 

In this context, I must agree.

Anyway, it’s fun to just start a controversial thread and then just bow out and watch the tw shit storm ensue.

 

You could ask a question like “do you like dogs” and it would spiral into a meltdown and 3 bans.

I clicked into this thread because I need to know the truth about desired frame flex, metal composition, and long term durability. I understand that frame flex aids in traction, that’s nothing new. But my bro science mind equates frame flex with weakness and I need more justification. I feel your pain.

With all the bolt on accessories, you could definitely mitigate the flex without boxing it in.

 

I have plans to box and reinforce the frame on my 2019. Lot's of info will be included in my build thread.

To start it off, a bolt in X brace is the easiest way.

The rear shackle hangers are definitely an issue... Toyota agrees with you, but engineered an easier way.

 

Regarding flex and traction: right, so what I’m wondering is how much flex do I want for my application. I personally am not crawling this truck by any stretch. I’d have bought and built an entirely different truck that would outperform a third gen dollar for dollar if I wanted a crawler. Not saying it’s right or wrong, just not how I’d spend my time and money to meet that end. This truck is definitely more of the “overland” (in the current vernacular) vehicle. Long distance trips with the family type stuff.

So. Do I want my frame to flex? If so how much? I personally would rather not stress my truck’s sheet metal and interior etc. for certain amount of frame flex. Interior squeaks and rattles drive me nuts, as do more important mechanical and structural squeaks and rattles, of course. But it’s just too soon imo for the interior stuff to start getting noisy.

Ok, so there’s the aforementioned spring hanger replacements, after market skids, sliders...what else is there that bolts on and which might reduce frame flex?

 

Here is some grade-A bro science, with a surprise twist (non pun intended)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnw8wxHkNO0

 

C-channel FTW again. Just another example to show frame strength is ALL about engineering and metallurgy, and nothing about causal forum observations of the style of the frame.

For sure, boxing the shit soft-steel frame on your 1954 Fargo may have helped make it stronger, but that is not really related to these modern HSS C-Channel frames.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aYbXeyzwsmY

 

Start messing with the frame and you end up with this

 

Wow.....best Redneck Limo I’ve seen.

 

Yeah, looks like he used a steel frame from the building supply.

 

Boxed or C Channel?

 

Maybe “I” channel?

 

It's not uncommon for 2nd gens to have boxed their frame, at least the rear portion below the bed. People will pull the bed, weld in a plate and build a custom cross member as well. Necessary? No idea, but I would like to do it to mine at some point since I have the skills to do it.

 

The current frame is HSS and UHSS, depending on which part of the frame.
The Cab mounts are around 650MPa and the crossmembers are like 500MPa and the rails are like 400MPA.
For reference, the old mild steel versions are around 250MPA. Your arm skin is about 15MPa lol.

I have posted links several times to actual Toyota documents showing what parts and strength. A simple google search will find it.

@stun gun "bro-science?" Really? You cut me deep man.

If you think our trucks have anything in common with the Gen 1 stuff, think again. Here's a pic for those of you that don't like, you know, words...