Are 2019 frames any different?

I did some Google searching and didn't find much info. Just trying to figure out, going into 2019 models, if Toyota is still using the corrosion prone frames in their current models or if history will repeat itself, if you know what I mean. You would think, at a certain point in time, they would reconsider their frame manufacturing process, design, supplier, alloys, or what have you. Any thoughts, input or links appreciated.

 

I'd like to know who makes corrosion proof frames.

 

The frames for the 3rd gen were changed. How they last is yet to be seen.

 

Did not realize they had changed frames. Thanks for your input.

 

My 17 with under 20k on it has some rust here and there, and I live in socal and never go into any snow.

Being from NY I know very well how bad it can get (frame & body) and I'm a little shocked that thre's any rust on this truck.

 

It would be interesting to see what all has occurred at the Toyota corporate engineering level regarding the frame corrosion situation. I am not familiar with 3rd generations, as I have my 1st Tacoma, which is a 2009 model. I, previously, had 3 Ford Rangers over about ~ 8 years. I found that, IMO, Ford was going backwards in quality and comfort. And, quite frankly, the styling of Tacomas became much more appealing.

What brought this up, was a Sunday afternoon visit to my local dealer's lot. I wandered out back of the shops & looked over an old frame, which was the product of a replacement claim. They also had a 2019 Voodoo Blue TRD Pro proudly displayed in the showroom. Always wondered, at what point in time, they switched to different frames. I know all metal is prone to some level of corrosion or degradation as soon as it hits the road. The Toyota problem is the complete perforation of the structural members. And, who knows, what contributes to the root cause of the complete penetration of the frame? Seems like it could be anything from the alloys in the metal, overlaps in connections, areas " holding moisture", inadequate paint and primer over the bare metal......the list goes on and on. This situation is costing Toyota $billions. It makes you wonder the potential of financial claims regarding Toyota vs frame manufacturer. All in all, interesting, and, as previously mentioned, only time will tell.

 

On a side note, really digging the new TRD Pro. My co-workers think the Voodoo Blue is too " harry high school". I am 55, so, my younger co-workers figure I should probably be in the Buick stage of life!

But I also am enamored with car detailing and that paint really " pops" when properly polished. I strive to fully utilize my truck as a truck, but keep it in really good condition. It's easy to commit a vehicle to just being a beater. I consider the yearly TRD Pro's to be at a slightly different level when you extrapolate the retained value, as they are a little more rare than the other trim levels, all be it, more expensive. I have always been more attracted to the vehicles that stand out from the crowd, and the Voodoo Blue definitely does that!

Also, really like all the safety and convenience features of the 3rd gens.......adaptive cruise control, BSM, lane departure, sunroof, automated rear window, crawl control, electronic transmission control "fun button", etc. It all makes for a much more enjoyable driving experience. My visit to the dealership just got me brain storming, as to the future of the whole frame corrosion situation.

 

In some parts of the country were they liberally use road salt in the winter, corrosion is all but inevitable. Wouldn't it be great if the frame was made out of stainless steel?

 

After I took my sliders off I did a full inspection and found some rust spots where scratches occurred, but nothing big, just sub-surface scratch rust. Cleaned the heck out of it with 92% alcohol, let dry and then repainted with Rustoleum oil-based matte black paint, looks good as new. Put sliders back on.

 

Fluid Film that bitch, and any rust spots wire brush it then hit it with some black epoxy paint. This frame is 5 years old in the Salt Belt.

 

Wow ^^^^^ Duly noted with the Fluid Film. That is impressive!

 

No, because barring some extremely expensive stainless alloy, it would fracture. Stainless is, in general, brittle.

 

So no go for stainless
Titanium frame next?

 

That would work. It would be awesome.

 

I bet we see a composite frame in the next decade. It’ll happen.

 

That would probably fly like a lead balloon, people can hardly handle a plastic oil filter housing on our trucks.

 

I've never been a grammar nazi, and I'm not starting, but I thought you might be interested in knowing that you meant to say "albeit"

 

Thank you I plan on keeping this ride for a long time, and a little extra work goes a long way.

 

Is that a sequence or just a list of several things that can be done?

You can paint over fluid film???
I hear that stuff is a wet mess if you have to get near the frame later.

 

Anyone done fluid film who lives on a gravel road? I'd like to do it but I think all the dust would cling to it and cause me more of a mess..