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Frame questions

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Tacomasaurus Rex, Sep 7, 2019.

  1. Sep 7, 2019 at 11:06 PM
    #1
    Tacomasaurus Rex

    Tacomasaurus Rex [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Knew all about the Tacoma frame corrosion issues... Still bought my 2003 anyway. I consider it a project and always wanted one of these trucks. I'm not the best at looking up things on the Internet. Not sure why... I input what I think is good search information. Don't have the frame part number but otherwise I try to ask the right questions I think. I'm wanting to replace my frame in about 1 year. Do they still make new frames for the 1995 to 2004 trucks? If so what's the best possible deal I can get on one? Has anybody here replaced theirs? Thought about asking a friend who owns a body shop about it. Need some advice hope to make old Tacoma really nice.
     
    GQ7227 likes this.
  2. Sep 8, 2019 at 1:14 AM
    #2
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    Super Springs
    Last I heard from my dealer all the warranty frames needed to be built .

    Since 2019 will be the end for the first generation 2004 15 year extended warranty

    If any are made as Toyota Parts Stock No one could say.

    That would be up to Toyota Corporate .

    Not knowing where you live a Used one out of the southwest even with shipping would be cheaper
     
  3. Sep 8, 2019 at 5:55 AM
    #3
    GQ7227

    GQ7227 mw survivor

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    309km east of Hazard ...the good life
    Vehicle:
    '97 black SR5 0g ~ MT @ 176k ...
    black woolWax, green IFC, borlaCB, custom Line-X PC drums, skid, nuts, hooks, 1/4 silver frame...
    your 2003 should be a different size/dimensions than the early tacomas 95.5-97, they made suspension redesign I think. the part is probably in the range of $3k to $5k but not totally sure ... maybe put a special order in but those 1-800 customer care people are absolutely clueless when i ever talk to them, who is can one call to get kosher answers
    i would think going this route you have a number of options to actually make the new one more or less bulletproof :notsure: with adequate defense against the defective paint
     
  4. Sep 8, 2019 at 12:03 PM
    #4
    970btu

    970btu Well-Known Member

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    Vehicle:
    99 Tacoma 3.4 5spd ext limited TRD 55K and counting
    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.
  5. Sep 8, 2019 at 12:32 PM
    #5
    970btu

    970btu Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    99 Tacoma 3.4 5spd ext limited TRD 55K and counting
    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.
    For tomorrow when someone asks,

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-rust-repair.624412/page-4#post-21494800

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replacement.466036/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-to-replace-with-frame-replacement.412820/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replacement.305531/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replacement-03-tacoma.580017/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2003-frame-replacement.564006/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/taco-frame-replacements.422991/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replace-options.371181/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replacement-question.305272/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replacement-repair.517164/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/working-on-replacement-frame.496560/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/newb-with-frame-replacement-questions.454239/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-frame-replacement.274409/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2001-frame-replacement.112230/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2004-frame-replacement.549034/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-rust-fame-replacement.542366/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-few-issues-with-frame-replacement.469660/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/curious-about-replaced-frames.465296/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-after-the-frame-replacement.321292/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/back-from-frame-replacement.319859/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/“frame-replacement”-wow.535293/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pictures-of-frame-replacement-process.333091/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replacement-questions.222496/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2001-frame-replacement.132951/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2003-frame-replacement-denial.520173/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/starting-my-frame-replacement.461046/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replacement-2003-tacoma.460331/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/another-new-frame-replacement-question.405950/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2001-2004-frame-replacement-instructions.116398/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replaced-dealership-photos-of-process.83278/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-frame-replacement.506528/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2003-frame-corroded-needs-replacing.361743/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2002-frame-replacement-done-experience.134740/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replacement-on-2000-2004-tacomas.51878/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/replacing-rusted-frames-on-a-2000-tacoma.573310/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jaskynyrds-ongoing-frame-replacement-thread.381798/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/if-you-had-your-frame-replaced.306491/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dealer-frame-replacement-parts-list.171452/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replacement-pics-on-my-04.474363/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rusty-frames-being-replaced-by-toyota.148190/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame.393505/#post-10858999

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame.444948/#post-12974476

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-rust.430098/#post-12371208

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-rot.609682/#post-20619071

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/while-im-getting-my-frame-replaced.358224/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2002-tacoma-frame-being-replaced-anything-else.287399/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rusty-frame-replacement-question-please-help.201869/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-replacement-if-you-had-to-do-it-again.194839/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ement-dealer-recommended-repair-costs.582637/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-2004-tacoma-needs-frame-replacement.438029/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/getting-frame-replaced-suggestions-for-new-suspension.422297/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/01-04-frame-replacements-how-they-ridin-regrets.206204/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/has-any-one-had-their-frame-replaced-recently.144312/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-frame-replacement-parts-list-image.370851/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-frame-and.321881/#post-8411432

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-installation.593956/#post-19886072

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2000-2004-taco-frames.423536/#post-12100706

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/more-frame-questions.371729/#post-10173136

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/another-frame-question.604738/#post-20379652

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/replacemet-frame-on-the-way-need-advice.288023/#post-7210734

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...a-wait-receive-new-frame.132104/#post-2565936

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rusty-frame-opinion.470267/#post-14162874

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-swap-need-advice.165683/#post-3404244

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-frame-extras.522844/#post-16609505

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-else-should-i-do-when-my-frame-is-replaced.349088/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-rust-problems-solutions.2765/#post-21648

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/getting-a-new-frame.429831/#post-12361498

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/undertaking-my-own-frame-swap.530481/#post-16977957

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/need-advice-on-frame-rust.585909/#post-19530081

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/quick-frame-rust-question.362379/#post-9838309

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-frame-repair.419089/#post-11924577

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urqq8FbVvb0&feature=youtu.be

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsQRBHy5RPc

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7YK2rIzskg

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaRAfhw8Z4A

    upload_2019-9-8_12-31-13.jpg

    https://www.autorust.com/product/tacoma-safetcap-kit-locations/
     
  6. Sep 8, 2019 at 12:45 PM
    #6
    970btu

    970btu Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    462
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ty
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    99 Tacoma 3.4 5spd ext limited TRD 55K and counting
    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.
    I did not know this when I first joined.
    This would have helped me, it might help some others with searching.
    upload_2019-9-8_12-42-48.jpg




    upload_2019-9-8_12-43-28.jpg

    upload_2019-9-8_12-44-10.jpg

    otherwise you end up searching all the forum and who really cares about anything else but first-gen/best-gen (-frame) lol
     
    GQ7227 likes this.
  7. Sep 8, 2019 at 12:53 PM
    #7
    GQ7227

    GQ7227 mw survivor

    Joined:
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    309km east of Hazard ...the good life
    Vehicle:
    '97 black SR5 0g ~ MT @ 176k ...
    black woolWax, green IFC, borlaCB, custom Line-X PC drums, skid, nuts, hooks, 1/4 silver frame...
    that is very detailed for the advanced search feature!

    i just mark search this forum and titles only which sometimes needs an exact match if you have too much criteria, does not often yield the nitty gritty
     
    970btu[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Sep 8, 2019 at 1:01 PM
    #8
    970btu

    970btu Well-Known Member

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    Gender:
    Male
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    Ty
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    99 Tacoma 3.4 5spd ext limited TRD 55K and counting
    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.

    Is this better?
    upload_2019-9-8_13-1-30.jpg
     
    1997tacomav6 and GQ7227[QUOTED] like this.
  9. Sep 8, 2019 at 1:08 PM
    #9
    GQ7227

    GQ7227 mw survivor

    Joined:
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    309km east of Hazard ...the good life
    Vehicle:
    '97 black SR5 0g ~ MT @ 176k ...
    black woolWax, green IFC, borlaCB, custom Line-X PC drums, skid, nuts, hooks, 1/4 silver frame...
    i have many questions, i shall direct here maybe

    had my rear up on ramps and hosed from the back with highest setting on garden hose
    this defective paint stuff started accumulating down in the front and not a place to go and was plugging the front drain hole
    is my frame shot and will fall apart on the road now

    this is all my big skinny finger could muster to pull out of the bigger hole in the front on the side
    there is a large amount of this up front and will start clogging the itty bitty drain holes now and rot rot rot if i dont do something about it immediately
    can i just push this accumulation out of the front somewhere with more hosing or does a more evasive measure need to be employed
    all i felt before was sand and dirt inside until I took the hose to it! what now?

    '97 defective paint chips fron front driver.jpg
     
  10. Sep 8, 2019 at 1:23 PM
    #10
    970btu

    970btu Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Gender:
    Male
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    Vehicle:
    99 Tacoma 3.4 5spd ext limited TRD 55K and counting
    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.
    :eek:

    Being proactive is smart!

    Me personally, I would try to get as much as I could out even if it meant drilling some more holes. Shop vac, pipe cleaner on drill, or what ever you can think of.

    then once it is completely completely dry
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HE5k5zU31I

    https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-i...Nsk1GcMNRlIv1lgS5lI4wXvS8CWwbrexoCFq0QAvD_BwE


    When I had my bed off I welded a new rear frame section on, I ran an all thread on a drill with a small chain welded to it up the entire frame. Then I followed with a chimney sweep, then I bolted a flat iron on the end of the all thread and drug out all the debris. Then I ran a shop vac in with pvc extensions and a 90 at the end.
    I welded all the safe-t-caps on, then I drilled a hole high in the frame by the engine, before the cab, taped all the holes up and poured in https://www.amazon.com/Magnet-Paint-Co-Chassis-MPC-UCP99-04/dp/B00EP8BYNK/ref=asc_df_B00EP8BYNK/?hvadid=312061936460&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1962155880274436956&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030802&hvtargid=aud-801381245258%3Apla-570672557211&psc=1&ref=&adgrpid=63195598478
    chassis saver magnet pint with a funnel and let it cure.

    Then I used the eastwood frame coat to get the sides and the top of the inside.
     
    GQ7227[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Sep 8, 2019 at 6:17 PM
    #11
    Tacomasaurus Rex

    Tacomasaurus Rex [OP] Well-Known Member

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    You guys are "AWESOME" and all this information in one place is very helpful to all who may ask. Sadly that's probably the most concerning problem with these trucks. Not sure how the recall worked and how or if owners were contacted. I'm kind of surprised as these truck are very popular that they aren't making the frames into perpetuity. Seems if you wanted to make up on your recall losses this is a way to do it. I'm into Camaro's also and you can practically buy a brand new 1st generation Camaro. Hope one day this is somewhat so for the rusted frame but everything else is good Tacoma's.
     
    GQ7227 likes this.
  12. Sep 8, 2019 at 6:29 PM
    #12
    GQ7227

    GQ7227 mw survivor

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    309km east of Hazard ...the good life
    Vehicle:
    '97 black SR5 0g ~ MT @ 176k ...
    black woolWax, green IFC, borlaCB, custom Line-X PC drums, skid, nuts, hooks, 1/4 silver frame...
    owner's were contacted by official letter i think but only in 'certain states'
    i was not contacted 10 years ago and yet I live in a snowy cold weather state surrounded by other snowy coldweather states that did not qualify for whatever reason but a notification would've helped so I could've possibly investigated further instead of dealer giving me the AOK and send me on my way! after I found out about the problem years later
     
  13. Sep 8, 2019 at 6:40 PM
    #13
    Tacomasaurus Rex

    Tacomasaurus Rex [OP] Well-Known Member

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    How did recall work on those rusted frames? Sounds like a silly question but I'm supposing that as these frames failed someone was harmed and there was a lawsuit. What was the last year that the 1st generation frames were being replaced? Want to say I read prior to my purchase something about a warranty extension. Called the dealership about frame on truck I originally looked at... They took vin and said I missed recall by less than one year. Ended up buying one two years newer and the same dealership said frame replacement ended years ago. If there was any truth to what they said mine should've still been within allotted time. A frame from 95 is bound to be worse to some degree than one built 8 years later. Thinking I'm way misinformed should've found this forum first. Gonna need new frame or good used one in about 1 year. I start getting some retirement money then and that's the first thing I'm gonna treat myself to. Don't cheat yourself, treat yourself!
     
    GQ7227 likes this.
  14. Sep 8, 2019 at 6:47 PM
    #14
    Tacomasaurus Rex

    Tacomasaurus Rex [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2003 Black Tacoma 4x4 TRD fully Automatic
    Sounds like the United States of screw the consumer!
     
  15. Sep 10, 2019 at 5:19 PM
    #15
    Tacomasaurus Rex

    Tacomasaurus Rex [OP] Well-Known Member

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    SOooooo just curious what was the mistake that the Tacoma frame makers made that allowed the frames to corrode so fast? Did all of the frames made by Toyota suffer the same fate? The ones that were in the southwest survived probably because of the lack of exposure to salt. Not a metallurgist so what happened to the frames? My 1972 Cheyenne frame I'm messing with still looks great. WTF... Toyoda?
     
    GQ7227 likes this.
  16. Sep 10, 2019 at 6:20 PM
    #16
    onakat

    onakat Well-Known Member

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    Yes, tundra, sequoia, 4runner, FJ Cruiser, all of these are just as prone to frame rust and rot. What causes frames to rust is the winter salt and chemicals. But it's not just toyota, any vehicle no matter the manufacturer will rust to shit when exposed to this crap. Then of course, the type of alloy and the quality of the steel itself play a role in how long it will take before it will rust through...

    But even the best quality of steel will end up rusting if exposed to a corrosive agent, like winter salt

    @GQ7227 I did use a small magnet attached to a string to get flakes of rust out of my frame. I pushed it as far as I could in the sqaure holes on the frame rails and I dragged it out. Did this on all holes and in both directions (left/right) until I stopped geting flakes on the magnet
     
    GQ7227 likes this.
  17. Sep 10, 2019 at 7:25 PM
    #17
    GQ7227

    GQ7227 mw survivor

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    309km east of Hazard ...the good life
    Vehicle:
    '97 black SR5 0g ~ MT @ 176k ...
    black woolWax, green IFC, borlaCB, custom Line-X PC drums, skid, nuts, hooks, 1/4 silver frame...
    did you back it up on a ramp or hill and flush with a hose what you could to the front area?

    my new aftermarket catback exhaust/muffler is made of aircraft grade steel guaranteed to 1 million miles and is non-magnetic
    it has not seen its 1st winter yet so will have to monitor it

    i will try the magnet method, i was going to try to tape up all the holes except for the biggest one and try to use my heavy duty shopVac as a suction tool. if it siphoned two washing machines full of water it should have enough sucking power :notsure:
     
  18. Sep 11, 2019 at 2:23 AM
    #18
    Maximo_23

    Maximo_23 Well-Known Member

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    Saved for later
     
  19. Sep 11, 2019 at 5:24 AM
    #19
    onakat

    onakat Well-Known Member

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    no, I didn't need to put it on a ramp, there wasn't enough crap in the frame for me to do that. Unless you have big rust holes all over your frame where the water can drain out, do not put water in it, because the trapped residual water will cause your frame to rust.

    yes, a shop vac with a long flexible hose taped to its end will take care of most of the flakes when inserted into the square holes
     
    GQ7227[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Sep 11, 2019 at 6:03 AM
    #20
    GQ7227

    GQ7227 mw survivor

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2018
    Member:
    #275019
    Messages:
    29,298
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    J A Y
    309km east of Hazard ...the good life
    Vehicle:
    '97 black SR5 0g ~ MT @ 176k ...
    black woolWax, green IFC, borlaCB, custom Line-X PC drums, skid, nuts, hooks, 1/4 silver frame...
    but i am not spraying saltwater inside to wash it out :notsure:
     

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