=DIY frame repair=

My 08 TRD is no longer eligible for frame replacement so I am looking into repairing it myself. Most info and all kits I'm finding are for Gen1.

https://www.autorust.com/product/fr...ouble-cab-4-wd-left-driver-side-tac-159xd4-l/

I can make what is needed, but does anyone know who makes repair parts for Gen 2?
My understanding is that the worst rust is usually to the rear so I am hoping bed removal will expose most of the area I"ll need to access.

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The problem with many rusted frames that eliminate them from repair is that there is insufficient good metal to weld a patch too. The worst rust is always inside the frames that you can’t see. The rabbit hole can get deep.

 

Many Gen1 frames are repairable, and I know my Gen2 is. Rusty Gen2's have been around for 16 yrs, yet I am finding no info on frame repair.


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I tore into it today. The tow bar is fine but the bumper support is toast.

 

The bed is easy to remove, and will give plenty of access to inspect potentially repair impacted areas in the rear.

One of the main areas of concern tend to be inside the boxed part of the frames up front; next to exhaust components. Just a heads up.

 

Holy hell man. Where do you live? Just bought an '09 and about to do some frame protection. You're making me nervous to poke around! Haha

 

The previous owner was somewhere in the salt belt. Here in Western NC the roads only get salt a few times a season. I can't explain why the bumper support is in so much worst shape than the hitch, it's a lighter gauge material but that wouldn't account for all of it. The bed is not off yet, but I took a good look at the frame, armed w/ a chipping hammer and it's not as bad as I imagined. At the rear the worst seems to be in the front leaf mount area. The front is boxed and looks good but that doesn't mean it is.


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No one makes off the shelf kits for 2nd gens unfortunately.

The hitch might have been replaced which is why it appears so much cleaner than that support member. The support member is also flat and a perfect place for salt brine and crap to just sit and rot away the metal if not thoroughly rinsed.

 

I can only guess the demand for second generation parts is not high enough yet to design and build them.

Just make your own custom parts as needed.

 

That may be it.

This is an excerpt from the email I got from Safe T cap...

We will have a full line of parts Mid to Late March. We do have the Front section right now it fits the extra cab and the double cab only. Single side $229.95 set $449.95. They are not on line you would have to call in to place order. this part starts at the control arm cross member and ends 10” after the trans. cross member.


Regards,

 

I live in a rural area so I'm to worried about getting snagged for no bumper.

 

Saf-t cap makes the front frame section for 2nd gen tacomas. It's not on their website but I just ordered the kit to patch a massive hole in my c channel. You can order it over the phone. Apparently they are making a full frame kit for 2nd gens soon. I've got s set on they way, will update when I get them in and installed.. wish me luck. Rest of the frame is ok from what I can reach. No idea what happened here :/ in washington state

 

@mach1man001 ^^^

 

Thanks! I'm going to look into this.


@Bruce988jl look above

 

Third gen. owner sticking his nose in here. Can someone give me a quick rundown why these frames with holes aren't eligible for Toyota to replace? It is an issue of too much time passing or geography or something else?

 

Too much time passed on my 2006 taco and Toyota just being really unhelpful.
The previous owner may have been able to get it replaced but did not need to or want to at the time.

 

Got it, okay thank you. So it was eligible at one point but then it wasn't done for some reason the window of opportunity closed.

 

That's what happened to me. 3 weeks past my 12 years and Toyota didn't want anything to do with it.

 

Guess I know what I'm ordering later this week...