Dealer shenanigans with rust

Hey all, first post here. I have a 2012 taco, 2.7l manual. I just went to the dealer for a frame inspection. I personally found a few holes, but there were two holes that I could stick a screw driver in and have space to wiggle. With that being said the dealer said that they were "factory drain holes" and refuse to replace my frame. Could anyone shine some light on this for me and tell me if they are in fact drain holes? The thing is that the holes were only on one side of the truck and I couldn't find these "drain holes" on the opposing side. Any help here would be greatly appreciated. Will upload photos soon once the load properly.

 

Other photo

 

Welds flaking off too, I could dig them out if I wanted

 

They said my frame was clean as a whistle

 

Help orient me where the top two pics are. And welcome to TW.

 

First pic is on the right side (passenger side) pretty much under the air box-ish area. Near the front crossmember. The second photo is on the driver's side wheel well where the frame meets a cab mount.

 

We want to wish you a warm welcome to Tacomaworld!!!

Now as for your topic at hand:



It aint bad enough yet chief.

Your options at this point are:
Pay someone to scrape it and undercoat it.
Scrape it and undercoat it yourself.
Ask the dealer to put their oil based greasy slop all over it.
Spray some fluid film on it 1-2 times a year
or….
Leave it alone until it gets worse.


The frames have to undergo a “tap test” where they tap with hammers and screw drivers on several different areas of the frame to see if there are any failures. Yours clearly would pass with flying colors.

My 2008 was in better shape than what you showed in your photos, and last year I spent three days scraping all the mud, dirt, and loose rust out from under it. Then welded those pin holes like you showed, back shut, and undercoated the entire frame (as best as i could reach) with POR15. Then, I coated the inside of the frame with Fluid Film. Thats about the best you can do and even that, wont last forever unfortunately.

I’m sorry they didn’t act more helpful or treat your situation more delicately. But, you are fine, and your truck will still be just fine for years to come. You get to decide how long it lasts by which options you choose

Cheers!

 

In Maine with inspection, the frame has to fail inspection before it gets replaced. My first gen 1 taco was recalled and Tacoma paid me well over Blue Book for it. My second had the frame replaced. To keep the recall warrenty valid, it needs to be checked at the dealer, and as I recall may need the dealer frame treatment. So do what you need to do to keep the potential recall valid; on my Gen 2 taco, I had the dealer inspection then I did the full fluid fietlm treatment. My new gen 3 will get frame treatment that I'll pay for as I suspect that I'll have it a lot longer than the recall will be valid.

 

Maybe it’s a skid plate thing but I can’t find that first pic location on my own truck to save my life. I’m relatively rust free, was going to see if that really is a drain hole. Just can’t figure out where it is

 

I have similar holes in my '15 frame. I think because of the rust around them they just look like rust through. My frame is nearly spotless...so you can see them for what they really are.

 

Should of been coating your frame from day 1.

 

I've seen frames have those. I feel like they are drains of some kind in case water gets into the boxed channels.