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Frame Replacement

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by osb06, Jan 30, 2011.

  1. Jan 30, 2011 at 8:42 AM
    #1
    osb06

    osb06 [OP] New Member

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    Hi
    Next week toyota dealer will change my 2003 tacoma frame, they told me that is on toyota to pay for the replacement .
    I know they will be some surprise :confused: .... please any one have done the same job can tell me what should i be carful with before i drop it to the dealer.
    thank you.
     
  2. Jan 30, 2011 at 8:54 AM
    #2
    snoope

    snoope Well-Known Member

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    READ the 3rd STICKY from the top in this FORUM...( 1st gen.;) )

    and make your service writer your BEST FRIEND NOW.....
     
  3. Jan 30, 2011 at 9:19 AM
    #3
    gusotto

    gusotto gusotto

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    I'd measure the height of the wheels to see if they come back with at least the same. I didn't have a problem but some have complained. I wondered if they had height measurements before they went in.
    Hard to say it isn't the same without proof.

    My replacement went smooth. Dropped the truck off on Tuesday, went in every day to take pictures (not a problem with the dealer) and when I stopped on Monday for more pictures, the truck was already in the lot. I also gave a camera to the mechanic for progress pictures. It was his 1st job and he also wanted pictures.
    A trick to drop the cab down on the new frame is to mark the position of the wheels on the floor.
    Then when the new frame is ready to receive the cab, it should drop down with little problem. Just a hint the mechanics pass among themselves.

    Some of the work is removing of old parts and replacing same.
    I.E. Shocks, exhaust.... If in need, all you will pay is for the part. Labor is free! Take advantage of it! If shocks and/or exhaust is replaced by the dealer, it will become a life-time deal. If I ever need either replaced, it is free to me. (I have taken advantage of free exhaust before on some of my Toyota trucks.)

    I had new shocks, fuel filter (a lot of junk in there), radiator hoses (one end is already off) and a clutch installed.
    It was cheaper and easier to do the fuel filter and clutch job when out of the truck.
    I paid for all the parts and labor but the labor on the shocks and radiator hoses was free.

    You'll get a new frame, rear springs, brake lines, e-brake cable, lower control arms (LCA), hardware, new brake fluid, anti-freeze, recharge the A/C, front end alignment and free labor.

    Basically a new truck underneath.
    Mechanic said the bill sent to Toyota was about $12,000. More than what I paid for the truck in 2007.

    Not trusting the rust-proofing, I immediately ran the truck through a good wash, then took it to the local Ziebart dealer and had the truck rust-proofed. It was in good shape before but I wanted to get the frame covered.
    I expect to have the truck for at least another 10 years.

    Good luck on the replacement. It is a good deal.
    Had it done in January 2010. Never a problem.
     
  4. Jan 30, 2011 at 9:32 AM
    #4
    osb06

    osb06 [OP] New Member

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    thank you gusotto for the advice
    I had bad experience with dealers i don't trust them, but i have no choice on this one.
     
    HarleyLee likes this.
  5. Feb 1, 2011 at 9:33 AM
    #5
    obillo

    obillo Member

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    Hey Gussotto,

    Do you mind me asking what your total out of pocket cost was for that job?
     
  6. Feb 1, 2011 at 10:55 AM
    #6
    R.etheridge

    R.etheridge Well-Known Member

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    im assuming that since I have aftermarket lift, and oversized tires, the dealeship will not replace my rusted frame. Am I correct?
     
  7. Feb 1, 2011 at 12:38 PM
    #7
    clarkie152

    clarkie152 Well-Known Member

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    unless your frame is rotted through, your not going to be eligible for one. Also i dont think GA was in the recall list.
     
  8. Feb 1, 2011 at 1:25 PM
    #8
    gusotto

    gusotto gusotto

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    I don't mind you asking.

    As soon as I find the receipt, I'll post the items and cost.
    Has to be in this room "somewhere."
     
  9. Feb 1, 2011 at 1:45 PM
    #9
    mixaro

    mixaro Well-Known Member

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    my truck has a lift and all kind of aftermarket stuff, and they are putting a new frame under it feb 14th. they said that they will just put my lift on the new frame. So it doesn't matter if you have a lift, i just wish i had saved my stock tires, so i could have them put the stock stuff in, then take it out when i get my truck back and put my lift back in, then sell the stock new goodies. Plus i'm pretty sure they are changing out the shocks, along with the exhaust, leaf springs, break lines, gas lines, lower control arms, and the realigning it.
     
  10. Feb 1, 2011 at 1:51 PM
    #10
    gusotto

    gusotto gusotto

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    Yes, they will do all that but unless you pay for new exhaust and shocks, the old ones will be remounted on the truck.
    The labor for new shocks and exhaust is free but you will pay for those parts.
     
  11. Feb 1, 2011 at 4:31 PM
    #11
    R.etheridge

    R.etheridge Well-Known Member

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    I bought the truck from a dealership that got it at a auction in new york. The frame has a lot of rust on it but its mostly surface and pitting but not all the way through. Im not trying to get an entire new frame, although it would be nice, im just trying to get them to treat the rust thats on it before it gets out of hand
     
  12. Feb 1, 2011 at 4:51 PM
    #12
    gusotto

    gusotto gusotto

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    I'm in Iowa and Iowa wasn't on the original list when I was at the dealer.
    Truck came from New Hampshire. Yours was New York.
    Same set-up!

    My frame was rusty enough to fail.
    If the frame fails you get the new frame.

    The idea is to get the bad frames off the road to prevent an accident!
     
  13. Feb 2, 2011 at 1:13 AM
    #13
    R.etheridge

    R.etheridge Well-Known Member

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    ok well ill contact my dealership today and try to set up an appointment. Does it cost anything out of pocket for them to inspect the frame even if it passes?
     
  14. Feb 2, 2011 at 5:36 AM
    #14
    gusotto

    gusotto gusotto

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    No charge.
    The inspection is free.

    If it passes, the frame treatment is also free.
     
  15. Feb 2, 2011 at 5:41 AM
    #15
    R.etheridge

    R.etheridge Well-Known Member

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    sweet thanks for the help
     
  16. Feb 2, 2011 at 9:05 AM
    #16
    clarkie152

    clarkie152 Well-Known Member

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    just make sure if you wanna do any mods underneath the truck to do them before they coat it...the stuff they spray on is horrible to work with
     
  17. Feb 2, 2011 at 11:33 AM
    #17
    R.etheridge

    R.etheridge Well-Known Member

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    I have AAL's in the back, does anyone know if they are going to replace the leaf springs as well for free parts and labor or do I have to buy them and they will put them in? mine are in pretty rough shape from rust
     
  18. Feb 2, 2011 at 11:39 AM
    #18
    clarkie152

    clarkie152 Well-Known Member

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    if your frame does in fact fail. they'll schedule an appointment with you. (probably not for a couple months) as long as your nice to the service manager, if you provide them with the parts, they will replace for free labor, as long as it was coming off when they dropped the frame anyways.
     
  19. Feb 18, 2011 at 1:06 PM
    #19
    osb06

    osb06 [OP] New Member

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    hi
    check what they did to my tacaoma

    Photo0157.jpg
    Photo0158.jpg
    Photo0159.jpg
     
  20. Jun 3, 2011 at 5:46 AM
    #20
    R.etheridge

    R.etheridge Well-Known Member

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    whats the web site that has the article in it about the rusty frames?
     

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