2005 Tacoma Frame defined

I have a Michigan 2005 Toyota Tacoma. It runs great and I have had no major mechanical issues in the 2 1/2 years that I have owned it. The body is in good shape as well. BUT, you guessed it, the frame is in terrible condition...

The Toyota dealer I purchased it from in May of 2015 had said it "passed inspection" before they recoated the frame (and immediately before I saw and purchased the truck)... I moved to Idaho two weeks after purchasing the Truck and within 6 months of my time in Idaho I took it to a local foreign vehicle mechanic for some maintenance before he told me it was the "worst frame" he has ever seen. He stated that there was a recall and I need to follow up with the local dealer. That prompted me to take it to the local Toyota dealer for another "inspection". The local dealer basically looked up the record of the vehicle which showed it had already "passed inspection" in Michigan and so they echoed the previous conclusion. I have since had additional maintenance done at the local foreign vehicle mechanic, who reminded me again that it was the "worst frame" he has ever seen, and again I followed up with the local Toyota dealership a second time (a year after their previous conclusion) who again said it "passed inspection". Ironically, this "inspection" occurred during the the same time they were replacing the degrading leaf springs (recall).

The 2 1/2 year old coating has nearly completely shed off of the frame, exposing the rusty red-brown degrading eye soar. I recently applied some additional rubberized coating to at least the outward facing portion of the frame. I am not a mechanic, but I agree that it is also the "worst frame" I have ever seen as well.
This truck has 169,000 miles on it and it is my second Tacoma... I have fully anticipated getting 300,000 miles out of the vehicle and have babied it as such, however, I am afraid that at the current frame's condition and rate of frame degradation, that I may not get 200,000 miles.

I understand that as a result of the "Final Settlement" (May 21, 2017) that the frame recall is in effect until May 21, 2018. Today, I got under the truck and took a couple of photos of an area that I believe should be considered part of the frame. Can anyone tell me if what is represented by the photos is part of the frame and explicitly defined in the "Final Settlement" and if so, if it meets the "Rust Perforation Standard"? Also, what is required of an "inspection test" by a Toyota dealership?

Thanks in advance for your time.

 

Uh, yeah, that's a mess. You definitely qualify for a new frame. All it takes is one 10mm hole.

 

I think you need to go to a different dealer.

 

Call Toyota customer experience.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-frame-settlement-postcard.468756/page-62#post-16213009

 

They need to quit looking at the records and look at the frame.

 

There’s no way that frame doesn’t qualify. Definitely go to another dealer ASAP!

 

yes yes and yes

 

So I got in to the local dealer's service department and they are going to begin the process with Toyota to get a new frame. They have submitted photos and documentation to begin the process. Now, I wait to hear what their response will be. The Service rep at the local dealer said that she can not see why they would deny the application. I can't see how either, but will cross my fingers anyway.

 

Don’t worry, you definately qualify for a frame replacement.

Has that dealer done any?

I had mine replaced a short while ago. I asked my dealer if they had done
Any before. He said they have done many and it’s the same 2 guys that do them. So took a shot and I’m very happy with the new frame.

 

I bought my 05 tacoma 2 years ago and the dealer gave me the same “it passed Toyota inspection” bit when I asked about some rust I spotted, from quickly kneeling and looking under the truck. I purchased the truck, then gave it a more thorough look over on the lift at work. I quickly realized this frame was way worse than I thought, or was told for that matter. I tapped around on the frame with the butt end of my pocket knife listening for that thin hollow sound and punched my knife through the frame! Full on rust shower and bout dropped my knife out the other side.
I drove it back to the dealer and made them put it up on their lift and I showed them the hole I made and tapped on it more, making the hole bigger and bigger. I’m pretty sure that got the message across that this isn’t passing any kind of inspection.
All this to say they replaced the frame. It took them about 1 1/2 weeks to do the work plus the 2 weeks for the frame to come in.
A couple things I wish I would have done is pay for the motor mounts to be replaced, as well as the rear tow bar, because if there is that much rust on the truck those items are probably rusted too. The tow bar wasn’t as big of a deal I bought one here and put it on in the driveway, but the motor mounts would be easier as they reassemble the truck.

 

I may be getting a new frame myself. Dealership is submitting my truck at this point to Toyota for approval. But you Comment above brings me to another question. If approved, What else should I ask them to do while its getting the new frame put on? I was thinking of asking them what they could do to the truck that would be covered or mostly covered by the labor that they are doing when they do the frame. I will use a fuel filter as an example. Its not covered, but i'm sure they have to cut the lines and replace them, so just pay for a new filter. Or maybe a new fuel pump, since the tank is exposed at this point anyway. Just like you mention above the motor mounts.

I don't know if any one on here did a list of "extras" to look at if their frame is being replaced. I have not see on on here, but if i missed it my bad.

 

Yea, I’m not really sure how or what they would charge for “extras” but I figured it would be worth starting the conversation. Surely something could be worked out to absorb some of the labor cost. (And don’t call me Shirley)

The motor mounts and tow hitch were just something I noticed after the replacement of the frame that I thought, “huh,that would have been nice”
I think just looking for overly rusted items and asking if they get replaced isn’t a bad question to ask

 

This, when I got mine inspected and it failed due to a hole, my service advisor said they will send the pics to Toyota for approval, when I asked if he thought it would get approved he said he had never seen one get denied.

My frame was no where near as bad as yours.

 

Don't know if I've ever seen a better example of "perforation"... I suppose you could shoot it for a more dramatic effect but otherwise yours looks like it should have been eligible many thousands of miles ago...

 

The Toyota dealer that will be replacing my frame made sure to clarify that this frame replacement is part of a "Campaign", not a "Recall". Previously, frame "recalls" only accounted for frame replacement only. No additional parts were included along with the frame. Any old parts were just removed from perforated frames and put back on the new frame. However, for this "Campaign", and as a condition of the "Final Approval of Class Action Settlement..." additional parts replacement has been identified. I have uploaded an image of the language from the "...Settlement" for clarity.
I also obtained a 'Parts List' of all the additional parts that will be replaced with my frame, and have uploaded an image of the parts list as well...

I will most likely create a separate thread under the title "Frame Replacement Campaign Parts List" to solicit more targeted feedback to try to more definitively identify what the parts on the parts list are.... and subsequently, what else to consider for replacement...

Outside of the frame and this "Parts List", I also plan to have the cab mount bushings, engine mount bushings, fuel filter, fuel pump, and tow bar replaced. I need a new master cylinder at this time, so I am just going to hold off on replacing that until I get the new frame since all of the brake cables will be replaced anyway (Why pay for brake fluid and the brake lines bled if I will soon get new brake lines and fluid with the frame replacement?).

 

My 2005 has this one hole that's developed. Do you guys think it's worth fussing with Toyota about? I'm aware that I'm out of the time frame.

 

Not worth the trouble. Go to a local off road shop, remove as much rust as practical, weld a plate over the area.

 

Have a appointment with a welder in a week. Then plan on POR-15-in this old sucker. Thanks for the response!

 

No, it is not worth it.
You’d be wasting your time.