1st Gen Tacoma Frame Steel Grade

Hello everyone!

First time actually using the forum here so my apologies in advanced if I’m asking a previously answered question. I have a 2002 Toyota Tacoma that requires some serious work on the frame, bought it like that . I decided to go head and fix it and I’ve been doing some research related to the type of steel used on these truck frames , I would like to use the same steel grade for patching the rusted sections and fully box it but so far I haven’t had luck finding information about it . I tried to contact Toyota Canada but no luck so I was just wondering if someone can share some info or point me in the right direction . Thanks

 

Mild steel is mild steel. Just weld it as you normally would.

Make sure you disconnect your battery though before doing so!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

I have a mixture of angle iron from ACE hardware, 3/16 plate and 1/8" plate in various spots patching up holes. If you aren't wheeling it, I would do 1/8" and call it a day. 3/16 can be a bit of a PITA to weld on because of the thickness difference between it and the factory foil and it's easy to blow through.

Disclaimer:
I am not an engineer, just some idiot on the internet, so if you crash and die it's not my fault.

 

I reinforced mine with 3/16". I can't see the shifter move forward and back when I step on the gas anymore, so I think it helped.

 

Any mild steel with a carbon content in the mid thirties like A36 is good.

why would you want to use the same steel used by Dana to build the Toyota frames which seems to have been a very poor choice

The A36 I used 20 years ok is holding up just fine.

For Tacoma Frames I had 3/16" sheet bent to 3"x5" Angle .

If you lack the skills or time to make your own parts Auto Rust is a option ! Last I looked very $$$

 

It can't be the same "DANA" that built axles right??

Whatever DANA made the frames, it seems like they used recycled Campbells soup cans and the tin foil off of gallon jugs, without a doubt it wasn't good steel to begin with...

 

Indeed it was the same Dana Corp. just a different division!!

Then you need to know Dana Corp did not produce the steel they just produced the frames.

I have looked over the years I have never found out just who made the steel.

The funny thing every coil I ever hauled into the different Dana locations. Had the steel specs attached to the coil plus a extra copy with the bill of lading.

 

A number of manufacturers seemed to have issues with poor metallurgy and/or milling in the 90s and 2000s. Many frames from the 50s and 60s would just rust at the surface, but stay solid for decades, while the newer ones would flake off and delaminate after only a few winters.

 

A company called Saf-t-cap (I think) makes replacement or reinforcement caps for these frames. I’d look into it.

Also if you drive to California I bet @Sperrunner would give you his rust free frame.

 

The problems really started when the move to enclosed frames to save weight was started.

Winter Chemicals road dirt got trapped inside the frame the small drain holes got plugged very fast.