Frame Rust

Just bought this 2001 Tacoma 5 speed for next to nothing. Body is in great shape, rockers and Bed are clean. Runs, drives, and stops fine. I know the frames on these things are usually the weak point. Based on these pictures does anyone think this rust is salvageable? It’s a 20 year old truck from New Hampshire so obviously there is going to be some rust. No obvious holes I tapped around with a hammer. Any input is appreciated.

 

Salvageable is in the eye of the beholder.

For some, they'd trash it.

For others, they'd pull the bed off, remove any and all rust, cut out bad sections and weld reinforcement plates.

We're not you, but I will say most would keep it and try to save it.

 

That rust by the leaf spring front hangars (front/rear) looks really bad, wouldn't be surprised if it breaks the hangars loose soon. That's often the common point of failure from frame rust on these. Or the rear shock mounts.

I don't have experience with rust other than all the threads and accounts I see on here, but that frame doesn't look like it has much time left as-is. Now if you were willing to cut/weld some Safe T Caps in place of those rusty areas you might buy some more time but it really depends on the rest of the frame where we can't see (inside the frame). Frame rot begins from inside

 

sounds like you got a good deal on it so I'd definitely look into trying to get some more life out of it. But I would address those problem areas soon

 

Even if I have to put time/money into it I’ll end up with a nice truck for cheap

 

Looks salvageble to this rust belter. I'd really whack the frame hard with a hammer to identify how bad that rust is. Looks like there are some areas that need to be cut out based upon the flaking in your second picture. Or wire wheel to see what it takes to get to bare metal in the problem spots. Probably get a cheap borescope to take a peak inside the frame. Then get to figuring out how you want to go about repairing the areas of concern.

 

X2

There are a lot of threads on here of guys fixing their rusted frames. More skill than I have, but it can be done. Never too late to learn, IMHO. Good luck!

 

Can you do the work yourself or are are you paying the going labor rate that is the question??

Another winter it would have been in far worse shape.

Lots of frame love good for another few hundred thousand miles.

Also clean and paint the rear axle where they are prone to rust.

 

I don't think that is the original frame, that square sticker makes me think it's been replaced at some time. A quick check at https://www.toyota.com/owners should tell you.

 

Those frames rot from the inside out. Even if it appears relatively solid I bet the frame rails are full of flaked off pieces of steel and you could likely punch holes through it with ease in multiple spots.

People will tell you it can be welded and patched but that's a bandaid at best. Once they've had a whiff of salt these frames are junk. I found out the hard way.

I'd say your best options are to source a clean replacement frame, or cut you losses and/or use it as a parts truck. You could try a patch and just beat around in it but at this point you'd be fighting a losing battle IMO.

 

Very true. I got under and hammer tapped around on mine before I bought it and couldn't find any obvious holes. It was obvious that the material was thinner in some spots than original. When I got the bed off to replace brake lines and get a better look, the driver side under the bed ended up being swiss cheese and the rear tank crossmember needs replacement because there isn't enough thickness to weld too and I am going to rebuild/patch the rear crossmember. I'm cutting out all the factory gussets to redo them and patching the holes in the rails behind them and will install SafeTCaps once it is patched, primed, and painted. I could just put the caps on but it would bother me knowing what is underneath. Moral of the story is that they rarely are in as good shape as they appear once you dig in, so be prepared for the possibility.
This frame looked pretty decent before the bed came off.





Long way to go

 

You come to a point where building a new frame is more cost effective then repairing sections .

Then the skill of the people doing the work also is a big factor .

Done correct it is stronger then new !!

 

you were right it was replaced in 2010

 

It amazes me that toyota replaced these frames and then people failed to maintain the replacement frames.
You have a tough decision to make, keep us posted.

 

Outside of Toyota Forums and people that fix the Toyota Frames few people even heard of the problems.

We still get a few who find out about the frame issues when the new to them truck is at home.

Many owners just tossed out the notice to get the frame inspected thinking it was a sales pitch.

 

The real amazement is that Toyota didn’t fix the rust issues in the new frames: they dissolved just as fast as the old ones, especially in a salty environment.

A frame is usually not something that needs to be “maintained” on a truck, short of washing off mud, etc,

 

Undercarriage maintenance IS addressed in the Owners Manual.

 

Yes, but that's just general advice about keeping it clean. AFAIK there's nothing about fluid film, corroseal, not to mention treating the inside of the frame rails, or whatever other things people say (used motor oil, woolwax, etc.).

These are fun and capable trucks, but unfortunately the frames are junk. Just about every other thread on here is about another one rotting out.

 

And the other half is BAMFs posting their phoenixes rising anew from the ashes of rotting out.

 

Yes but in certain areas it's a problem no matter WHO made the vehicle. Although it sucks for us as enthusiasts, Toyota put the same care and attention to detail that every other manufacturer in the market did. (arguably more since not everyone offered a frame recall)

I love 90s offroad rigs, here's some carnage.


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