Frame replacement

New Bilstein shocks...

 

Emissions-control stuff that I didn't even know existed until I saw my truck with the bed removed...

 

I have given the new frame a coat of Fluid Film since these pictures were taken...

 

Engine back in place...

 

This is where it started to resemble a truck again, instead of a 2-ton jigsaw puzzle...

 

Immediately after getting it back...

 

seems like it'd be easier give you a new truck or offer up a cash or trade-in settlement. I dont know if Id feel safe on the highway after all that done by a Toyota mechanic

 

I had to bring my truck right back to the dealer because it jump out of drive and into neutral every time I hit the brakes, and it turned out that the locking mechanism that keeps the gear selector in place hadn't been reconnect. This was immediately addressed, and I haven't had any issues related to the frame replacement since. One of my biggest worries was that A/C was going to properly reassembled, but it got me through the summer of 2022 and it still works fine...

 

aaaaah, thanks.

 

Your frame replacement falls under the ZKA Customer Support Program which covers the 11-17 models. Taking a brief look at the ZKA Technical Instructions only the LCAs and brake lines get replaced with new, while the leaf springs and fuel lines do not. Regardless, keep us posted with any updates or whatever you find out from the dealer.

What did you replace your LCAs with? Upgraded aftermarket, OEM, or aftermarket OEM replacement style?

 

If you plan on keeping it for a while, I would consider getting some new parts/work done while they have it apart. I wanted to get my shocks replaced, new muffler and water pump done when my frame was replaced in 2021. The dealership put their master tech on it and I met with him while it was torn down. They didn't have any of the parts in stock and the tech had the job done the next day. I gave him $100 cash and asked that he make sure it goes back together properly. He said he had done 50+ of them and apologized for not being able to tie up the bays to wait on parts. 18 months since and not 1 issue. Hopefully yours goes as well as mine.

 

I used aftermarket OEM LCA's they were done last year well before this came around. I won't be upset if they put factory ones back on. But I guess we will see. I may call tomorrow and have them do the waterpump while it's out.

 

Yeah I'd take the new OEM LCAs any day of the week over aftermarket OEM replacement types. Bummer you already replaced them, however, there is a note in the ZKA notice that mentions potential reimbursement consideration for previously paid for repairs related to the customer support program with instructions being provided in the owner letter. That might be something you want to take a further look into.

One thing I should've mentioned earlier on the fuel lines/tubes, in the ZKA notice there is a provision for ancillary parts like those where if during the frame replacement they're damaged during removal and/or too corroded for reinstallation, then their replacement would be reimbursed.

 

I had my 2011 with 149,000mi inspected in December and qualified for the frame replacement just under the wire. Dropped it off Wednesday, received a 2023 Tacoma loaner, picked up the truck today (3 days!!!!). The only thing not covered was the rear bumper brace which had practically rusted away as well. I purchased that online in advance to get the discount and left it in the bed. I also had 2 front hubs waiting to be installed and had them put those on as well. So far so good! Frame and new bushings, springs, etc make a noticeable difference!

 

Did Toyota replace it with an upgraded frame with better steel plating or did they put the same frame with "bad" plating?

 

They put the same one back in. There is no "upgraded frame"

 

Like me, you sir now have a forever truck, if it wasn't already lol... I was shocked and so happy in 2018 when the my local dealer informed me of my free new frame... and rear leaf spring pack... all on recall....
I handed them all new front suspension parts and an add-a-leaf for the rear and got a little lift for no labor charge...

Love Toyota!

 

Listen, I'm glad your happy (really, I am), but your frame was not replaced due to a recall or out of the kindness of Toyota's heart. Instead it was the result of a federal class action lawsuit against Toyota, which resulted in a settlement allowing Toyota to admit no liability or wrongdoing and offered an extended/enhanced warranty (not a recall) to customers. Don't think for a second that if given the opportunity (i.e. no lawsuit) Toyota, like most corporations, wouldn't have likely left customers hanging with a rusty and rotten frame.

 

I'm surprised that after so many years, Toyota still has (and replace) the same frame with the same rust issues.

 

So how long does it take for the frame replaced?