Telltale signs if a new frame?

Well, aside from the OBVIOUS (frame and crossmembers), I have made some observations that have me sure that my 04 frame was replaced:

New shocks
New front springs
The nuts where the steering column bolt to the inside of the firewall look brand new.
Brake lines from the anti-lock are factory new. The lines running to the back look new.
It rides tight, like a new Corolla.

I got this at the Mecum auction a week ago and really just lucked out.

How much do you think that these swap-overs cost (from a retail prospective)?

Thanks



If not for the ODO showing 180k, would guess it had 12k on her.

 

I don't think that year had a recall for the frame. Where is the truck from? Mine has 160K on it and I still have all the factory stickers on the frame and it looks very new. Environmental factors are huge. Looks tidy from the lil pic I can see.

 

BTW, how was Mecum to deal with? They have a few things that catch my interest on occasion.

 

The Mecum people were incredible, all of them. Not a weak link in the chain.
I placed my bid via phone.
They assigned a person who called 2 hours before the vehicles were coming up. While at the truck, he started it, looked the frame, and answered any other questions that I had.

Then he went to a second Taco, but he gave me an honest impression and addressed concerns that I already had (repaint), which helped me make a decision.

Everyone who assisted, and that I talked to, several different specialists, were knowledgeable and professional.

I was so impressed that I decided this morning to ship and sell my 1978 Buick Regal Turbo Sport Coupe for the May auction in Indianapolis!! I put my deposit down. There will be 3000 cars at that one. Well, 3001 now!

I would buy again by phone they are really like a well oiled machine.

Shipping is a very specific process, *for another thread. Youtube has some good info on that process.

 

Shocks and front springs were not replaced in the frame swamps. Rear leaves were. I don't think the bolt on the steering column was touched but maybe. Original frames have a bar code sticker on the frame in the pass front wheel well. Replaced frames have "heavy lift" stickers on both sides. The cost to Toyota from dealers was about $12k is my understanding. Post some pics -- would love to see the condition.

 

2004 trucks were part of the recall.

Can't you become a member of "Toyota owners.com"?

Enter your VIN and you will be able see all dealership work that was done to that truck.

 

I will definitely get some good shots to post. It's just SO COLD here in Boston!
but I think i have a faded square sticker behind the pass tire.
Thanks

 

I have a sticker and I know my Texas truck has never undergone the process


See sticker by rub mark

 

I didn't know thet there was an owners group, thanks.

Here is what I found: The one and only owner kept up with inspections. But one of the entries wasn't just an inspection entry. Here it is,

 

Geeze, I wish i lived in a dry climate. I live in the Broken Bolt Belt.

The mystery continues. I just posted some info based on Koditten'suggestion to join the owners group.

BTW, I have that same Impact Gun.
They work much better with a battery!

 

So it looks to me as though I have a frame that was replaced 5 years and 50k miles ago.
It was always garaged, that was a known fact.

Finally I caught a break and found my favorite truck.

 

I use it as a hammer

 

Mine makes a great paperweight.

 

I've been using the site for years.

I buy Totalled, late model, low mile Tundras and Tacomas and put them back together.

Here is a secret, you don't even have to own the Toyota to find the info. You just need to enter the VIN. You can look at anyone's cars service history from the dealer.

 

Wow, i am going to share that with a guy in Rhode Island who does what yiu do. He has 5 Toyota trucks, a 2-door 4runner, and others. I scored the perfect nerf bars from him.

Stock photo

 

Good to hear. It seems they have some deals on occasion. I have seen very nice daily drivers with low miles go for really fair prices. Been looking for an older AMG and also been on the lookout for older Bentley Turbos. I like to live dangerously.

 

Turn on youtube search RM Sotheby's .

live auction going on right now 1/24 4:39 EST

 

You can see the factory sticker in this photo of my '04 frame being replaced.

 

whoa, that is pretty!

Garth, do you have a string posted that describes the process and what parts were replaced etc.?
If so, I would like to read it.
Mine does have that sticker, although faded from 5 years/50k miles.
I will definitely treat and funny business, then paint. I only see an occasional quarter size spot here and there, but just surface stuff now.
Then do the Fluid Film or the one made by CRC. I think they are both lanolin based.

First, wire brush
next, OSPHO!
From the manufacturer:

OSPHO causes iron oxide (rust) to chemically change to iron phosphate - an inert, hard substance that turns the metal black. Where rust is exceedingly heavy, two coats of OSPHO may be necessary to thoroughly penetrate and blacken the surface to be painted.

It is the best stuff I have ever used. It works so well because it stays wet for 24 hours which gives it time to make its magic happen. So that is what sets it apart from so called rust converters.

Then I top that off with some rust oleum rust converter (overkill).
Then topcoat.

 

Factory instructions for frame replacement: