01-04 frame replacements - how they ridin? regrets?

Just got the nod from the local dealer that my '02 frame failed inspection. Thought I might be able to drive for another 18-24 mo and take advantage of the 150% buy back alternative (assuming by then its cheaper than the frame replace).

Several questions to those who've had their frame replaced...
When was the replacement, how's it drive & any issues since?
What extras other than shocks/struts would you pay outta pocket to do?
Any regrets?
And lastly...anyone happen to have an '01-04 bought back?

Thanks!

 

My dad has an 01 Tacoma that had a bad frame. Had it replaced last september. The day he got it back we went to hunting camp to open camp for the upcoming hunting season. Got off the tar and onto the dirt, he decided to test out the 4wd since the road to camp isnt easily passable. He hits the 4x4 button and we hear a clunk and grinding noises. Come to find out, Toyota didnt tighten the front drive shaft bolts and it fell out, breaking the bell housing and a couple other things. Luckily we were going in with another person and were able to leave the truck and continue. Toyota gave him a really hard time about it trying to say it was his fault, but eventually repaired it free of charge

 

But since then no other problems. They had him replace his exhaust, but said his shocks/struts were fine

 

I had mine done in January, took them 3 days, 60 hours of labor, and not a single issue since then.

I was kind of waiting for something to go wrong, but, man, absolutely nothing...knock on wood.

 

Good to hear. I'm a little apprehensive about the whole ordeal.

 

OP,

Your truck is NOT eligible for the buy-back......re-framed or undercoated with a 15 year warranty.

My Re-frame and ball joint recall was completed June of '09 and I have not had problem one with my Tacoma. ..then again it has been trouble free since its purchase in 2002 and with 61000 miles it keeps bringing me home faithfully...


The "list" of what was replaced;
1) new struts and shocks dealer matched my outside price and I paid no labor
2)re-worked and Pm'd emergency brake hardware inside of drums( not part of the factory work)
3) all fluids drained and refilled with new ...
4) not a true replacement BUT I did drive around in a New PRIUS for 16 days, my "new" frame was 3-4 days out when job started..

Quick "HINT's" to make things easier on LIFE...

A) make your service writer a good friend by going over THE ENTIRE process BEFORE it starts;pricing and timeline,if it needs an extra day----give it too them !!!!
B) if you happen to be in the area while work is being done,do not be afraid to buy your TECH lunch ( I did and the "little" things added up quickly).....EVERYONE likes to be treated equally; the customer,writer, tech and the dealer....

You get a Tacoma worthy of another 15 years,dealership and its employees make $$$$ and TOYOTA gets a 2nd chance to keep another customer.....

 

I had mine replaced about 150000km ago. No major issues, one electrical clip wasn't done up and I there is a bit up a "thunk" sound when I hit a bump once and a while that we can't find out the source. Sounds almost like a door not closed all the way. This could have been there before the swap but I hardened up my suspension so maybe it's just more evident know?

I agree with others though, great opportunity to have a brand new '02!

 

Dropped my 2002 off on Monday, it was done yesterday. So far no issues but have not tried the 4x4 yet. Looks great however. Nice to see fresh set of springs, brackets, bolts, brake lines etc etc..Was looking at putting new shocks/struts but decided to hold off for now. No leakage. Was able to got to the dealer as they broke it down and could get a visual on anything that may be an issue. They also sent photos to me as they progressed. All in all, very satisfied with the dealer's handling of the situation. (I still would have liked a buy back option however!)

 

no regrets, no issues. Everything works like a charm. Only thing I paid for out of pocket is a new rear bumper as mine was rusting from the inside out badly.

 

I think I'm going to take mine in next week, all this talk of rusty frames makes me want to double-check mine... It looks okay to me, but you never know...

 

If they are telling you they will replace the frame DO IT! Toyota has been trying to back out of this generous offer for a few months now. They have refused to replace a few peoples frames, leaving them with worthless trucks. Don't wait on it.