2004 Frame Inspection - Should I have them...

I'm going tomorrow for my frame inspection, is there anything else I need to ask the dealership to look for when they are under there or do they do that anyway? I would assume they do, but thought someone may have a suggestion on specific things to look for? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

The dealership told me it would take 3+ weeks to get the frame in, then another week and a half to replace it, but they will provide a loaner car in the mean time...

If they do say yes to the frame inspection, what are some things I should have them replace when they are working on it? The truck has just under 135,000 miles on it.

 

Depending on the dealership and the mechanic that is doing the inspection, some will look at other areas that may need replaced: exhaust, shocks, brakes, cables. Make a point of asking for them to look at these items and any other you may think of.

It makes sense to have these replaced when and if they replace the frame. Negotiate with the dealer on having them done then at a better price as they are taking them off and re-installing them anyway.

 

Got the report on my Frame Inspection, it passed... Oh well, was hoping to get the shocks, etc. replaced at the same time, guess I'll have to do that later.

Only thing they could find was that it needed a new battery, which I already knew anyway.

 

Why did you have the frame inspection?

 

If you have a frame inspection (for rust) and it fails, then Toyota will replace the frame at no charge... During the frame change, you can get free labor on a lot of replacement items such as shocks, etc... (If your dealer is nice...)

 

Every dealership in houston that I have contacted acts like they have know ideal of what I'm talking about when I ask about the inspection. This sucks as I am the first owner of my truck and I never recieved any info on this untill I joined this forum.

 

Tell them that you want to have your frame inspected for rust. If you have an older model truck, there is actually a 150% buyback on them.

If they still act like they have no clue, then tell them to contact Toyota Corporate.

 

I stared my own thead so that I would highjack yours.
I am going to start by contacting toyota.
Thank for your help.

 

No problemo!

 

This is good to know, i thought the Frame Rust issue stopped after the initial inspection.

Toyota would say, looks good. Or needs replacing, and that would be it, one time shot.

 

There are some states that werent included in the recall because it wasnt "harsh enough" to rust the frames. Maybe that?

My dealer told me I can come in every year until 2019 and get it checked again. They also said I dont have to though unless I have concerns about rusting. Meaning it wont void the 15 year warranty if I dont have it checked every year.

 

really? I took my truck in for inspection but they dont records of any buyback or recalls for my tacoma
I live in the bay area

 

Go to toyotaownersonline.com and type in your vin. It has any recalls outstanding.

 

GREAT INFO Snowman.....

I have the dealership do my State inspection( required in NH) every year and while under there my frame gets a "once over"....usually lucky enough to have the "Tech" that actually did the re-frame pull this on his schedule ....

Scotrinaf, did they offer to "spray" your frame or no need and still gave you the extended 15 years ????

 

I'm wondering if its a good idea to spray the undercarriage (places where the frame rust would form) with a Raptor lining or other type of truck bed spray? I was thinking about doing that, but didn't want to void any outstanding frame warranty I would have down the road.

I'm taking my Taco in to get its 90k, will have them do the frame inspection at the same time.

 

This gets into "grey " area, do you see enough of salt and chemicals to justify sealing it or would you be better off "oiling" certain areas that are prone to rust.....The older frames that have "survived" up here in NH have either been washed religiously , "oiled" or a combo of both....

Those of us that have been re-framed or coated now rely on that 15 year extension....

IF Toyota is backing the 15 year extended for you,ASK them what will void the warranty.....

 

Good point, I will. I live in Georgia, and the first owner lived in Georgia as well, so I don't think its as big as an issue for me as it is for peeps up north. But if I can prevent now, I wanna try. Did see some rust under there yesterday. May just take your advice for now and try to keep it oiled until I can get something definitive. Thank you.

 

i would have the timing belt replaced for sure if it hasn't ever been done.

 

Thats a definite.

 

They said it looked good and since we don't have much salting around here, they said I shouldn't have anything to worry about.