Frame replaced

Just got my 02 PreRunner dbl cab back today from having the frame replaced. I also had the rear shocks and front rotors replaced as well. Initial impression; top notch work, truck feels very tight and rides solid. It looks really nice and clean under there. It took them two days to complete; done by Grappone Toyota in concord NH. They said they've been doing these for years and do about three per week; they're very good at it now. I've owned the truck for less than a year; the frame was coated but developed a hole discovered about three weeks ago by Grappone. Not a bad deal, feels like a new truck. Just thought I'd report on my experience.

 

thanks for the update..

Nice to see someone else have a GOOD experience with this Re-call..

 

I had mine replaced at Grappone as well. You clearly had better techs on your truck then I had on mine. They fucked up every possible thing. Broke shit, zip tied shit instead of doing things the right way. Then even managed to put screws through wires. Body mounts were loose, tried to get me to pay for parts that were included in the frame swap. The list goes on. Very bad experience!! Very glad to hear things have changed in a year. Its still awesome to have a brand new frame. Glad to see another Tacoma has been saved.

 

Sorry to hear that; my truck is super tight now...no more soft frame feel. I looked under the truck and everything is snug. My guess is it probably takes a certain level of trial and error before efficiency kicks in with these frame swaps. They did misqoute me on the price of the shocks when I cashed out but the service writer charged me the lower price I was quoted over the phone with no hassle. If gremlins pop up I'll be sure to report on it. Pretty happy right now though.

 

I had mine done a month or two ago! They had never done it before at Toyota Plano....kinda funny

 

I wish Toyota would replace my frame. Bummed I missed the deadline. They said because it was undercoated in '09 by IRA Toyota in Manchester, that I'm no longer eligible. It's supposedly warranted for 7 years from '09...but the coating is mostly gone at this point.

 

You've been given incorrect info; as long as you had your frame inspected by the deadline (which you did), it is under a 15 year warranty from original in-service date. I don't like Ira, bring it to Grappone; you should certainly be covered.

 

Do you think Toyota would re-coat the frame or do you think I could still somehow manage to get a new frame. Granted, mine isn't as bad as many others but the coating is all but gone and I'd be willing to bet it may have issues if the hammer test were to be performed. Is it a pipe dream to somehow manage getting a new frame?

 

No, that's the whole point. Mine was coated in 2011 but failed two years later. Bring it in; if it fails you get a new frame. If not, just keep bringing it in until it fails, which it will.

 

A stupid question by a newbie: what's the deal with rusted frames? My old 98 squeaks but I'm thinking its bushings. Can somebody give me the low down on this? Thanks!

 

On 95.5 - 2000 model year tacos, Toyota is giving owners of these trucks a buyback offer if the frame has a hole. If you haven't brought it in to get looked at, do it! You could be driving around with an unsafe vehicle. On 2001 - 2004 tacos, Toyota is "rust proofing" good frames and replacing those with holes due to rust. A rust proofed frame could still be replaced if it still developed a hole (like mine). Toyota also extended the warranty on the frames to 15 years after the original in-service date; yours could be out of warranty by now. This is not all cut and dry though as it seems some people have been denied a new frame for various reasons. Bring it in and see what comes of it.

 

Not cut and dry at all... I took it to my dealer and they "never heard of it", and "would never do such a thing" "Tacomas don't rust out"

 

This "deadline" you speak of...
I googled and what I came up with is that the offer was good till December 2012
Seems like a lot of you are still getting replacements and buy-backs, though
What's the deal? am I missing something? Is it because your frames were serviced or inspected before 12/12?

 

You got it flatback. If it was inspected by a certain date (this varied slightly Canada vs US) then you were now eligible for the 15yr warrantee.

 

AND ONLY AVAILABLE IN CERTAIN STATES.....


I will once again state BE LUCKY you had/have a Toyota.....Friends with Jeeps and Fords are having "rusty frames" and guess what ????

 

Too true. I had a 2008 F250 SD that was rusting from the inside out in 2011. Door skins and rockers had visible rust bubbling under the paint.

 

I believe the 12/12 deadline is only for NY. I think all other eligible states were 4/11. Someone with more knowledge can give specifics. Search "replaced frame" and a whole bunch of threads will pop up.

 

2003 tac frame failed, first inspection was in may 2012, when gas tank strap rotted off,they said the frame was getting bad bring it back in 8 mos for frame replacement, now they tell me the frame is shot, and by the way, because it wasn't sprayed it does not qualify for a new frame, I never recieved any notice of a undercoating recall. has this happened to anybody before? did you fight it? what happened.

 

On your 1st visit was ANYTHING put in writing about FAILURE ?????

I can NOT understand why some DEALERS put people through HE!! if they know TOYOTA will brunt the co$t of this..

Good Luck gershum.....Go through the WHOLE chain of command at your dealership BUT without being an a$$ at 1st...Why do I say this, If you get NO results from Dealer ,a regional Toyota Rep will find it easier to HELP a Sane Customer than a "Hot Head"....

Keep us posted....

 

yes I have the inspection repory saying it won't last much longer