Toyota is replacing the frame on my '05!!

I picked up my Tacoma two days ago. Looks like they had to replace the lower control arms also.

Here's a couple of before and after photos.



Everything seems fine at this point.
It seems a little strange to me that this was all done without any paperwork. (Not that I'm complaining mind you)

Now I need to plastidip my wheels that are just as crappy as the old frame was.

 

Congratulations! Glad to hear you have your truck back.

 

Nice!

Are you planning on spraying your truck with Fluid Film or similar product?

 

The place that inspected it yesterday recommended a local guy that does Fluid Film.

I'm kind of checking out the best options at this point.

I will definitely do something!!

 

Just curious, are there any differences in frame and suspension between an 05 and later models? It may explain the new LCA's...

 

Not sure, but maybe they couldn't remove the old LCAs from the rusty frame.

They had part numbers on them so I don't think they were part of the new frame.

I didn't ask.

 

congrats on the new frame.. great christmas gift!

 

The bushings and alignment cam eccentrics were probably frozen in place by rust. Another well known problem on these trucks. It likely was easier to just put new ones on than try and hack out the old bushings.

 

Oh yeah, they didn't replace this because they said it was still safe to tow my 19' Fleetwood camper.



They told me it would cost me $1100 to replace it.

I'll get an aftermarket hitch.

 

Haha, yeah, that hitch looks fine!

 

I had to cut the LCA's off my 2007 to replace the bushings. I'd be willing to bet yours were just a frozen ball of rust also. It was probably cheaper to replace them than it would have been to have a tech cut them off and then try to mess with pressing in new bushings.

As far as the receiver, I'd look for another OEM. If you go aftermarket, you'll need to get 2 plates that hold the bumper on because right now, they're part of the OEM receiver. If you lose the OEM receiver, you'll have to come up with a way to keep the bumper in place if you don't replace it with another OEM or source those plates.

Glad everything worked out!

 

Funny coincidence, my '07 came from S. Florida and is now in So. Cal. and it is rusty. Not falling apart, but rustier than I'd expect for a vehicle this age. It did live right next to water and did ride out a hurricane where I'm sure it got salt sprayed, but I've tinkered with a few cars from the same parking lot and they weren't rusty like this truck is.

 

Toyota must specify that their vendor supply frames that rust under any condition.

 

Thanks for the advice on the hitch, plus I haven't seen a 650/6500lb aftermarket hitch. (not that I need one quite that heavy but that's what the OEM is)

I would bet that I can find an OEM cheaper than $1100.

I haven't really looked yet since I won't need it until I take the camper out in the Spring. (at least the bolts should be unfrozen )

 

ask for a stainless steel frame...

 

I would love 2 get 1 of those. They should make it a option. Given the choice of a frame guaranteed to rust out in 5-10 years or extra $$ for SS I know how I'd go.

 

Ahhh.. But which stainless formula? As lots of knife guys (or anyone else who need dabbke with metals) will say, there is stainless and there is stainless.. Some stainless formulas are more susceptible to corrosion... I could sadly see Toyota cheaping out on the stainless, leasing right back to a rust bucket ( not just Toyota mind you.. I expect all makers to cut corners where possible...)

 

Even the cheapest grade stainless would be fine, but given the option I'll take 316 and admire it's shine 'till the day I die. Chromoly would be an even better option for a frame. All great thoughts, but expense would stop them all. Mine will probably never rust to the point of being dangerous which is somewhat a bummer because they won't replace it. I hate seeing it look like that, but not enough to pay for a frame. Maybe I should start salt spraying it.

 

Damn, I hope they start a recall process for all the frame rusting issues. Goodj ob op.

 

What about sacrificial anodes like are used on boat hulls? Bolt some small zinc plates directly to the frame and they will rust before the steel does. Problem solved.