2003 frame corroded, needs replacing

I have a 2003 Tacoma 2 wheel drive with 253,000 miles that I bought new in Massachusetts where I've always had it except for the past 2 months when I moved to Tennessee.
Recently Toyota sent me a safety recall notice regarding the spare tire carrier lift plate and that they'd replace it free of charge. I brought the truck to my local Toyota dealer who said they couldn't fix it because the frame was corroded and I would have to get the frame replaced first. They gave me the phone # of another Toyota dealer in Clarksville, Tenn who did body work who said they'd look at it (later this week) then they'd call Toyota to see what they wanted done and then the body shop would call me.
If it turns out they'll replace the frame free, great, even though I'll be without a truck for weeks. If they say they won't replace it free I'm not sure what my options are.
A few years ago I received another recall regarding the frame saying it needed to be looked at. The Toyota dealer then just sprayed the frame with something , didn't replace it.
(1) Does anyone have any experience with this type of situation?
(2) If they say they won't replace the frame who can I call or what can I read to check what my rights are?
(3) Should I expect a free rental car while the work is being done?
Thanks!

 

There are a number of threads on here about this. Did you ever have the frame coated by Toyota? That seems to be the deciding factor. It would need to have been done by the end of 2010 to extend the frame warranty to 15 years from the date of manufacture. Each situation is a bit unique, so I'd encourage you to spend some time on here searching for "Frame Replacement" or "New Frame" or "Rust Frame" and you'll find a good amount of information.

Good luck!

 

It's a 2003 and you got the undercoating done. This means that they will honor a frame replacement until 2018, exactly 15 years after the truck was produced. You shouldn't have any problems getting it done. If they do try to haggle you, keep bothering them and don't stop until they do. They need to stand behind their word to replace these crappy frames. Me personally, I think they should be required to replace all the frames on every single Tacoma year that it effected, whether they are rusty or not with better quality frames that last. That will cost them a fortune, but maybe they will finally get it.

My frame was undercoated before I got the truck and it seems solid now. But these frames rust from the inside out so there's no telling what's going on inside. I've never liked fully boxed frames for this reason. My undercoat is peeling off in chunks already. If Toyota wont replace my frame before 2019, I will just save up and have a real frame custom built for it. I am not going to throw my truck away just because of a rusty frame. She's only got 83k miles, I want to see her go to 500k before I even think about retiring her!

 

yep, if they sprayed it you have a 15 year frame rust warranty from that point so yes you will be getting a new frame but also as you guessed expect to be without the truck for 2-3 weeks. just being honest about it, they might tell you less but trust me it will turn out to take 2-3 weeks

 

If not longer. Some members here have been quoted having to wait up to 9 months because Toyota has to make new frames for the trucks and send them to the dealership.

 

I was just talking about after they already have the frame ready to go and the time it takes after you drop it off to them to do the swap, from the threads I read about it being done, it averages 2-3 weeks sometimes 4 even but it seams Toyota always tells you it will take2 weeks lol

 

Thanks to all. The dealer said Toyota will ship a free frame in 4-6 weeks.

 

how do you know if your frame was coated? mine is a 2004 and has no visual rust showing. I was curious if they replace frames even though they show no rust issues? if it was coated and you have until 2018 to get it replaced, is it something worth doing even though no rust is showing? id hate to not get it replaced and then after 2018 it starts to have problems. this truck was a present from my awesome wife and have no plans of ever getting rid of it.

 

Pretty easy to tell. There should be a rubbery black coating on the frame. It's a shitty quality coating though, mine's peeling off in chunks at the moment.

 

I was just at a local dealer on Monday... two rusted frames were sitting outside the service area... unreal on the holes and rot int them.

OP you may even be getting leaf springs and some other components too

 

You mentioned I might be getting leaf springs and other components. I'm guessing you think these would be free too. Would everything they replace be free or are there some parts I'd have to pay for? If I have to pay for some how would I go about determining if they were being honest with me or would I just have accept what they say. Thanks again.

 

You are in great shape. They will give you lots of free stuff that is original to the truck. You might have to buy a set of shocks and struts if they need changed. Those are regular wear items.

You will be getting a loaner car too.

 

It turns out that I'll need new shocks with the frame as they said they fell apart when they removed them. I'm not surprised as they are very old.
Are the shocks necessary to install in order to complete the frame installation or could I have the truck towed somewhere else after the frame is installed to have the shocks done?
If it's necessary to have the shocks done at the same time then that matter is closed. But if it's not necessary part of me says have it towed to save money on the shock installation (I'm guessing Toyota would charge me hundreds more than say a Meineke) and another part of me says don't risk towing it and just eat the high price Toyota will charge for the shocks. Also if there's a problem when I get it home I don't want Toyota to tell me it's not their fault, the tow or shock repair shop must have done something to it.
I'd be grateful for any constructive advice.
Thanks!

 

Don't over think it. Call your dealer and ask how much to replace the shocks & struts. Ask them if they'll install shocks/struts that you bring to them, in case you wanted to upgrade.

Toyota shocks/struts are not terribly expensive. Given that you'll like not pay for installation (since they have to come off anyway), it's a no brainer to have Toyota do it.

The truck can be driven without the rear shocks, but does need the front strut assembly in place.

 

Thanks Chris, that was good advice. I just called the service manager and he said he found a set of shocks for me for $47 each and there'd be no labor charge. Couldn't believe my good fortune!

 

I just got my 2003 back 3 weeks ago with a new frame, rear leaf springs, and lower control arms, all free of charge. I also had them put on new struts, which they did with no labor charge. My 160,000 mile truck now fees like new. HUGE improvement!!! You're gonna love it.

 

Might be worth your time to look at or talk with someone who has a legal back ground how the laws (local and fed) apply in your case. If the owner does work on his truck (oil change) that does not void the warranty. So if the previous owner has an undercoating sprayed on and it is still there then you might be able to force Toyota to replace the frame based on these laws.

Dave