04 frame replacement

Why are we all putting the onus on Toyota for "not fixing the issue"? The newer trucks aren't recalls either, they're extended warranties, just like with the 1st gens.

I think we could make an argument that perhaps Toyota doesn't care enough about cold weather states to make vehicles specific for those environments, but that's true of ALL manufacturers.

Other examples of non-Tacoma rusty shit boxes that people were almost certainly driving:

99 4Runner:


Ford F150 frame:


Unknown:


08 Hyundai Azera:


Isuzu:

 

Because toyotas have been known as rusty ahit boxes since the 1st gen mini trucks. Btw read the story on why the beds rot off, pretty interesting. It shows their QC and vendor management system sucks.

 

Only reason to go to a Toyota dealer for service is because of the free oil changes included with a new purchase.

I just had my last free tire/rotation/oil change in my '17 4Runner, and that thing won't see the inside of another Stealership if I can at all help it. I'll do my own oil changes/maintenance, or take it to the indy shop down the street that specializes in Toyota/Japanese cars.

I don't know why people think that the grease monkeys that work at dealerships are somehow better than an indy shop.

 

What's your plan for keeping up with TSBs by DIY and Indy shops?
@jbrandt

 

Like I said, IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.

If there's a recall that can only be accomplished at the dealer, so be it. But if there's a problem that requires troubleshooting, the dealer is just going to throw parts at it until something sticks, and probably charge me for it.

There are plenty of competent mechanics at dealerships, but there are also plenty of parts monkeys who are really just good at bolting and unbolting stuff. There are plenty of competent mechanics at locally owned independent shops who I'd rather give my business to.

 

So true, I was counting down the days until the "free" maintenace was up on our Camry. Pretty sure they never changed the air filter on it during that period.

 

We made the mistake of getting the extended warranty on the wife's '14 Corolla. I think she still has a couple of oil changes left on hers. They just ran out on my '17.

Once those are done, I'll just take half a day and change the oil in all 3 cars at once. It'll take less time and hassle to do all 3 than to just take one car in to the dealer. Plus, it's a great opportunity to have my kids help with the maintenance on the car they'll likely be driving when they're old enough (Wife wants a Model 3 when the kids start driving the Corolla).

 

my location seems to be more 'geared' towards the heavy duty domestic trucks that need to trailer horses, heavy equipment, grains whatever on the farms, which Toyota has not really made a truck for until the big Tundra came along. I have always felt a bias towards the often labeled 'Jap Crap' or 'rice rockets' here so I have always had reservations of going to places that do work on most any vehicle
thought the Toyota mechanics and monkeys are specifically trained / certified to work on nothing but Toyota or Lexus and knows them inside and out
but i think i see now that they may not know everything i thought they might

the local salvage lots can prove the bias here with the number of domestic small trucks compared to Toyota and/or Nissans

 

@JR2797 When I did my frame swap I did this method. Very basic tools. I did it in 3 days. Also I will have a few CA frames available this summer.

 

Literal shade tree mechanic.

love it!

 

They're around. Guaranteed.

People who work at dealers aren't necessarily enthusiasts. It's a job. They are also bound by what the corporate office tells them to do.

What really turned me off to dealers in general was back on '05 when I was in the market for a new truck. Went to a Toyota dealership, and told the salesman I wanted a 2001-2004 4x4 TRD Tacoma blah blah blah. First question the guy asks is "does it have to be a Toyota?"

Yes you moron, I'm at a Toyota dealer, aren't I?

Plus the whole time he's talking about how cool the Z71s are.

 

http://toyota.custhelp.com/app/answ...ervice-bulletin-(tsb)-and-how-is-it-obtained?

 

The last frame I sold back in October the guy had access to forklifts and a nice shop. Took him and a friend 1 day to do the swap.

 

from a collision/accident? bent frame?

 

It was an East coast truck that ended up in Sacramento. The guy got it for $200 plus $300 he paid me for the frame. It's a 96 frame under a 2000 truck.

 

Did he re coat the frame? Looks incredibly clean

 

probably, i see some overspray on the block it is resting on

 

Yes he used 7 cans of Rust-Oleum

 

Man, I hope he prepped it well.

 

Add 1st gen GM Colorado/Canyon to that list, Friends rotted out at the spring hangers, not uncommon for them apparently.

All I can say about Toyota is at least they acknowledge the issue.