Rusted Frame

Hello, I came here to ask for advice about the frame on my Tacoma. I have 1996 xtracab 4x4 that is automatic and a 4 cyl engine. I've had the truck for about a year and contemplate selling it due to the frame and it just being old. I love the truck but there are many spots that need to be fixed in the frame which has cracks and holes. I know if I weld over them it can rot from the inside, or even mess up the frame from the heat of the weld. The previous owner boxed out the frame about 5 years ago with 1/4 inch steel plates but missed some spots or other spots have gotten worse. I've seen pictures of rotted frames that are damaged beyond repair, but before I spend any more money to make it a truck that I want to keep for many more years, IDK if this is something I should do. I debate on buying the SafeTcaps for the front part of the frame where the damage is, as well as giving a shot at getting the other holes fixed up too. Has anyone on here done the same thing, or is it something that shouldn't be attempted? I have a nice welder but not the best experience for welding which isn't recommended unless done by professionals. I'm willing to practice before going right into it, and I know the SafeTCaps make it an easier job for the person doing it. I'll link some pictures of my truck and the frame below. Thanks.

 

I don't think this frame is salvageable my friend. This is something I've been doing right now to mine and it's nowhere near as bad and I had contemplated just getting another frame. If it's that bad there's other spots that are about ready to go I'm sure. The truck looks otherwise really nice though and I bet you it's worth saving but you're going to need a donor frame. Putting safety caps on that is dangerous

 

Fit for a Viking funeral

 

Man that is a clean looking '96 from the outside...be a shame to see it scrapped over the frame. I would also vote finding a donor frame to swap onto, or finding someone that wants to buy it and do that.

 

Check the list of Safe T Cap installers on the link below. Take your Tacoma to them for advice, estimate and repair if possible. https://www.autorust.com/safetcap-installer-network/

 

Not that I'm an expert on these matters but that frame looks way beyond what Safe T Cap can do, even if he repairs the sections they offer it seems like the entire rest of the frame is one speed bump away from splitting in two

 

I'm highly inclined to agree with you.
I think if the PROs tell OP no way he would be less inclined to try DIY.
There is a lot more to saving a rusted frame than welding on caps.
Been there done that 4 years ago and still DDing my 03

 

I agree with @Speedytech7 and the others. For what its worth, your truck certainly looks like one that is well worth "saving". It certainly would be understandable if you are either not up for, or not capable of, taking on a project of this magnitude. I would recommend giving some serious thought before investing the time to try and patch together a solid structure from the looks of things. Your time has to be worth more than whatever you may lose if sell the truck for exactly what it is; a seemingly nice looking, and otherwise well maintained, truck in desperate need of a donor frame.

Sorry for your unfortunate luck. I wish you the best in whatever you decide

 

Definitely needs a new frame. Either frame swap or sell to a guy who will. Looks beautiful on the topside!

 

Thanks for the advice Ill keep that in mind. Don't think I can get a used frame and even if I do its going to cost way more than the truck is worth.

 

That’s a very nice truck
I think I would look for another frame

 

I appreciate it, I love the truck and want to make something like this a build and not have to worry about the frame. Ive been contemplating what I want to do for months but after some good advice I think I should just sell. Im in college and would rather have a truck from the south or west with no rust, even if it means a bit more cash.

 

I would look but at the same time I don't think I could swap there frame in my driveway. Too much work, as well as no way I'd be able to get a frame near me in good condition. I live in Chicago. I also don't have the tools to do so, if I had a lift it might be worth it but I dont.

 

The body sure looks nice, but your frame isn't the only thing that's going to be rusty. Every bolt and fitting, exhaust, etc... are also going to be fairly rusty, which would complicate a frame swap.

No to say it's not possible, plenty of people have done frame swaps (Toyota won't do them anymore since it's way out of the warranty period - actually, the '96's were never offered a frame swap, they were bought back and crushed), but it's just an added expense you'll want to plan for.

The hardest part of a frame swap is sourcing the frame.

 

@Empty_Lord is always buying up project Tacomas in Chicago

 

He's the only one I know that would buy a truck with a frame that unsafe anyway

 

I'd be at the front of the line to give Toyota credit for their World Class Engineering applied to building some of the best and most reliable cars and trucks on the road. I'd also be at the front of the line to talk to the World Class A$$holes at Toyota that have spec'd the same cheap and inferior protective coatings on the Nickel/Iron/Cobalt Alloy vehicle-parts they've been using for well more than the past 30 years.

I'd stand in line just to tell those clowns that while I love my Toyota products, when I see the RUST problem, they have ignored for the past 30 years, I wouldn't walk across the street to pi$$ down their throats if their heads were on fire.

 

Owners manual states
Rinse road salts off

 

agreed

 

You do realize that this is a 26 year old truck that nobody has bothered to underspray with rustproofing oils in winters where they use a ton of salt? Other brands don't last as long as Toyota's so when there frame rusts out which they do also, the truck is wore out too. Fact - steel rusts and it is up to the owner to make sure it is protected - the protection from the factory cannot last forever.