Got my new frame - Initial thoughts

So they had my truck for 2 months and rented me a 2015 Dodge 1500 4x4 in the meantime. No complaints about the rental, it did everything I needed it to do. But I was glad to get my Tacoma back. Having that full size truck for 2 months convinced me that I'm just not a full size truck guy. I much prefer the size of the Tacoma. Everything's easier, including getting in and out, scraping ice off the windows, loading cargo, etc...

So anyway, I noticed right away that my truck sits higher now. The service guy at the dealer said that it's because of the new frame mounts. But the big surprise came when I drove it. Keep in mind that my Tacoma has 160,000 miles on it. I always took care of it, but used to feel like a truck with over 150k miles. Not anymore! It drives like a new truck! I used to feel all the bumps through the steering wheel and these Michigan roads made it feel and sound like a rattle trap all around, but that all has changed. It feels as solid as the day I bought it new in 2003. No joke, it really drives nice. I was planning on getting a 2017 Taco, but I'm pretty sure I'll be driving this one for several more years at least. I still can't believe this happened.

 

Good to hear! That's awesome you got a new frame and a new feeling ride experience.

 

What else suspension-wise did they replace, or did you have throw on anything new you bought (struts/springs etc.)

 

The warranty job included the frame, rear leaf springs, and lower control arms. I'm not sure how much little stuff went along with that, but I know there were new brake lines and frame mounts too. I had them put on new front struts, but I kept the rear shocks that were on there. Now that I'm loving the truck as much as I do I wish I wouldn't have been so cheap about the rear shocks. I had them do a timing belt and water pump too.

 

Offramp,

Is there any warranty or additional protection from Toyota that covers the new frame they installed? I'm looking at a used 01 that had a frame replaced by Toyota in 2009 and I'm trying to find out what, if any, warranty applies to the "new" replaced frame.

 

Glad everything worked out for you, Offramp.

 

In the process of waiting on my frame to come in and about to pull the trigger on some parts. How much did they charge you for the water pump and timing belt run you?

 

If you have the extra cash for it get everything you can afford . My parts were all at there cost and no labour fee. Stuff like u joints , cardan joint , rear tail light harness. It's real smooth to drive

 

im sure they put all new body mount rubbers all around the truck as well, that will make a big difference in the ride as well

 

Already planning on suspension of course all the way around. Just want to get as much shit that could be a serious fail point done while it's all apart.

 

You are in salt country. Do your self a favor and give your frame a year spray of motor oil. Bio degradable G- Oil through a garden sprayer. It will never rust where you can reach.

 

Even in North Carolina? Didn't think the salt was that crazy here

 

I assumed wrongly I guess. Did the truck rust out while being driven in N.C. ? If it did, oiling your frame works regardless as it works in our heavily salted state roadways.

 

What'd they charge you for the shocks install!

 

Pretty sure they install the shocks for free, if it goes on the frame they do it for free I believe. I could be wrong. All I know is that when the previous owner of my truck got my frame replaced I'm almost certain they re used my brake lines. Because I shouldn't have busted a line from rust in under 3 years. Which happened twice already. I think the dealer the previous owner brought mine to was really cheap about the whole thing. I'm talking with toyota about getting my 2 1/2 year old frame replaced AGAIN already actually, just talked to corporate today. It looks like it spent 10 years in the ocean on the front half of it. So one big tip, rust proof it NOW. Or you'll regret it later for sure.

 

Any ideas on what I should rust proof it with?

 

Preferably something like POR15 if you have the time and money. It's messy, and the 3 part process is very time consuming. But its worth it