Frame is cracking and I need help BAD

I just bought this Tacoma (2001 Xtra Cab 3.4 4x4 MT TRD SR5) from a used car lot in MS and I recently discovered the frame is cracked almost all the way through in front of the driver side leaf spring. What do I do? It already has some patches on both sides so it looks like it would be hard to properly instal the safeTcaps. I don't have any experience welding either.

Its a one owner truck that runs great and I have zero problems otherwise. I just can't believe I was sold this! The crack was covered with paint and mud when I bought it. The title says it was turned in at a dealer in IL and the Lot I bought it from bought it from the dealer. It was taken to a dealer in 2014 for the rear tire carrier but they didn't do anything about this. im feeling pretty screwed. I only work as a bartender and basically emptied my bank for a reliable ride to work.

 

That really sucks... they should have disclosed that to you. Take it back to the dealer you bought it from, if you just bought it, it has to be still under warranty from them. It might still qualify for Toyota’s frame replacement as well, I would check into that, which would be awesome, getting a reliable truck and a brand new frame. Good luck

 

That needs to go back, it has been previously plated to cover the rust too, look at those squareish pieces, those aren't stock.

 

I called Toyota and they said that it was not under warranty and there are no recalls issued. It is also not under warranty from the used car lot. Toyota said a new frame is about 6,000 dollars just for the frame. I WISH I could get a brand new frame. I just don't have money like that. I would even do the labor myself if needed. I have done an engine swap.

 

A company called autorust makes repair panels but you'll have to find someone to weld them in for you...

https://www.autorust.com/product-category/toyota-tacoma/tacoma-xtracab-4wd/

 

Try and pick up one from a wrecker yard with a better frame and swap?

 

Dang, that thing is a death trap. Look into this:
http://www.ago.state.ms.us/publications/a-guide-to-mississippis-lemon-law/

I know the law works really well in CA, I'd try that route with the dealer.

 

check your local laws but usually under 30days and they should be liable...

 

I had a non- Toyota dealer try to screw me over when my driveline snapped and broke the driveline, messed up the bed and disabled my truck on the side of the road. They at first said they couldnt do anything then I had some words with them and they fixed everything, even the tow back to the dealer. I only had the truck for a couple weeks, so surprisingly I wasnt out any money.

 

this was the auto lot http://www.maxcysautosales.com

 

I bought it on January 31st

 

And when did you discover the hole?

 

Take it back, and either get them to replace the frame on their dime or get your $$ back. That frame is toast, and if they even looked at the underside of the truck then they knew it when they sold it. If they don't want to play ball, lawyer up.

Don't accept any offers to 'repair' the existing frame, either. If it's rusted through there then it's probably got a bunch of other spots that are paper-thin as well.


Take a look at your purchase paperwork and see if there is any mention of "as-is, where-is" or if it gives any warranty details.

 

http://www.ago.state.ms.us/publications/a-guide-to-mississippis-lemon-law/

 

lawyer up

 

The key word is in that first sentence which is NEW. The OP is not going to find a remedy under lemon law.

 

it says possibly covered on used also...

 

*may

 

It worthy of a civil suit if need be

 

safety issue...so Id push the dealer to take it back or fix it...