Rusted out Frame 2000 Tacoma

I bought a 2000 Tacoma in 2007 and a couple of weeks ago heard something creaking so when i checked it out i found The leafspring on the passenger side had pushed through the frame .
I took it in to Toyota and they said all they had a problem with frames from trucks of the year but the extended warranty ran out in 2015 sorry !
I’ve since contacted Toyota USA and verbally over the phone told me the same thing!
I was trying to get her to email me Toyota’s stance on on this subject but she said that wouldn’t happen unless i had a lawyer???
At this point i don’t know what to do.
It’s been a great truck no problems. 190,000 miles just broke in.
Any ideas or offers?

 

I’d say the whole frame is shot

 

I got the T-shirt.

I just welded plates all over the frame and drove it for another 150K. Of course I'm a skilled fabricator, so my situation is different.

 

Unfornutaley Toyota gave the 1st gen guys 15 yrs from date the truck was built. My 2000 was bought back back in 2010.

Had Toyota not come through with the number they did to buy the truck from me. I was planning on having the frame cut and new section welded in. I think the dealer quoted me $3500 or something like for a new frame. That doesn’t count labor to install though

 

Welcome Rick

 

If it were me, I’d unload the truck for whatever I could and buy a newer truck.

 

I would get good insurance and run that SOB
in the ditch and total it. Take the insurance and find something nice.

 

You’ll have a hard time getting full coverage on an 18 year old truck. It would be my luck, I’d get in a wreck and someone would sue me for driving an unsafe vehicle.

 

Go for option number two. That is hauling ass
down the freeway in the rock n roll lane with cars on your tail like Daytona 500 and slam on the brakes, let them total it for you and then call the ambulance chase lawyers and
then with the settlement go for a TRD Pro.

 

And hopefully everyone lives?

 

I am really considering getting a good frame for this truck it’s a great truck it’s a bad frame so can someone on this forum tell me the frames that are usable for my truck I have a 2000 Tacoma four-wheel-drive SR5 extended cab thank you In advance.

 

It's the same frame.

 

What’s the same frame

 

I’m actually trying to find a good frame closer to home if possible, other than an exact same truck do you know of other years or body styles that have the frame im looking for?
I’ve got to tell you the truth I’ve never had to wrench on this truck not one time
I wish I would’ve found this forum a few years ago this would’ve been Toyotas problems .

 

Holy crap.... Sorry to hear that OP. Welcome to Tw!

 

And possibly get in deep shit for committing insurance fraud! Great advice

 

Sorry this is happening. Your not gonna get anything from Toyota. This has been a know problem with a remedy for years so dont waste your breath. Either find somebody that is a skilled fabricator and have them do the best they can and fix it, or find a new frame and replace it. Mine was a $12k at the dealer so probably more than the truck is worth. I am sorry gonna sound like a dick but i think you are screwed. Good luck though with your current situation.

 

Welcome to TW! I'd get a new or another used truck as replacing that frame is going to be pricey and a pain.

 

Why have you not been paying attention to the frame as time went on?

Your frame shouldn’t bust randomly one day and come as a shock to you. Obviously you haven’t been under there doing maintinence... and obviously thats the original suspension... not sure why thats the case.

Chaulk it up to a mistake and if you buy another Tacoma, take care of it and get it in for frame replacement under the correct time period.

And obviously, don’t drive the truck anymore. Its no longer safe for road travel.

 

The frames are the same thru the years except for a small difference with the frame fronts on the 2003-04.

If you need an extended cab truck, find an extended frame donor truck. Try to find the same motor/engine combo as well, it will save a bit of fabrication work.