2010 broken leaf spring

So I crawled under my 2010 Tacoma reg cab 4X4 4 cal MT to check the frame. The damn thing is so rusted it's amazing. The edges of the 'C' channel section of the frame are completely rusted/delaminated. It seems as if every weld is heavily rusted. I first drove this truck in August '09 and it's got less than 39K on it.

On top of that the driver's rear spring is broken. It's the leaf with the unconnected wrap, still contained within the 'pack' but looks sketchy. Looks like it's been that way for a while.

I want to take the truck in for the leaf spring, it's covered under a recall so it looks like both rear springs will be replaced. I'm wondering if the techs will also inspect & spray the frame on my truck without replacing it - that would suck, as it's so badly rusted. I'm wondering if anyone here has had their 2010 frame sprayed or replaced. TIA for any info!

 

Grab a ball peen hammer and try to knock a hole in it so you get a new frame lol

 

Crawl under there and see if you have a 10mm rust hole. Especially look at the frame near the cats. If you have a 10mm hole, you get a free frame.

Don't let it be obvious that you've been banging on it.

 

OK, looked at the frame right next to the cat, 2 light whacks with a rubber mallet and this is the result:

That hole is about 3 inches long and about half an inch wide. Hope that means a new frame!

 

Yea that's a new frame, hurry and take it to the dealership

There is also a recall tsb for the leaf springs so you may be able to get new ones

 

Get that thing to the dealer asap and make sure they replace both the frame and leafs. There's a recall on both.

 

Don’t delay. I thought date for a new frame was 1/31/19

 

Frame inspection on my 2010 can occur until 12 years from 'date of first use'. That's 2021 for me.

With my low mileage I was not sure the frame would be in failing condition. I took over 70 photos of the frame; it doesn't even look like it would make it to 2021.

 

if it matters....just got new springs on the '05 w/173K

 

Damm that’s way worse than my 08 at the end of last year.
It had 166k on it. I would use some tie wire or something so the leaf doesn’t come out
of the pack and rip a tire or something..
I was having a leaf done every year until the tsb springs were done.
12 years from in service date is what the class action suit settlement says.
I’d take some time to find a good dealer willing to work with you.
Being in mass, I’m in vt our dealers do lots of frames and know how to make money.
It’s way easier to install new parts as to reuse old rusted ones.
A lot of dealers are happy to install parts you bought
Good luck with the new frame!

 

Thanks Jeffch....I'm using the same dealer I bought the truck from, they've treated me well for 20 years.

 

UPDATE:....Inspection at dealer took less than 30 mins; tech showed me the truck's underside on the lift, stated it was 'obvious' that the frame was in need of replacement, indicated it was an easy diagnosis. Dealer will complete all four recalls when 'parts' are available, I'm assuming it's primarily the frame thats the time-consuming component. Service tech told me they are being crushed by Tacoma owners bringing in their trucks during this final period of frame corrosion treatment. No 'trucks' available for loaners (for now) but they loaned me a Corolla for the stated 5-6 month process. All in all, a very pleasant experience at a very busy dealership.

 

New frame for you.

 

Damn 5-6 months mine took 4 days

 

Man, I have an 09 and my frame doesn't look anything like yours. Plus my tacoma came from Canada. The rear springs were replaced just before I bought it 2 years ago. At least you'll get a new frame.

 

I might add that the rear springs are being replaced under a different recall, as well as a spiral cable (speedo?) and a catalytic converter pipe. Tech told me no problem with buying new parts for the re-assembly.

As for the 5-6 month wait, I was first quoted 6-9 months; yesterday was the 5-6 month quote. Just gotta wait, no way around that.

I'm considering two new front springs, four shocks, tailpipe....Anything else?

 

Do the new leaf springs come with new shackles? If not they are cheap enough.

 

Not sure about the spring shackles...Maybe someone else who has had their leafs replaced can answer that.

 

Oof, 5-6 month wait. Won't they let you drive it until parts come in if there isn't an immediate safety concern?

 

Damn, 5-6 months I would have pushed for a tundra, 4Runner, or highlander for a loaner