Frame replacement. Replace suspension? Newbie here - help!

Hi Everyone!

Last month I bought 2005 Tacoma TRD Sport 4wd with 182k miles. It's a double cab with the long box.
The Toyota dealership just informed me that a new frame will be here in about 2 weeks for the free replacement (along with new leaf springs).

I know next to nothing about Tacomas and trucks in general, so I'm trying to do as much research as I can on this process and what parts I should buy for the dealership to install.

As far as I can tell, the truck is currently on its original factory suspension with added spacers for a 2-3" lift. Current tires are 33s on 16" rims.
Should I leave the suspension as is?
I'm open to buying new suspension parts. But I'm not sure what I need to get to ensure I replace the suspension system and still fit these tires.
So far I've heard good things about Bilstein 5100 adjustable struts. Would I need to buy my own springs to go with these?
Are there any kits you guys recommend that would include all the components to replace the original suspension?

I'm primarily concerned about the suspension at this time.
I plan on following dealer recommendations for other maintenance items while the truck is apart. Anything you guys recommend I do for sure or avoid?

We only plan on light trails for this truck. Maybe a rooftop tent in the future.

I'm in BC, Canada, if it matters.
If I end up buying parts, it'll probably be from partsengine.ca, tdotperformance.ca, or a local shop.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

Imo. If it’s bolted to the frame and is gonna be swapped I’d replace it. There should be zero addl labor for any part that is being swapped already.

 

Billy 5100’s are good. Add 600 lb springs (coils) if you plan to add weight. Regardless get new springs. Get all new bushings.

 

How did you manage to buy a ‘05 a month ago and get it approved for a frame replacement? That window of opportunity ship sailed a long time ago for that year of Taco.

 

The previous owner had already brought it in sometime last year to get this started. Covid delayed the frame arrival, and owner decided to buy a new Tacoma in that time.
Toyota service manager was able to confirm with me in writing before I bought the truck, so that's pretty much all I needed to hear.

 

Yeah the dealer says I'd have to pay for parts only. The problem is I have no idea what parts will need to be replaced. Or how much it'll cost me.

 

That’s awesome!

 

Go to the dealer and ask for the parts manager. Tell him want you want do to and you like a discount for purchasing a large quantity of parts for you frame replacement coming up. Then start a list, ucas, lcas, brake lines, mounting hardware, even body mounts etc. it will a little time cause you will to sit down and look at schematics with them, personally I’d drop a a few k in parts to create a new rolling chassis knowing that if maintained from this point on it’s gonna last a while.

 

The new frame comes with new lower control arms and alignment cams.

 

I just bought a 2005 that had the frame recall done this past August....so now there's 2 lucky guys here....!!!

 

New fuel/brake lines and upgraded leaf spring all part of the frame replacement.

 

Wth how are you guys getting frames??? Lucky SOBs lol

Also here's the procedure sheet for what they will do with the frame replacement. Pages 5-11 list what they should be replacing

 

Check out the steering rack for leaks. Good time to replace if needed.I had new drive shaft u-joints and steering intermediate shaft(Amazon $80...OEM was $300)

 

Like he said above...previous owners started the paper work in time...Lucky US to say the least...!!!

 

Worth the watch if you haven't seen it...won the lotto on this one...!!!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuo9uC42RVw

 

That's a great idea. I'll stop by the dealership and ask if they can walk me through their recommendations and parts.

 

Right on! Do you know if a lot of parts were replaced on your truck when this work was done? How does it drive now?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-should-i-pay.692439/page-3#post-24472036

Check out above...

I couldn't tell you all that was replaced as it was done prior to me looking at it..I wasn't even looking for another vehicle...this was just offered to me if i was interested first as he had 10 others that knew of it and wanted it. As for the ride...tracks straight as an arrow and not a squeak or rattle and it looks like a brand new truck from the underside. 2 problems i have at the moment are sticky drivers door switch for the dome light and a light bulb on the heat selector knob went out last night...lol

 

I'd look for some 3rd gen take offs for the front suspension. They'll bolt right in and give an inch of lift. The rear will get new springs but I'd either add a leaf or 3 or just replace them flat out. They're not the bestest..

Anything they swap from frame to frame that you want to replace should be no labor. Complete coilovers free. Swap coils to your shocks and they're gonna charge you.

With the motor out/body out of the way, now's a good time to do the timing chain and water pump. These can be done in much less time before the truck gets put back together.

 

I had mine replaced in the summer. I opted not to have them replace anything other than what was covered. So it was completely free. As far as I knew they would charge extra for anything else, and never mentioned free labor or anything like that.




First 3 are just brackets in the rear of the truck. I'm surprised they bolted and zip tied that crusty crap back in there.

Gas tank shield. Not sure how critical it is to have but mine is about to snap in half.

Cross member near the gas tank. I guess technically its apart of the body.

Front cross members. I really thought they would replace these. They are solid just surface rusted.

Those are the things I wish they would have replaced on mine. Also something to think about. They don't change all of the brake lines. Only the ones that run along the frame. I believe only 4 total. My brake lines going to front calipers were still leaking fluid after Toyota was done replacing the frame. Other parts I would think about maybe if free labour. Power steering lines, fuel lines. Would be nice to have all new lines on the truck. Shocks/struts.