Worth saving?

Hey everyone!

Just picked up a 2000 Tacoma for super cheap that has a rusty frame. The rest of the truck (body) is rust free and looks fairly nice. 220k miles, V6 automatic TRD. Clean title no accidents.

Been really debating if it's worth patching and driving for a few years. Been patched in a few spots and definitely needs a few more spots patched to be safe.

From the sway bar mount forward is solid if that helps at all

 

I would not put my family in that.

Might be fine for a few years on a ranch, or chop shop.

 

Slow down on the camera work. It does not look bad, I've seen a worse. But don't put your family's life at risk.

 

It doesn't look good but could you post stills or at least keep the video under the speed limit?

 

Mine wasn't as bad as that when I started. Even then, after getting the cab and bed off and really looking at the frame I started to have second thoughts. I actually spent a couple of weeks looking for a frame to buy that wasn't as bad as mine but with no luck. So I'm into in now. No turning back. I would like to have it done this year but we'll see. If yours is for a bang around town ride then maybe. Other than that, no thanks. I have also learned that unless you cut out all the bad areas then replace, you'll only get about 5 years before trouble comes back. For you, its all about weather the investment is worth it. But one thing for sure, if you do it, and get stuck, there are a lot of knowledgeable and helpful people here that are more than willing to point you in the right direction.
John

 

Patch it and send it.

 

Can it be fixed? Sure, you could use Safe T Caps. It's going to snowball worse as you get into it. I did caps on my 96 a few years back but it only had pin holes by the lower spring perches and the typical right rear shock mount issue.

If I was you and you really want to sink time and money into this truck I would look for a donor frame. I think it's easier to start with something not as bad off.

 

Part it out or find a new frame. I won’t have anything with a rusty frame.

 

It comes down to your skills when finished if your good it will be better then new.

I bought the same truck for $100.00 plus $400.00 for like new tires and wheels.

It is your call.

 

Appreciate everyones insight into it.. and apologize for the crappy videos. I don't think I'm going to dig into it, as I'm sure it will cascade into a huge job.

 

Where are you located? I will have a frame available in a couple weeks. Northern Wyoming