Positive start to getting my frame replaced!

Took my truck into the dealer here in tx the other day and thy went ahead and took pictures and got everything sent off to Toyota. I spoke with the shop foreman and he said they had another truck that was getting the frame replacement and I ask how they compared and he said they were similar and mine might be a bit worse. He sounded optimistic about Toyota replacing my frame but was real up front about it being a very slow process. For those who have had your frames replaced, what was your process like? Just trying to prepare myself.

Thanks

 

Had mine replaced this past summer. From the inspection till the replacement was done (2 wks in the shop) was about 1 1/2 months and cost toyota $13000. She drives like a new truck now!

 

5.5 weeks in. Still no time estimate of when parts/ frame will arrive. Passionately hate Suzuki rental car. Feeling mildly homicidal. Hopefully your frame swap will go much quicker than mine

 

Results seem to be quite mixed, I hear a lot about them forgetting to torque a lot of bolts down. And many people have a perfect experience with it and have no issues.

 

I had a 1999 Tacoma TRD, DAR Toyota in Frederick Maryland said it was unsafe to drive (they were right). They were very helpful in dealing with me, no problems whatsoever.
My truck became part of the Buy Back program witch took it out of DAR Toyota’s hands and into the hands of the buy back team.

It took me about 3 months to get everything settled .

 

Alrighty, glad I got it all started by now then since I will be moving in January. Thanks for the input guys!

 

Has this truck spent it's whole life in Texas? I only ask because I believe Toyota only offered frame replacements for 01-04's registered in "Cold Climate" states for a significant amount of time.

 

My overall experience was positive. I just got my truck back today as a matter of fact. The whole process took two mechanics 3 day total. I also got a free loaner car. I went ahead and had a Toytec 3" lift kit put on, since it was already all apart. I saved a good chunk of cash on the labor charge for that luckily. When they got in there they discovered a few minor issues that I had fixed like output shaft seal on front driveshaft etc...

I thought I was going to be slick and push my luck on more discounted labor rates to replace the clutch considering that the drivetrain was already out of the vehicle laying on the floor... but no go. They wanted to charge me close to $800 parts and labor... For $250 job, so point being, don't think that you're going to get the total hook up if you decide to have additional work done.

 

I guess I've been out of the loop for a bit. I wasn't aware the frame replacement program was still in effect.

I put myself in a Tundra 18 months ago. I love the Tundra but I really missed my X-cab Tacoma. I found a '04 wrecked one with a clean title to rebuild. I guess I better keep an eye that ones frame.

I just like the comfy feeling of the "wearing" my truck vs sitting in one. I'll keep the Tundra, but for everyday running, the Tacoma is the shsit.

Edit-I just checked the Tacoma's vin for any recalls-it shows that Toyota has this truck on an inspection program for the frame.

Hmm-the things one learns by just wandering around the interweb.

 

My truck was in Minnesota for almost its whole life. Then went to Illinois and then to me. I will keep you guys posted.

 

Talked to the dealership this week and my frame replacement was approved! They said it will take about 2months to get everything in and then they will start working on it. Hope it goes well! What all do they replace when they do the replacement?

 

That list is too big to list. The box of replaced parts is about the size of microwave carton. Just try to imagine all the nuts and bolts that have to be removed to replace a frame. The kit comes will all new bolts and nuts to do the job even if they are not broke when they remove them.

 

Bamahoyt

What dealer are you having yours done at? The reason I ask, shows you are from east texas (as am I) and my 2001 tacoma is at the toyota dealer in longview having the frame replaced. If that's the case, you are right. The ordeal is taking awhile. Mine has been in there almost 6 weeks and they still haven't received the frame.

I am curious to see how they do once they get it done and see what the final result is like. Hopefully they do a good job.

Stewart Cleesen is the service advisor at toyota of longview that has been handling mine.

 

Mine is going to be done at Gullo Toyota in Conroe, TX. My truck hasn't been taken in while they wait for parts though. They said I would bring it in once my parts got there. Does this sound like what usually happens? I understand that all the nuts and bolts and stuff will be repalced but wasn't sure about sub-frames and all that jazz. thanks!

 

Bama,

Everything that direct bolts onto the frame rails will be new....less your drivetrain..Cab and bed will be lifted off,drivetrain unbolted then placed into NEW FRAME ....I also was given/campaigned new Ball joints in those new Uca's.....REMIND that service diector to PLEASE check for all Campaigns for your VIN...they make $$$, Toyota has one HAPPY customer and you...Well...who else gives their customers NEW after the fact..

PLEASE remind your Service Writer that the "Spare tire carrier" Campaign is in effect also....My '02 was re-framed in '09 but my tire carrier was done in 2012......

Good luck and after 4 years of "NH living" my "Re-frame" still looks new...some of the stickers still exist.........Hmmmm maybe because I understand "Living in New England" means a little bit of PM goes a looooooong way...

 

Awesome, thanks for the input. Yes, they put down that my spare tire carrier needed replacing as well!

 

Hey Bama,

My experience was great. Waited 3 weeks for the frame to come in, they gave me a rental...funny it was a crappy suzuki too! I gave them a whole bunch of new suspension parts to put on when they reassembled the truck. They were happy they had new parts to deal with!

Bottom line, truck was ready in less than a week and drives like new.

Cheers,

D'Arcy

 

Hopefully its that quick. He told me it would take several week once it got in the shop with all the parts. All I can do i wait and pray! Thanks for the input guys