02 Taco With bad frame...

For years my neighbor and co-worker drove by my house with his Tacoma (2002). He would stop an say Hi, I would always say if you ever sell your truck let me know.. He washed it several time a week kept in heated garage.. 2 weeks ago he announce that he was going to retire at the end of December, 2014. I took the truck to a dealer to have it looked at, they couldn't believe how nice it was, no rust (on the body) and said the frame was in good condition (I live in Wisconsin). I bought the truck 182,000 miles. Not sure what the dealer was looking at on the frame but, I found a hole that probably shouldn,t be there. I'm sure I know the answer that Toyota will do nothing! The past owner said he never got letter's about the TSB on the frame and would help any way he could.
Is there any chance for help?

 

Have the frame inspected at a (different?) dealer, you should have 15 years from 2002 to have it replaced if need be, so the clock is ticking...

 

^Yup they should still be replacing them on the 01-04 trucks. I need to get mine looked at also. It's solid but was coated by Toyota but that stuff is peeling off and there is some pretty unhealthy looking cancer under it.

 

The frame was never coated, does that matter?

 

I think it does but then again I am not sure. Still pretty new to first gens myself. Maybe try calling Toyota USA and see what they have to say. Have your VIN number handy when you call.