1st gen frame problems

Hello everyone. Recently purchased a 2002 Tacoma 3.4V6 4WD. Unfortunately found out after the fact about the frame recall. Timing was off and the truck had no power so I took it to dealership and got that taken care of. They noted that the frame was rusty and although it’s not rotted out yet, they didn’t know how much life it had left. I’m here to ask what steps I can take to get the most life out of the frame. I just financed this thing for five years. I’m not a wealthy individual so I gotta do what I can. It’s got an undercoat on it that, best way I can describe it, is like a dry-ish black grease. I can wipe it off with my finger. Any idea what it is by that half-ass description? I intend to wash/rinse the frame off after driving in salt conditions and keep it in a garage with one of those snail-shaped fans going to dry the frame off as quick as possible. Any other suggestions to prolong the life? I’m winging it here, thanks so much.

 

Go take pictures of the frame, as many as you can.

safe t caps can be welded in to reinforce rotten spots. It’s not the end of the world but it’s an uphill battle. Hope you have a welder friend

 

It is good to know where the truck has lived !!

It was never a recall just an extended warranty.

Many good threads about frame repairs and frame protection. Many use products like Fluid Film or Wool Wax on a annual application.

With lots of Love your frame can last as long as the rest of the truck or longer

Good Luck!!

 

A ray of hope! Thanks friend! I’ll get the pics tomorrow, we’re experiencing a winter storm today. Also I’m in ohio. To the other commenter, can I apply this fluid film right over top of this greasy substance that’s on there now or do I need to strip it off somehow?

 

It all depends just what has been applied to the truck.

It might be something similar doing the same thing . Is it possible to contact the seller and ask?

You also need to spray inside the frame as well

 

The grease is probably Fluid Film, it's good goods for corrosion protection but sucks to get off. It's lanolin based from sheep's wool oil.
There's a whole section listed below about problems and solutions.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-prevention-treatment-consolidation-thread.355928/

 

Hi everyone. I'm a newbie to this site, but a veteran of Toyota Trucks (2003 Tundra SR5 200K mile club). I'm considering purchase from a customer of a 1998 Tacoma SR5 with good title that is in very pristine condition except for the frame, which limited inspection revealed heavy rust damage. The owners were told by their dealer to take it home and park it, dangerous to drive - which the did. Is it worth repairing? New frame or bolt/weld on kit(s)? They want $1,500 for it.

 

That’s up to you, are you willing to go the distance? Are you going to source, do the work, and troubleshoot along the way, and then at the end of the day is it worth it ?


I did it

yes and no when it comes to if I think it was worth it. I had a piece of shit I turned into something respectable but the headaches along the way were stressful.

point being it was a quest and I learned so much along the way. But I ended up selling it and buying exactly what I wanted.

 

What is your end game a nice project for a off road toy new DD for a daily 100 mile commute.

That is 100% your call if you have all the skills and tools to do the work and a nice shop

If you need to farm out work only you know

Miles and drive train come into play. Then everyone has their own idea of Pristine Condition .

I paid $500.00 for a 2000 Tacoma with my version of Pristine Condition.

3.4 5 speed 4x4 I just wanted the tires The seller said " Give me another$100.00 for the truck"

Good luck!

 

I'm starting to wrap up my semi-restoration. Started pretty much like you, a bit of a surprise. I went a little further than needed in patching before the caps but the caps are a pretty good value. If you have the tools, a lot of it can be made from sheet pretty easily. If you are halfway handy, it isn't a terrible job. Just took me a while because I couldn't put the time in all at once. I've documented my progress here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2002-double-cab-frame-rehab.774605/

 

I’m sorry I couldn’t get the pictures today. With this winter storm and the holidays not a single car wash was open (I went to five of them) and the undercarriage needs cleaning first for better view. This cold snap is supposed to end in my area by Wednesday, so hopefully will have pics by then at the latest, but I will definitely try sooner.

 

gzig5- how much time did you have in that restoration (ballpark)? That looks awesome. I would love to do something like that. Unfortunately I work two jobs, 7 days a week. Time is my enemy.

 

I feel your pain any idea how soon you might be working only one job?

This was my problem I worked out of Town millwright jobs .

Then I got hurt I have enough projects for another life time.

If it was me I would pass till you have lots more time to invest rather then get money tied only to realize this is not working.

Best of luck

 

I started putzing with it in June or July. Hit it hard for a couple weekends, mainly having my son (slow and inefficient) chipping rust off with a hammer and then I got a good needle-scaler going, which was a godsend for my compulsive side which required every barnacle to be chipped off. After that it was a couple hours on the weekend and an hour or two during the week. I spent a lot of time forming the patches and dressing the welds, as well as re-creating all the boxing and supports that were removed. I recreated the upper shock mounts rather than replace them with the parts I bought from SafeTCap. took me a couple weekends worth of time creating the rear cross member, mainly trying to figure out how to do it with material I already had in hand. Took a couple hours creating new bump stops rather than spending the money at Toyota for new ones. There is a definite low cost priority to this project. So don't take my schedule as anything near real time. To simply clean it up and weld the caps on would be a three day weekend worth of time not counting waiting for paint to dry etc. I spent a LOT of time chipping rust off rather that some of the sealing options. It has been both frustrating and fun. I have a great sense of accomplishment. Hopefully it won't fold in half on the first pothole.

 

Ok so I’m sorry for the delay but today was the first day I could get it up in the air a bit to take photos. If anyone is still around and could chime in with an opinion I’d be grateful. I for sure found one hole by the rear cab mount on passengers side so I’m ordering the SafTcaps for that section both sides. Thank you all for your comments.

 

Safe t caps. the frame is not terrible not good

 

Pray tell what is sprayed on the under carriage ?

How many other rust spots does it cover??

I sure hope it is not flammable .

good luck.

 

Go hit everything with a ball peen hammer to find any weak spots that arnt easy to see