2004 Tacoma Frame Replacement

First of all hats off to Toyota. I have a 2004 Tacoma that had the 15 year extended frame rust out warranty. I have noticed a lot of rust building up on my truck in the past 2 years and have been keeping an eye on it. In May I noticed two cracks over both rear axles. I decided to take it to my local Toyota dealer here in Akron, Ohio. The frame failed the test. They immediately offered a free frame replacement and gave me a brand new 2018 loaded Tacoma 4x4 as a free loaner while mine was being fixed. They had my Tacoma from May 5th until July 10th when they said my truck was done. I was ready to have my '04 back even after driving a 2018 for 2 months for free. They did an amazing job! I saw the repair order which was over $11,000. I had to pay $0!!. They replaced 2 pages worth of parts. The entire suspension, brake lines, frame, etc are all new. They even changed all the fluids and did an alignment. Again hats off to Toyota for standing behind their recall.

 

That’s awesome, it’s nice to hear good stories like that. Most times people only post when they have a negative experience.

 

Any pics of the new frame and other underbody components?

 

i would give some attention to your differential while every thing is new

 

congratulations!

Now have this frame rustproofed, both inside and out so it won't rust again. Or do it yourself with some fluidfilm

 

looks good man glad they came through for you

 

lookin good

 

Yep, that shiny new frame is good for 5-8 winters the most unless you take care of it every year. I mean it is not enough to go to shop and let them rustproof once for all. It does not work like that. The frame needs to be washed and fluid-filmed (or similar) BEFORE AND AFTER EVERY winter.

 

Lucky you, I have an 04 that I got a letter from Toyota because of the frame rust issue. It turned out my frame was good yet and they put a coating of something on it supposed to last 15 years. I wish I would have had the frame replacement instead especially with all the extra things put on oh well

 

I’m thinking of buying a 2004 Tacoma myself. If the truck hasn’t had the frame replace or repaired, can I inquire about it on the truck before I buy it to guarantee I get a truck with a good frame?

 

Nice job, OP. Congrats. Now rust proof!!!

 

Have your Toyota dealer inspect the frame, or at least run the VIN to see if it's eligible for the extended frame warranty (there were conditions for certain cold climate states which if not met void the warranty). Usually they will inspect for free. There are no guarantees in this life, but you can take measures to evaluate the condition and then make the decision to buy it or pass. Good luck.

 

Those caution stickers are sweet

 

I will be applying cavity wax to the inside of my rails....once its applied,no oxygen will be able to reach the metal....no internal rust.
But lets be realistic here....at 225,000 with a new frame,ill be the last owner of this truck.
So if in 12 years if it breaks in half with 725,000 on the clock....ill call it a good day....

 

Mine has 180k and just got a new frame. As well I will keep this truck as long as it runs. I feel as though I have a new truck with the new undercarriage. I definitely will be coating the entire frame to include brake lines etc. Like I said originally..Toyota stepped up and made me a life long customer.

 

Truck looks great, Glad Toyota honored the warranty. Enjoy

 

Awesome man!

Anybody have any tips to get the loose rust off the INSIDE of my frame before I fluid film?
I was thinking about a 1/4 inch cable or wire on a drill to whip the inside frame and loosen all the rust. The spring perches seen to be the worst. I can feel loose rust forward of the spring perches.

 

to remove the loose rust you could drill drain holes on the bottom of the frame and send water in with a pressure washer. The rust will break loose and will drain with the water through the drain holes. Then you will have to find a way to dry it... because don't go put fluid film while there is moisture inside, it will just trap it in!

to remove debris and dirt inside mine, I used a shop vac with a flexible tube taped to the hose and inserted it through every hole in the frame untill I stopped getting anything