3rd gen observations from a 1st gen owner

My '03 is at the dealership for a frame replacement. They've loaned me a '17 TRD 4x4 Sport DCSB while they've got mine.

The '17 is bigger inside and out. It's extremely comfortable. Very quiet. Much quicker. More sure footed. Lots of sexy bells and whistles. If the computer is to be believed, it's even getting better mileage than my '03. It's a dream to drive on the road. The tailgate is certainly beefier than the tinfoil that they used on the first gens. I like the bed light.

The bed is stupidly slick. The hood is high and wide making off-road visibility challenging. The leaf springs are just as bad as they were 14 years ago.

Mine is a manual transmission extra cab. The loaner is an automatic. I miss my clutch. I don't mind the DC, but I sure hate the SB.

All in all, if Toyota had offered me the money they are spending to put a frame under my old truck I'd have probably used it to buy a new Tacoma.

 

How and why is Toyota replacing a frame on almost a 15 year old truck?!

 

I don't know all of the details of how it has transpired, but Toyota put bad frames under nearly one million trucks (1st and 2nd gen, at least). Consequently, there are/were at least three different programs to deal with it. With some restrictions, first gens prior to 2001 that had rusted frames were purchased back from the owners for 1.5 times KBB excellent value. First gens 2001-2004 have had, with some restrictions, the frame warranty extended to 15 years from first use. I'm less familiar with the 2nd gen, but there has just been a class action settlement for those and Toyota is doing something, I just don't know what.

 

How bad is the rust? What parts were rusting

 

Almost everything under the body is rusting. I've used JB weld to plug a rust hole in my differential that was leaking oil. The thread for my truck, with pictures, is here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/i-know-this-isnt-the-first-frame-thread.506613/

Mine isn't the worst I've seen. Some have literally broken in half on the lift.

 

Wow that's insane!!!!

 

Just read your other thread OP, man I would have tried to just cut a check from Toyota and put it down as a down payment on a 3rd gen.

 

I certainly don't know the whole story, but I remember hearing that the frame rust issue fell on the supplier...Dana Corporation. They had QC problems with anti-corrosion frame dipping process, but only on the line that built Tacoma frames. Wouldn't be surprised to hear Dana is footing the bill.

 

I don't know it all, either. It was Dana. I have heard that Toyota sued Dana and that's where the money for the replacements is coming from.

 

Nice write up and comparison

 

I have so many good things to say about this post. Fuckin 1st genners. How is it you 1st genners are so much more affable than those 2nd jenners? You come into the 3rd gen forum like a GD gentleman. Bravo. Astute and to the point. It's posts like this that remind me I am a 1st gen owner FIRST, 3rd gen owner 2nd.

 

I agree with you about the sight lines. I think a lot of that has to do with safety regulations.
I give Toyota credit for fixing the frame. Most manufacturers would tell you to get lost. My uncle bought a brand new Ford F-150 years ago. The paint started peeling off within 2 years. Ford told him that it was his problem. Now he drives a Chevy and won’t buy a Ford again.

 

Frankly, I'm amazed that Toyota will spend that much money to fix a frame that's as old as it is. I know it's really Dana's money, but still.

 

I agree. And in addition, I like the original post because as the driver of a lended Tacoma, the OP has nothing to prove, no reason to justify a 3rd gen purchase that is not living up to his expectations.

On the other hand, I'm curious how long he has been driving it so far? Is this the first day, or are we talking weeks? I know the frame replacement process can be lengthy in some cases.

 

It surprises me that Tacoma's have such a good rep. when they seem to have so many issues. I guess they have been selling on looks alone. This is my first Toyota but my wife had a 77 Celica GT liftback, car was perfect in every way.

 

I've had it 5 days. I think I've put about 150 miles on it - drove it to and from work 4 times and loaded it with firewood once. If I think of it I'll update this thread in a month or so.

 

This guy obviously doesn't understand how the 3rd gen forum operates.

 

Like this?

https://youtu.be/yLi_6tCOQhk

 

I liked the write up. When I hit the tree just slightly off the inside of the bumper bolt mount it sheered off just like the rust by the bolts weakened the bumper, causing the airbags not to deploy. The frame twisted in 3 places. Insurance company gave me the down payment on my 2016 of 17,000.00

 

My GMC has the same problem.