Copart bent frame replacement

2021 TRD Sport 4x4 - Joined the forum for advice and to share my experiences replacing the frame. I was a master tech for Ford for years and I believe I can replace the frame by separating the body (engine and trans attached). I’ll share any information or mistakes I make and will do the overall cost at the end. I’ll also have to get a rebuilt title inspection at the end

 

definitely possible. body shops do it a lot for tacomas as the frames are prone to bending in rear end collisons. they wanted to do it to my 2020 before it was totaled but the wait time on the frame was too long.

 

Did you buy a frame yet? Curious what they cost new from Toyota.

 

So you bought a truck with a bent frame and looking to rebuild it? Are you starting a build thread or just sharing general information. Of course this thread is worthless without pics. Would love to see what you are starting with.

 

Rebuilt shouldn’t be too bad, just keep all your receipts for every part depending on state.

 

Since I found them on OP's profile, might as well put these here since they're relevant.

 

Toyota quoted me 8,500 for a long bed frame about 2 months ago ( just for the part). They said they don't know how long it will take to get after it is ordered. Dealer said it could be 2 to 8 months.

 

Do you mind if I ask what it cost to buy a totaled Tacoma for?

 

Curious about this as well. I can't see this being cost effective unless the OP paid under 15k for the truck.

 

I'd cab it - go long travel/cage/drop a brink's truck of cash at Camburg and go...

 

A new frame from Toyota online was around 6k and another $650 for shipping. I found a used one on online salvage yard for $3500 BUT he said it had a fire in the engine compartment. It won’t be ready until next weekend so I’ll go check it out and if it’s warped I’ll get one from Toyota

 

I posted pics in an album on my profile, wasn’t sure how to put them in the thread but I’ll add more as I go. Yeah I’m just starting a build thread. There’s not a lot of information on swapping a frame yourself, most are done in shops and with removing the engine and trans

 

I would be carful even if it's not warped. The heat from an engine fire can do some funky stuff to the integrity of the metal.

 

Thanks brother, I don’t know how to put them in the chat haha

 

Do you mind sharing what you paid for the truck?

 

I paid 17k plus $1650 to get it delivered. My estimate is that I’ll have in the neighborhood of 27k (probably under) by the time it’s done BUT considering it’s a 46k truck with 9k miles on it then it’s worth it to me. And I enjoy doing it so it’s a labor of love so to speak

 

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Yeah I’m concerned with that. I’ll have to look at it first but the salvage guy said it was ok. We’ll see in a couple of weeks

 

Does it have a salvage title because of the accident and likely was totalled for you to buy it at auction/junk yard for $17k?
What state are you in and will you be able to insure it with a salvage title to the full value?

 

Going to go back stock because I’m nervous about the rebuild inspection. If this works out I may sell it and do another but I’m happy either way