Frame Doomsday

Hey all,

I have an 07 4x4 Double Cab that just passed over 253k. Everything has been running tiptop and the body is in great shape. The frame is another story.

I got it coated last October, knowing winters are very rough on vehicles up here (MN/ND area). Sadly, a large crack/chunk has appeared on the passenger side and I am not sure on next steps.


I’ve talked to 2 local welding shops and they both looked at it and immediately said no to fixing it (liability issue, which I totally understand). That still leaves me with a great truck and a bad frame.

I’m not sure where to go from here, do I just drive it until the frame goes possibly when I’m driving 70mph? Do I sell it? Do I continue to try and find another guy who will patch it up?

Just wondering if anyone has some insight, or if anyone else has had a similar situation.

Thank y’all and stay blessed!

 

I would not drive that unless it’s to a shop that’s going to put a new frame in.

If you don’t want to spend the money on a new frame then I’d sell it but be sure the buyer knows what they’re getting themselves into.

 

F

 

If that is the only bad spot, I might not give up quite yet on getting that repaired.

if there are more spots like that however, you’ve got some thinking to do.

You might try a different approach with a shop that will weld. —->

“This is not insurance work, I’ll pay cash, you can quote me where it is worth your while, and I don’t want or need a receipt.”

Honestly, it’s not that hard a repair. Doesn’t need to be anywhere near perfect. It’s obviously not a classic nor a show truck

My premise here is not to commit fraud, or be dishonest, but any shop owner should instantly understand that No Receipt = No Record = No Liability.

If they’re still not interested, ask if they know anyone who might like to do it on the side. You realistically just want another 50k outta it. 2-3 years and then it’s off to salvage or auction.

I’d be willing to flash 3 or 4 hundred dollar bills.


Swapping out an entire frame is probably going to cost more than the truck is worth.

HTH and best wishes!

 

New/better frame seems to be the only remedy to keep it

 

Insurance fraud is also a viable option

 

Not recommended, but viable

 

So...close your eyes and picture yourself...oh say 2 years from now, then ask yourself...
Do I wish I still had that truck?
If yes, then next question...
(Moving up in $1000 increments, then repeat this question)
I wish I had spent that $xxxx on a newer truck.

So if you get up to $4000 and you are like, oh yea, that $4k could of served me better on a newer truck, then there is your limit on what fixing your frame is worth to you.
But if you are at $1k and you can't justify that to replace/fix the frame, then there's your answer.

To someone else the entire truck may not be worth $500, but for you, it's worth more than that.

That's how I look at something like that....
Would I miss it in a year or two and what is my max $'s I'm willing to trade to not miss it in a year or so.

 

OP - any chance we can get more pictures?

That might offer the community more insight.

 

If that suddenly appeared, it means there are other spots ready to appear. Almost 20 years and a quarter million miles, that feels like "getting your money's worth".

 

Sorry, saying “suddenly appeared” was misleading. The frame has multiple spots with surface rust and some other spots look like they will be rough within the next couple years. This spot in particular is by far the worst on it, though.

 

That frame is toast.

 

Keep in mind, the rarer something becomes, the more fixable it is.

https://www.autorust.com/product-category/toyota/tacoma-2005-2015-2nd-gen-double-cab/

 

I have not even tried to look....Is a new frame even available?

I know 01 frames are not and thru RA, alot of the exhaust sections are no longer available.

Funny...I can get a complete frame and body panels for old chevy trucks all day long..