Frame is cracking and I need help BAD

This is good timing! Most repairs for the damage would cost about as much as a new frame. I have seen them for as low as 3800 shipped new.

 

DANG! thats awesome. Definitely calling them ASAP

 

I have to agree. I don't have the money to lawyer up. I do want to fix the truck though. I love these trucks. Always ran them ragged on the farm. I did what I thought was a good enough inspection of the frame. should have brought a bp hammer apparently.

 

I can't thank all of you enough for all the support! It was really starting to get to me. I just finished rebuilding an old b2 last summer and I wasn't exactly looking for a new project. I just needed something for light towing/loading my motorcycles into, and moving across the country. As always I just saw the tip of the iceberg on this purchase.

 

what happened really sucks, but all hope is not lost. Depending on how bad it is, it can be patched and repaired. Get a welder friend or someone you know who's a welder and it will be way less expensive than having it done by a shop

First, clean your frame good, to remove all loose rust (power washing does a lot) Then bang it thoroughly with a hammer. It will give you a better idea of what areas need repairs.

Also, there's lots of threads on this site about frame repairs. So just type that into the search box and you'll find plenty to get you started and give you ideas

EDIT: if you can get that frame from the parts tacoma on craiglist, it would be awesome (if it's still good, of course). Would make things a lot easier than having to patch your old frame

 

Check around on craigslist or online. Sometimes people sell the frames or the truck as a parts car.

 

If I was close I would be happy to help you !!

Hang in there gotta be someone in your area that can help

Check out the regional Forums??

So many letters from Toyota about this issue got thrown away unopened people thinking it was a sales promotion of some sort

 

I love all the armchair lawyers... It's a 2001 vehicle and it's 2018! Yep he got hosed. However all is not lost. It can definitely be fixed and be perfectly safe for years to come. I live in NH and have been messing with these trucks for over 25 years. I've fixed far worse. Pull the gas tank out, cut out all the bad spots, and rebuild it. Move on with your life. If the rest of the truck is fine and it drives good just fix it and be done.

 

This is one of those things it happens.

If you have never had events like this your lucky Keep buying power ball tickets

If you think Law Suit is the way to go maybe donate a few hundred dollars each to help his legal fund.

Myself I would decide what to do repair or sell as is taking the loss

I have a friend in a case like this it has been dragging on 3 plus years. The bad part the vehicle in question can not be touched till this gets settled .

If the OP posted what they paid I missed it .

 

too much money to get a lawsuit going, just find another decent frame, prep it ( remove rust and coat with a protective paint of your choice ) and do the swap.

 

So I am at this point just trying to decide how to fix it. I really appreciate all the help and advice you all have given. I heard Tacomas had good forums but DAMN y'all hopped on answering all my questions immediately. Back when I was rebuilding a Bronco 2 I could hardly get an answer lol.

I am basically trying to decide whether I want to buy a new/salvaged frame or if I should just get a welder and start practicing welds. My friend who welds lives all the way out in CA and he thinks I could learn quick. He knows me well enough and we used to do bike repairs and farm work together.

The guy in west GA wants 1500 for a frame without rust that is a fit except its an AT and I have a MT. Pretty steep considering for another 1500 I can get a brand new frame. Sadly I hardly ever see tacoma parts trucks much less with a good frame for a good price on Craigslist here.

The safeTcap pieces are fantastic.

Honestly I am leaning towards getting a MIG set up and honing in a new skill. I mostly work with my hands for a living and I feel like I could do it. It would be a nice skill to learn either way and breaking down/building things is my #1 hobby.

 

get your eyes on a section, clear away all the rust, see what you are working with, if that frame is waaay too gone then get another frame.

 

He wants 1500. I dont have that much cash right now sadly. Once I told him I would have to save up he asked me how much my truck was worth and kinda dropped off.

 

I would personally get a new frame. Talk to @mechanicjon he can get you rust free Arizona frames.

Oh, and car-part.com will show you basically any car part you can imagine from yards around your area.

 

Getting a new frame would remove a lot of work, but if you want to give a try at patching it, go for it! Especially since you like working with your hands
MIG is easier to learn welding with than stick. TIG is even easier, but with MIG you should be okay

Don't forget to post pictures of your repairs!

 

TIG is definitely not easier by any means haha, but MIG is more than fine for this application since the frame and the cap aren't very thick.

 

I can get a frame for around $1200
Shipping is what will kill ya. Or road trip to Phoenix. I can also get front sections or rear sections.

 

Man, I'm tempting to drive out and grab one and just store it until the day I might need it.

 

thats sick, but I got a guy willing to meet me in Alabama for 1500.

the thing about swapping is I dont have a lift and I fear not having the space to perform this job.

 

Would be kinda tough without a lift or gantry, bit some folks on here have done it with rented folklifts or engine hoists and cinder block towers to hold it up.