Frame replacement - dealership holding my truck ransom

Long time Tacoma owner and TacomaWorld member here. I bought my 2000 Taco back in December 2013 and became a TW member shortly after.
Since that time, I've read LOTS of threads about the 1st gen Tacoma replacement process.
Many, many maaaany times I've heard - "any part that is too rusted to put back on is replaced at Toyota's cost".
I read this on the forums here, as well as heard this in-person from long-time Toyota truck enthusiasts who personally went through the frame replacement process.
One guy in particular told me that when his 1st gen was getting a frame, they tried to get him to pay for a new gas tank out of pocket due to it rusting through. He told them "I drove it in there like that, I expect to drive it out. I'm not paying a dime." And they gave him a new gas tank free of charge after he put his foot down.
This is slightly different as he suspected the dealer somehow got over their head in costs and was trying to scheme $800 out of him, but still.

I've also read and felt the same feelings about the 2nd gen frame replacement process.

I'm not interested in whining to get free stuff, but if a component is genuinely too rusted to put back on due to shitty rust-proofing, then Toyota needs to step up. Rust spreads like cancer. If one component is rusted, then the rust can physically spread to adjacent components. Sacrificial anode principle.


The dealership called me and told me that my rear shocks are too rusted to put back on (top bolt rusted off, can't be bolted back on the frame). They said they will not release the truck to me until I pay for new shocks.
I told the representative about "if it's too rusted to put back on, it gets replaced" policy, and she just said "I don't know where you're reading your stuff, but that's certainly not true."

The shocks aren't really the issue, it's more that they are holding my truck ransom for several hundred dollars. And I'm only *officially* hearing about these issues several days after I was told me truck would be finished.

Up until this point, the dealership has been A1 and not playing any games, but now I'm getting irritated. I didn't plan on replacing the shocks with OEM...


Edit: After giving it some thinking, I am suspicious that the shock bolts may have been broken by the techs while doing the frame, as I looked under the truck thoroughly before I took it in, and it rode without issues, or weird thunking that an un-bolted shock would make while driving.


BTW : THE TRUCK IN QUESTION IS A 2005. Different truck than my 2000 I bought years ago.

 

I would rather have those parts replaced, even if it cost me.

Buy the parts, they will install for free.

 

Unfortunately I've heard it going both ways depending on the dealership...I'm not sure if there's any official Toyota Corp policy one way or the other but there must be...I would contact corporate and talk to them. If indeed the say that the dealership should cover the cost, then have them call the dealership (they should offer to anyway).

Worst case scenario, if you do have to pay for new shocks then I would insist that you provide your own (buy them elsewhere and give them to the dealer to install). They're going to overcharge you if you get them through the dealership.

 

I get your point but seems pretty reasonable for a new frame on a 2000 truck.
Tell them you will supply them shocks as mentioned.
I’d be willing to spend some $ for the piece mind but would lose my mind while it’s at the dealer

 

I understand what you're saying, but that's not what I'm looking for here. I'm not interested in paying a dealer to do anything, even sell me OEM parts.
My point here is that they are just now telling me, 8 weeks after they have had my truck and several days after it was supposed to be done, that they are holding my truck ransom until I pay for shocks.
Not gonna fly.

I'm sure you're on the money about "depending on the dealership." I'll try to call corporate again and talk to a higher-up. I didn't even consider bringing my own shocks in. That's a really good compromise, but it also complicates things because my truck is done, but I don't have shocks. I'd have to order them online and wait for shipping. I doubt they will keep my truck for another week, and let me keep the rental while waiting for shocks in the mail, but maybe I'll ask.

Sorry, I edited the post. The truck isn't my old 2000. I sold that. It's a 2005 I recently bought. Taking the truck in for a new frame is irrelevant. I wouldn't care if it's a frame or oil change. I drove it in, it passed VA state inspection less than 3 months ago. I expect to drive it out without unexpected expenses that were revealed to me after 8 weeks.



This is rather annoying as I already had plans to buy an entirely new suspension kit and put it on. Just started planning and budgeting, but now I gotta deal with this.

 

Print this and take it with you to the dealer. page 5 line 6

http://www.toyotaframesettlement.co...roval_of_Attorney_s_Fees_Costs_Service_Aw.pdf

 

Damm man you’ve done your homework!

 

You're not going to like this answer OP but it may be a blessing in disguise they "found" a problem. Truck that's over a decade old is due shocks anyhow as a normal wear and tear item. You really can't expect Toyota to pay for those items (wear and tear).. JMO... good luck, remember honey catches more flies than vinegar (old Scottish saying or somewhere ya know over there).

 

Why not just get shocks and have them install? Quick, easy, and you go your separate ways and you can argue over having to pay once you have your pickup back.

Shock is a wearable item so not sure if they would cover it regardless but I could be wrong

 

Finally someone who doesn't tolerate being mis-treated.
Exactly what I was looking for, thank you so much.

Yes, I agree. I agree one million %. Completely. I VERY much appreciate the idea of the tech giving me a final report of my truck's health after the frame replacement is done. That is worth so much. I went there on Saturday to take pictures, and the tech happened to be there. I thought I won a small lottery getting to ask him a few questions and pick his brain. Here he is - the guy who has spent hours tearing my truck down and putting it back together - AND he's a Toyota certified tech!! JACKPOT!
I understand components wear down. Of course. I accept that. And I accept (and get excited about) making my own purchasing decisions, and installing those components myself.

What I'm okay with and looking forward to: "Hey, just wanted to let you know that your front brakes are wearing kinda thin. You should look into those."
What I'm not okay with: "We actually finished your truck 3 days ago, but forgot to call you. Unfortunately, you need to pay us $300 to get it released. I can take down your CC# when you're ready..."

Do you mean agreeing to have them replace the shocks with OEMs, then disputing the charges when I go to pick it up...? I'm kinda confused on the logistics here.

 

I was lucky, my dealership was great (Tansky in Columbus). The tech even used anti-seize when he put the bolts back in for the stone guards. You know, the ones you have to drop to change the front diff fluid and sirpentine belt. But I was ready when I went to pick up the truck. Didn’t need it though. The gas tank dropped out of the truck because of rust. They replaced both straps and the tank guard no questions ask.

 

Does it have to be OEM, can they be used OEM? See if they will let you bring in a aftermarket set of shocks for it. Knock off brand shocks are around 50$. This is just so you can get your truck back and it not be “hostage”

 

Toyota just dumped $20k into a 10 year old truck. I kinda think you are on the winning side.

Stop by auto zone, buy new, cheap shocks, head to dealer and give shocks to the tech.

Just a thought.

 

... wat?

Alright I made it through that post finally, and I agree. Tell them you'll come in and pay. When you get there ask to see the "bad" shocks. If the shocks really are bad from wear and tear and not removal, then pay up or order new shocks online to save some cash. If they can't show you the bad shocks then push back.

 

I'm thinking the front shocks are fine. You would not be able to move the truck if front ones were not in place.

Most likely, the back ones are the only ones you need to provide.

Edit: just noticed that we are only talking about the rears.

 

Shocks aren't designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. I'd pay up and be happy

 

OEM takeoffs are plentiful and cheap on Tacomaworld. You should be able to find a local member with a 3rd Gen that swapped their rear suspension out willing to part with their old set.

 

You're in luck OP because the dealer shit the bed. The proper procedure is to call you and ask for your approval to bill you. Since they didn't I would tell them to pound sand this way: Say you already bought (bluff) different shocks that you were going to install. If they called you before the fact you would have been more than happy to bring them in so the tech can install them. Then watch the o-shit face hahaha

Worst that can happen is they'll eat the additional labor cost but as other said those shocks are plentiful on here. Do NOT pay $300+ for that OEM shit

 

shocks are cheap... and should be replaced every now and then.

i can see both sides... if you want to press your case... contact the corporate office in Plano TX. they tossed in upper control arms (or was it lower) after the dealer busted a bolt. they also tossed in a rear output shaft seal on the transmission, and for good measure, gave me a 1k toyota credit.

i would not have had an issue paying for shocks out of pocket. just don't let them charge you for labor on putting them on. looks like you can buy rear OEM shocks for your truck from the dealer for 41 each. anything more than $82 total... i'd go after corporate

 

I did this. My shock bodies where blown out from rust. I had them sitting in the cab when I dropped off the truck. I think I paid a little less than $200 for set (front shocks, springs and rear shocks) that was basically new.