Frame Replacement Repair Estimate

Hi Everyone,

I got the request approved for my frame replacement and have been given the following repair estimate from the dealer for work additional work to be done on the truck. I was under the impression that fluids and lower control arms were covered by the replacement and they are mentioned in the Toyota replacement manual another member had shared with me (Page 57 attached below).

Is there anything else on here that should be included that I am missing? I am also curious why labor is so expensive given that they will have the truck completely apart during the repair. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

I am also thinking that it would be a good idea to do the timing chain and water pump as well.

 

If that is legit, you really need to see another dealership.

 

They are padding the estimate to make lots of money off you. I see maybe $500 worth, the rest are padded add on's just to make lots of money off you.

They basically took everything right out of the service book, looked at a couple of them and then put ALL of them on the paperwork. I doubt they even looked at the clutch, hell it sounds like they just looked at the odometer and went, yeah, we can add that in too.

The exhaust is a scam also, they shouldn't be damaging the exhaust to the tune of over $800.

And if $1729 is 1/2 of what they usually charge for a clutch replacement, LOL.

 

Get an oil change and deny the rest

 

I don't think you are obligated to accept all of those repairs in order to get a new frame. Some might be timely to do when the truck is all apart, some look like padding the bill. I would sit down with your writer and explain that you will do necessary maintenance as it comes up, but no way are we going to do all these jobs. You might need to do a bit of research on which jobs really benefit from being done at this time - you can save a lot on labor if that is the case. But no way would I roll over for this bill...

 

Why is the stealership trying to stick you for all these extra charges? Toyota is the one who put this piece of crap frames in these trucks and they need to be paying for this not you.
I understand wear and tear over the years but if the parts were in working order when they start on the truck and they damage them during the removal process that should be on the dealership and Toyota not you.
Only let them do the frame and take care of the other things yourself elsewhere at a shop you know and trust. If they break it its on them. It shouldn't be on you. Most of the repairs they are quoting are rip offs.
I worked in dealerships and they see a sucker coming if you agree to any of this.
Service departments will tell you need all that stuff and say they did it and throw the parts in the dumpster. How would you know? I worked at several dealerships over the years and it made me sick to see how they rip the customer and manufacturer off if they can get away with it. The only time you go to a dealership is when the vehicle is still under warranty. Your frame is under warranty that's it. Anything else is fair game for them at your expense. At the last dealership I worked at I quit because I could not let them stick the customer with repairs that the warranty should have covered. I was warning the customers and knew they would fire me if they found out. Dealerships pride themselves on customer service which is just a business ploy to get their hands inside your wallet.

 

Not dealers fault. Not your fault. Frame company fault.

If you think something needs to be replaced, try to get a better deal.

 

And this is why they are called stealerships....

 

I'll just add, I used to own a 300ZX turbo that had a recall on the FI system, the list of things they handed to me that HAD to be done was laughable, especially since I had done almost all of them over the winter while it was stored. I can guarantee they never even actually looked at the car, they just looked at the miles and printed off absolutely everything they could absolutely get on the estimate that could make them easy money.

The few things I hadn't done had been done the year before and none of was even close to needing done again in 30-50K miles.

 

$300!? To change spark plugs. wow. I agree about half of this stuff isn’t needed just add ons to take advantage of those who don’t know any better.

Half of this stuff can be done In your driveway in an afternoon. I’d say only let them take care of the big stuff like a clutch (if it actually is in need of being changed) because if you don’t have access to a lift it can be a PITA.

 

They are taking advantage of you. Show them the recall and what should be included at no charge and make them do it per the recall. Anything you want replaced that is attached to the frame should have no labor charge, just cost of part as it has to be swapped during the work.

 

Clutch job should be 1/3 - 1/2 of that at a normal transmission shop

Exhaust 1/4, maybe 1/3 of that quote at any decent muffler shop

The ball joint quote is another ridiculous #

 

Just curious, and I didn't see it mentioned... what year is your truck?

 

His is a 2010 Off Road

 

yep tell them only do whats free, and lower control arms and ball joints are free at least on mine they were. I gave the dealership my new fuel pump and they installed it free of charge. although they too did have a long list of things they recommended, I declined them and did repairs after I confirmed they were needed.
I was not charged anything when I picked up my truck.
they are charging for brake fluids and power steering when that fluid is changed anyway as they need to bleed brakes (new frame comes with all new brake lines on the frame) and the power steering fluid is all going to drain when the unhook everything anyway.

Id go back with the list of whats covered and ask why they are charging for covered items

 

I haven't yet got the official thumbs up on mine, though if you look at this I cannot see how it isn't.

This is the outside of passenger frame rail..1x2 inches

Underside of that where the exhaust hanger sat, can fit a 13mm socket


I plan to have shocks replaced since they are original and have 11.5 years/117K

 

Thank you everyone for the advice, I agree the numbers they were throwing out there for work to be done was absolutely absurd. I am going to take their quote to my local shop which I trust and have them do a workup for the things that I know need to be done now. Those items are:
-Clutch (it is absolutely toast)
-Valve cover gasket (leaking)
-Timing Chain and Water Pump (about due for service)

Everything else is things that I can do. Also the issue at the bottom where they mentioned leaf springs seems a bit funky since they were replaced BY Toyota for the recall not too long ago. I will then be going back to the dealership to ensure that everything is that is covered in the warranty is included at no extra cost to me and will also present them the quote from my local shop to see if they will cut me a deal.

I will keep you all updated and post the quote from the shop as soon as I get it and what happens with the dealership.

 

that is wayyyyy worse than mine, it should totally qualify. You need to take it to the dealership ASAP to get it approved. IT must be within 12 years of the date of first use. AKA mine was only a few months away from not qualifying. Let me know if you have questions about the process thus far.

 

Howdy,

I was wondering if you have to use their shop, or can you find your own shop to do the work? A lot of the items listed look like “recommended “ things they always throw at you whenever you take your vehicle for service. Like plugs, air filter, clutch. You can deny and have it done on your own.

The bottom items like shock and exhaust they are quoting because they may break during the process. They are warrantying the frame. They have to take off other things that may be rusted on or cannot be removed safely. It sounds like they may charge for those items that may need to be replaced because they could not be reused. I would ask to be sure before the start.

 

Yup, I found that about 3 weeks ago on a Tuesday. Brought her in on that Thursday.

Curious how long between the drop off and the official word for you, since I haven't heard anything after that date. My 12 year date would have been this Sept or Oct, I was actually talking about it the week prior to seeing the exhaust hanger falling down..which then led me to look and found those holes I posted.