Frame Rust 2001 -2004

you should post pix, if nothing else so we can see again what it looked like originally

 

http://www.toyota.com/help/contactus.html

 

Same here after just 4 days they called me late yesterday afternoon & said it was ready. I was a bit surprised it was done so quickly. But they told me they had 2 guys dedicated to it for 3 days & that is all they worked on. I made sure they put my hitch back on though. They must really hate me. LOL.
I will pick it up after work today & tomorrow is opening day for firearm deer season. So the new frame is going to get a good work-out.

 

I just picked up my truck! Everything looks very good. It is driving awesome!

I paid another $400 for some extra work I asked them to do. I asked them for a copy of the invoice they will be sending to Toyota. I will try to copy & post it on here when I get a chance, Right now I have to get ready for deer camp. In case anyone is wondering how much this cost Toyota...... just under $12,000!!!! I really have no room to complain. My Truck has many more years of life left in it, God willing! I'm extremely thankful!!

 

Just found out my 95 XCab 4x4 has frame rust and bad, just found out afterward about the Toyota recall/buy back program. With the 95 I am a year and a few months late for the buyback.
I hate to get rid of my truck, it is in good shape with 104K miles. So my question is this, has anyone had this issue and repaired their frame??
Help!

 

My beloved 02 Tacoma 4x4 just failed. They said it was the worst they have ever seen. They didn't even let me drive it home. However they gave me a really nice 2011 single cab 4x4 as a rental. No charge. They said it will take about a month to receive the frame and do the swap. They were really professional. So it's sad that she's gone for a month. But will better when I get her back.

 

I've still got a few weeks before they get my new frame in I hope everything is done by the time it starts snowing

 

Here are some shots of the holes, first is the 98' that got scrapped (awesome truck) and second is a 2002 with a new frame, yet another awesome truck.

 

Thank you! that really helped cement what exactly to be looking for =]

 

No worries, i figured it might help some people out. I've stopped and chatted with other taco owners that had no clue and I've shown them where to look. It typically happens at the same spots on these trucks.

The dealership guys up here know right where to hit for the hammer test as you can see in the fourth photo above. We've got tonnes of salt up here in Northern Ontario Canada so there are hardly any 95' 00's on the road at all...and the 2001 to 2004 seem to all be getting new frames.

 

My 04 xtra cab is getting a frame as we speak. I am having new 5100's installed in all four corners along with OME 881 coils while it's apart. Here's my question, they are suggesting rust proofing the new frame for 500.00. What does anybody think?

 

They should offer the treatment for FREE!! but I guess if the steel in the new frame is that much better maybe you don't need it..


FWIW - I just had my '01 DC into the dealership over the weekend for the frame inspection and undercoating and I was very pleased with the job they did.

If I had to foot the $500 bill though I would have done it myself!

 

We should get a list going of dealerships that recognize the frame spray/replace... cuz so far i've found about 1/3 say it is still in effect and the others act like it never existed

 

Wow:
Interesting to hear all the different experiences. I have an '02 and have had my frame checked a few of times over the past few years. Long stroy short, VT was ending its Toyota backed undercoat program, so I called Toyota. I am registered in NY so I still had time, even though I never got any notice. I went to a NY dealer and they threw the truck up on the lift- oh uh, small spot right rear, frame. They asked me to sign the paperwork to order the parts and only asked me not to go somewhere else, if they were getting the parts......in about a week, they called, the frame was in, I had them install the headers, cats, exhaust, new shocks, change the timing belt and water pump. We worked out fair deal, I paid them a bot of money, ll the wile I was given a free rental car and they were patient while I waited for all my parts to be delivered to be installed. Overall, it was a fanstastic experience with the shop, the manager(s) and the tech who actually did all the work.
If they had offered to buy my Taco, I would have had a serious rpblem cuz I really wanted to step up for a Tundra, ( I might look at a Ram), as I could use more space and towing capacity....but I love this damn little truck and I can't jusstify spending so much more when this little baby is bulletproof.
BTW: The dealership that I went to, does about 1 Taco per week, and a few Early Tundras, too.
I was also told the new frames are "pre-coated" form the factory and don't need anything else........ Gotta love Toyota!

 

Well from what I have read on rustproofing on this forum I think I' ll do it my self and save the 500.00. Truck is not back from the dealer yet(day 2) I will update later

 

What do you guys think? I have to drive about 3.5 hours to get it inspected, so I dont wanna make the drive unless there is a good chance I'll get it replaced.

As you can see, it is right behind my parking brake spring. I cross-referenced it with the other side to ensure it is not just a factory hole, and there is no hole there on the other frame rail.

 

affirmative on the "perforation" !!!

 

Got an appointment to get it inspected monday

 

Hmmm last post in this thread was 9 days before the apparent deadline and no mention of it. All rosey stories except for that nightmare Nitro52 had.

Nitro, what ever happened with your situation?

 

Two dealers told me that I had to work with Toyota myself and Toyota wouldn't do a thing for me. I spoke with them on the phone several times to no avail.
To be honest, I had surgery several years ago that required 4 months recuperation. I live alone and during that time I didn't stay on top of my mail. During this problem with Toyota last autumn, I searched the house and came up with their mailing to me about the frame notice. I did miss their deadline. But it was annoying when Joe02TRD had his fixed after I was refused.
I told them that even though I missed their arbitrary deadline, I bought the truck expecting a properly constructed truck and that is not what I received. I said that there might be a breach of contract issue here. (That was my last hail mary). They held fast.
After that, I thought I would rather give my money for a new truck to some other company. But after some research, I found that the Tacoma was still the best truck for me so I swallowed hard and bought a 2012 4x4. The dealer gave me $1000 trade in.
After 218,000 miles, the 2001 seemed to fall apart all at once. On top of the frame issue, the power steering repair was estimated at $1800, the brakes needed work, the exhaust system needed attention. All of a sudden one day the heater motor fan malfunctioned. It made an awful loud noise and almost shook the dashboard when turned on. I burned out the 3rd headlight in a year - ( since I almost got stuck in a deep iced over puddle the winter before, almost a small pond. It put out both parking lights, lens and all). A couple of weeks before my new truck came the battery went out and I was jump starting or roll starting myself everywhere I went.
Even if they replaced the frame, I would have had to sink a lot more money into it.

Learn from me - stay on top of your mail.