History of Tacoma rust

I have the impression that frame rust and other under-carriage rust became a much bigger deal at some point.

Is that right?

When was the change?

Roy

 

Well it all started in Anatolia circa 1800BC, but really the finger can be pointed at Henry Bessemer, some time around 1855.

 

Objection your honor, this isn't a fishing expedition

Sustained. Counsel will redirect to be more specific with questions.

 

rust? what rust...........I ain't go not stinking rust! well.....except on my valve cover flange bolts and that's gonna change pretty soon.

 

LOL @ these responses . . . .

To answer the question do a little digging around and look at when the frames went from U frames to box frames. The box frames retain moisture and can rust from the inside out.

 

I dig the obscure references

 

Around 1995 they switched their supplier for the frames. Corners were cut during the milling practice, and the result was internal delamination of the steel when exposed to salty conditions without any protection i.e. fluid film etc.

 

That’s why you always got to keep a extra frame on deck for when ya need it!

 

Or be lucky in where you live. I've had a guy at a drive-through window ask me about my frame. Like in some circles, people associate these trucks with terrible frame rot and breaking in half. Which is, of course, valid...Except out here it's nonexistent. My 98 has a little surface rust on the frame, completey superficial. There are thousands of these first gen Tacomas out here, with no rust. But farther east...most of them have gone to the crusher because of rust. A shame. All those spare parts off the market.

 

Well they stopped crushing the rusty ones after 2000, then started replacing frames.

 

My 98 has an immaculate frame and I am in the midwest. Spent its life in Wyoming and now in South Dakota. They mag water and salt the road. Previous owner either had the frame replaced or was very diligent about frame protection. I have done the same thing and inspect, clean, fluid film it every year. Good way to check all the other bolts and hardware under there too.

 

The thing is, it's really not that hard to protect the frame from corrosion, even in the heart of the rust belt. Coating it inside and out with fluid film takes about an hour with a spray gun and 360 degree wand, and there's tons of places that'll treat the whole undercarriage for like 100 bucks.

 

Same here in Oregon. We don't salt the roads and my truck has been here since new so the frame looks great.

 

The Frames are multiple over lapping pieces that build moisture and rust in between the layers, that and a faulty coating. I believe the frames were made in the US by Dyna Corp.

Check out the new Tundra frames. They do not have over lapping layers, and the high strength steel is electric welded to the standard steel, not over lapped, and the frames have a wax coating inside, and tons of drain holes on the bottom of the frame.

Something says Toyota is trying to get away from the bad frame stigma.

 

https://youtu.be/yW2ipthHXBI?si=MIE0biYLxZxD3Cl1