Looking at a used 2004 DC from IL thoughts on frame?

Looking at snagging a used 2004 DCSB 4wd with 120k miles it’s immaculate inside but not sure on the undercarriage, it appears to look like it was recoated at some point. They are asking $10k. Thoughts?

 

Yeah, that's pretty damn rusty.

I would avoid unless you can determine if it is eligible for a factory frame replacement... 2004 is pretty much the last year that this is possible, so I'd get on that asap. Body mounts look rotted, too.

And even then, it looks like FAR more than just the frame is rusty. Spare wheel, exhaust, drive lines, every single bolt, etc...

 

Mine is the same way...trust me....run fast

 

I'd run farther from that than Forrest Gump ran in his movie.

 

Thanks gents ya I thought the same it’s just way too much on more than the frame. I doubt it was looked after.

 

It might make a good donor vehicle for the body/interior pieces... I wouldn't pay more than 3 or 4 grand for it.

Find a truck with severe body damage and an intact frame for another couple grand and you might have yourself a new truck...

 

Lol at that point not worth it.

 

Honestly crazy to me that some people are trying to get 10k for a truck in that condition. I guarantee you that the seller knows about the frame issue and is trying to get rid of it before the time comes where the truck snaps in half. Should be 5k TOPS

 

It depends. There are lots of people who have done frame swaps themselves. The work itself really isn't that complicated. The worst part is dealing with all the rusty bolts, lol.

Do it right and you could end up with a truck worth $10-15k for only ~$6-8k of work.

It's definitely a project and takes some time,

 

My issue is let’s say that this is somehow just surface rust. It’s going to be a bitch to do any maintenance on it with all the seized bolts.

 

Same thoughts here. I don’t have the time or resources for the unpredictable.

 

Yeah, the rusted bolts can be a headache.

That said, sometimes it makes life easier if you just assume you are going to encounter rusted bolts. Like the leaf spring U-bolts: it's actually faster to just cut them off, even if the bolts aren't seized. So rather than trying to futz with liquid wrench and all that, just cut them off at the start.

 

I had my frame replaced on my '02 for the recall in 2016. I was not the original owner. The problem is, you would be running out of time in the recall if you don't move on it fast. If it has been spray coated by a dealer, it's likely they will not replace it. Might be worth checking with Toyota with the VIN.