Lower control arm sub frame damage/crappy weld job

So I just bought this Tacoma, got a good deal on it. But I noticed that the frame was damaged and slapped be back together with a dirty weld. It looks sketchy like it might break, but I test drove it pretty hard and it's had over 10k miles with the damage. What should I expect to pay to replace this? Also, possibly unrelated, the 4WD boot on the same side is crumpled. What does that mean?

 

Did the seller point that out prior to buying it? The lack of care on the repair would worry me on what else might be wrong / poorly fixed on the truck.

Looks like the cam tabs have been welded in place, therefor can't be adjusted for future alignments. The boot more than likely tore from the accident or whatever caused the damage in the first place...

I would definitely recommend taking it to a shop and having it professionally repaired! Just my .02

 

You need this. I just installed it yesterday. Welcome to TW.

 

No it wasn’t pointed out. Just that it was a salvage title and the dude kinda copped out at hard questions because of his English. I liked it though, it was less than half price. I’m definitely gonna get it professionally repaired, I just want to know if anyone has any idea how much this costs.

 

Mully: that’s nice and all but I just want a repair.

 

Ok, you will need someone to remove the lower control arm, you will need to then grind all that crap off. Weld on a new lower control arm mount with cam adjuster tabs. Might need a new cam adjuster. Then go get it aligned. Good luck.

 

MC HD LCA braces are only $100.00 bucks.

 

Hope it all works out for you OP.

 

What should I expect in hours and what should I pay to have this done? I'm not a welder.

 

You need to find a good welder. Anywhere from $50 to $300 an hour. I don't recommend going the cheap route for this fix. It only took me about 2 hours to install the MC kit. Used wet rags to keep the bushings cool.

 

What you just said are walk away from the sale indicators!!!
But now that you own it. I'd say listen to what both Mully and magneticwhite88 said.
And do it sooner rather than later.

 

YIKES! That's a mess. Take it to a respected body shop and see what they say. If they will even work on that mess, they will need to put it on their frame rack, take measurements, possibly do some frame pulling and then graft in replacement parts in the correct location. I'd be willing to bet it'll be $2,000.

 

Alright cool. I can work with that. It only cost $7k so I budgeted for this already. The truck in total will probably come out under $10k still, so I'm happy. As long as it's possible!

 

New question: a lower control arm mount, it's that a part for purchase or am I going to have to scrap it?

 

They should be able to get a wrecking yard to chop that section out of a frame. Let us know what the body shop says.

 

OP take this FWIW. I do not believe the LCA mount is available from Toy. It is shown on the parts diagrams but various pieces including this piece of the frame are only provided as part of the larger assembly. You will need to check this out because at first glance this might mean the entire frame (?).
This is probably being done to discourage welding of HSS used in the frame.