My Poor Truck

Agree^ it was a ford escape that hit a dodge avenger behind me that was stopped and so was I, doing at least 65 looking in my rear view mirror as it happened I didn't see her front end bow down at all before impact indicating no braking, she also admitted this to the officer, which sent the avenger into me, so glad I reacted and let off my brake and had my clutch pressed down. Both of their airbags went off, car in middle pancaked totaled for sure...crazy event.

 

The Top Gear Hilux broke its frame actually - the body was holding the frame together. There was also a roll cage put in (for Jezza's safety) about 10 minutes into the episode. On a serious note, today's pickups sold in North America need to meet rear crash safety requirements with crumple zones. Better an insurance write-off for the OP than a broken neck.

Mine has gone through 5 salty winters with no issue. For trucks that do rust, the boxed section rusts through first since it traps moisture. The rear 2/3 of the frame is C-section but is double-walled so it doesn't suffer in strength. Hino haul trucks frame are built this way.

 

I know how you feel some jerk texting! It was my first ever new truck. 2600 miles on it. Took two and a half months to get a 4x4 in the same color and same cab with a long bed. OCT 2014

 

Dang, sorry to hear that OP. Not a fun situation, it'll buff out though!

 

Damn that sucks, ya I'm definitely feeling it...this was also my first ever new truck, I've owned beaters my whole life never had a vehicle with AC and I live in Arizona...

Funny thing is I'm in the middle of moving right now too like the other poster recently with his red Tacoma that got hit, not moving to another state but none the less definitely puts two big ordeals on top of each other.

 

****UPDATE****

A bunch has happened since I first posted so here goes...

I contacted the driver at fault's insurance company, they said that because the vehicle in the middle was totaled and the lady is filing for injuries plus the damages to my truck that her insurance won't be able to cover the full amount of my damages due to having inadequate insurance ( thanks AZ law of 15k minimum)....

I then call my insurance and they take down all the information I gave the at fault driver's insurance and they advise that I get the vehicle inspected by their adjuster at their certified shop...fast forward to yesterday where I show up for the inspection.

The adjuster tells me that he will take whatever needs to come apart to evaluate the damage done to the vehicle and even claims "if the frame is bent we will have to get another one and put it in because of the cost difference still with totaling it".

I get a voicemail today while at work in a meeting with the shop (not the adjuster) telling me that the frame indeed needs to be replaced and that he contacted toyota who said that they don't stock frames, there are none in the country and would have to build one for my truck which takes 12 weeks!!! He then proceeds to tell me that unfortunately he has taken my truck apart to the point that he cannot put it back together and that once the frame arrives my truck will be ready the last week of OCTOBER.....the icing on the cake was then that he will be placing the order for the frame and once it is done cannot be canceled...he kindly let me know during his phone call at 3pm that I had until 330 to call back to cancel or it is too late...I got out of my meeting at 4...called back, "sorry he has left for the day"

I don't have renters insurance, therefore I would have to figure something out for the next three months. I sure am a lucky guy

I also don't believe a collision center is qualified to completely rebuild an entire vehicle from the frame up, that's what manufacturers do...

 

Time to lawyer up and file suit.

 

Mine was rear ended too. Initial insurance estimate was just over 6k. Went to a Toyota certified collision center, same place that I bought it from owns it, and they said the frame is toast and it's going to be around 20-25k in repairs. Insurance says the frame can be "fixed". I'm awaiting the insurance adjuster to "go over" the paperwork.

 

I saw your post and that was what pushed me to post mine..sorry to hear about your truck man glad you were ok!, I definitely know what you're going through, I don't want to sue anyone or make any money or claim injuries I just want my freaking truck back!

 

I get what you mean but that example is a bit of a leap...that hilux was destroyed, what they proved was how strong the motor was because it started up after the demolition. Every other part of it was in no way salvageable lol.

Glad you're ok OP. Tacomas seem to be in open season right now for wrecks. Makes me want to park mine in a garage and never take it out. Hope you can get into another new truck with the same specs.

 

Another update...I demanded the collision center give me my truck back due to keeping it 3 months before a frame arrives. I received it with a new bed, tail gate, bumper, tow receiver and they "pulled the frame straight"....drove the truck today and it drives just as it did before the accident perfectly fine. looked underneath (ill upload more pics tomorrow) but they did attempt to pull the frame straight, but is obviously showing bends/warps on the rear members...kinda at a crossroad as to what i should do next. i never signed a form stating that i agree to go with the full repairs from the collision center my insurance recommended. my insurance doesnt want to total the truck because the cost of replacing the frame is still less than totaling it...any opinions at this point guys? here is a picture of how i got it back today. After they pulled the frame, they installed new bed, new tail gate, new bumper, new hitch receiver.

 

I also want to add that with the new bed they put on it doesn't have my TRD Off-Road 4x4 decals on it and its bothering the hell out of me!

 

The frame on that Hilux was broken into multiple pieces.
Just because it drove, does not mean it was intact.
This Tacoma is a lot more drivable and a lot more SAFE than that Hilux was after they dropped it.

 

Damn that sucks, glad you are alright

 

so much greater things in this world to worry about, like getting the frame fixed.....

 

Actually, the only part of the Tacoma frames that actually "rust out", is the part up front where it is..... FULLY BOXED!
This problem was also solved (sortof) starting in model year 2009 with the Dana --> Metalsa transition.
The balance of the problem is dealt with by properly maintaining your frame, and by closing off the front body mounts where the front wheels shoot salt water/slush straight up into the boxed section of the frame.

 

Just to add to that, providing some degree of flexibility will actually increase the durability. Something that is too stiff will crack with the slightest deformation, but something that can flex a little will bounce back.

 

Hey, this is not your fault. If they don't fully cover your payoff AND put a little money in your pocket, refuse it and consider a lawyer.

I had a friend who got a bum offer, and said it wouldn't go. They raised it a little, and he still didn't like the offer. He told the insurance company that he was thinking of getting a lawyer involved and they immediately started working with him vs handing out crap offers.

If all else fails, tell them you're starting to get constant headaches and your neck is killing you .

 

Ok, so let me get this straight... THEIR insurance company is PAYING for the work, but the collision center was recommended by YOUR insurance company?
So talk to your insurance company, and see if you can get the job done by a Toyota dealership in the SALTY NORTH, where they will have a lot of experience replacing frames on these

 

Sorry about all the crap you are having to deal with, if it makes you feel any better I think the de badge look is way better.