Pictures of frame replacement process!

Yes, that bend was already there.

 

Thanks! I totally agree about the pictures being a great resource. I really didn't know if they'd use the camera or not, so you can imagine how shocked I was when I got it back with 24 pictures.

 

Yeah, great idea. I would have thought they would have maybe snapped one or two. Like a before and after.
Did you tell them that you would post them here?

 

Just for fun I would get a rattle-can of clear coat and spray that sticker on the frame, sealing it to the frame and making it last. Just for fun.

 

I thought that was Jim Barkley Toyota from the pics. I also noticed there's at least 4 Taco frames waiting for replacement in the first pic. Last time I was there they had a swap in progress, might have been yours. They seem to make good on rusted frame warranties more than other dealerships, if in fact thats their call to make and not Toyota Corp. Anyway, props to Jim Barkley and congrats on your new frame.

 

So jealous. I would love to have a new frame but mine is relatively solid. It got coated but is rusting again behind the shackle mounts. I'm taking on the rust prevention myself at this point.

 

No, I didn't tell them I was going to post them. I can't imagine they would mind though, it's not like you're seeing any inside secrets or anything that might put the dealer under scrutiny. It actually showcases Toyotas willingness to make things right and an inside look at how nicely the dealer performed the service.

But you're right, I expected a couple of pictures so you can imagine my surprise!

 

No, not saying that they would mind. Just wondering if that was why they took so many pics.
I am glad they did. Great to see.

 

Having been through the process now, it's my understanding they took pictures of the frame perforation and sent them to corporate. But ultimately it's Toyota that makes the call, not JBT. That's just my understanding.

 

Yeah, it was funny because when I knew I was getting a frame I googled several different ways to try to find pictures of the process thinking surely someone had already documented it. I found a few pictures but not much. As long as this has been going on and how widely it has been discussed it surprised me there were so few pictures on the net.

 

What would warrant a frame replacement?
Is this part of a recall on the 03s?

 

I wouldn't be surprised to see at least 30-40 hp gains. Possibly even 50 hp. Nice frame!

 

LOL! That's funny!!!

 

My understanding Brutus is that it isn't a "recall" but rather Toyota being "overly generous to help out and show their loyalty to their customers."

 

Awesome photos - thanks OP!

Kudos to the tech doing the work, real nice of him to take time out to get some quality photos.

Do you know why he pulled your vavle cover? Was he just trying to get a peek inside and show you how your motor is holding up?

 

No. Here's the story.

I had told the dealer I wanted to have new shocks and struts installed on my dime. I also wanted them to install the poly rack bushings. I told them to call me with any other issues they noticed or parts that needed replaced.

They called me mid-way through the process and said the valve cover gaskets were seeping and recommended they be replaced. Their price was a little high so I declined and decided I would do it myself later.

Due to a miscommunication at the dealer, the VCG's were replaced! Didn't cost me a dime. I don't say it to make fun of their mistake, I say it because I was thrilled to have them replaced and now the truck doesn't need ANYTHING!

 

Sweet! It mustve been quite a lucky streak for you: getting Toyota to spring for a new frame AND getting over one at the dealershop.

Just out of curiosity, how much did they want to charge to swap out valve cover gaskets with the motor sitting right there? I bet any decent tech would be able to do that in less than 30 min for both - and thats if he took hs sweet time.

 

Now that's customer service! They admitted mistake, and ate the cost. Not many dealers would do that. That's for sure.

 

That's my point, GREAT customer service!

Moco- Out of respect for the dealer and the fact that they ate the cost I'm not going to tell the price they quoted me for the VCG's. But like you, I was thinking how easy it would be with no cab in place! However, in the dealers defense, I'm sure Toyota doesn't have a separate charge/time in place for a VCG replacement without a cab.

Either way, that was a pleasant surprise!

 

I got the new headlights and parking lights installed today. Looks new! I'm done for a while!