Plastic tabs on frame rails

Hi. I was lifting my truck up the other day to change the oil. I heard a crunch and realized there were two small plastic tabs on both frame rails. These are located right in the way of where you would “normally” lift the truck. Does anyone know what these are? Are they important? Thank you.

 

Used for/during transport of the vehicle... dealership should of removed them. I’d bring this to the attention of the service department on your next ToyotaCare appointment, and ask “what else did the dealership techs forget to do when preparing the Truck for delivery”?

 

Cant seem to think those are important for anything, and no idea why they'd be there. I've never encountered a truck with those clips on it.

FYI That isnt a 'normal' lift point of the truck. Jack stands once up, sure. But there is a 'post' off the frame under the engine that is the designated front lift point for the truck with a floor jack.
Unless you happen to have a 2 post lift in your garage? if so, props to you!

 

Those are to let water out of the boxed frame area that gets in but it prevents water from splashing up in the drain holes , it’s part of the rust prevention updates toyota implemented with the new 3rd gens .

 

Ok...that makes sense, but why the arrows? That makes me think it was more to do with transport than keeping water out.
And yes, was in a friends garage with two side posts. Thank you everyone for your input.

 

The arrows are for installation reasons , they have to be installed a certain way to work as designed. Techs are also installing these in 2nd gen frame replacements

 

Do you think it’s possible to get 2 more? Since mine are crushed? The dealership was completely clueless when I talked to them today.

 

They come in the frame plug kits , any decent parts counter person at an authorized toyota dealership should be able to order them . It’s not the end of the world if you leave them off but they are a good idea if you intend to keep the truck long term

 

Thank you. I will get on that tomorrow. Thanks for all your help...awesome.

 

To make things easier for your parts people, visit this thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/part-number-needed-frame-plug-cap.517334/

 

The arrows show the water which way to go.

 

OMG. I am so glad I joined this forum. I’ve had 3 Gen 1’s and this is my first Gen 3. I’m so fussy about it, and the first thing I do is break a part off! Thanks a ton for everything. They are about 3 bucks a piece...awesome. No big deal. Thanks again.

 

If you look close at my Avatar pic, there’s the original Panda! In the background...white 2004 w black cap. My 2 year old would call her Panda.

 

Improperly performed PDI

 

I crushed my on the trail and never even bothered inspecting them. I thought they were steel haha

 

Yes. Well, I figured they can’t be too major because of where they are located and what they are made of. However, it makes sense that they are there to help keep the frame from accumulating any water. My last 3 Tacoma’s were Gen1 and all 3 had frame replacements.

 

Do the 2017's have those water guard's?

 

Mine does. Busted one with the jack, don't plan on replacing it. Goofy design idea.

 

I would think all the Gen 3’s have them. It sounds like some Gen 2’s as well, if they have had the frame replaced or inspected