Revisiting the frame recall

Hey everyone. I am new to TW, and wanted to introduce myself (plus I have a question about the frame replacement topic). I have a 2008 TRD crew cab with roughly 156,000 miles; still runs great! About 4 weeks ago I had the rear leafs replaced through the recall, and the dealer inspected frame and determined it qualified for the class action replacement (Toyota calls it a "warranty enhancement program").. Anyway, to my question, I've installed an aftermarket exhaust system, so has anyone run into issues with frame replacement that involves the Dealer needing to R&R after market parts? If this was asked and answered by previous post(s), please accept my apologies....

 

i heard the for the 4th gen Tacomas, Toyota is redesigning the frame to be made of treated lumber, as in their rigorous testing it proved to be stronger, more structurally sound, and longer lasting than their previous attempts at frame design.

 

Hope they decide to take termites into consideration...lol

 

I looked at my frame when I bought the Tacoma (a 2008) and originally it looked like surface rust. I had a feeling that there was an issue as the price seemed low compared to what else was out there. It had a bit over 70,000 miles on it. Initially I missed qualifying for the "warranty enhancement" but the dates to qualify became a moving target and I got my love letter from Toyota saying that I was eligible to have the frame inspected under the program. My inservice date was February 2020. In October I crawled under the truck and found about a half dollar sized hole in the frame under the driver's door. It had clearly rusted from the inside out.

Long story short, Toyota replaced the frame, brake lines, A-arms, and rear springs along with miscellaneous bolts as needed. Their alignment was not great but I had that taken care of locally. It rides like a new truck. I do have to replace the rear shocks. It doesn't hurt to have them give it the once over and it helps if you can tell them where to look.

 

Hi and welcome.
The dealer that did mine had no problems with aftermarket parts that bolted on.
I supplied aftermarket parts for them to install also.

 

Awesome! Thanks Jeffch. I was sweating the fact that I may need to swap the exhaust back to stock... I will keep ya'll posted as this unfolds. I drop the truck off on Monday to have the work done.

 

Also just to point out that when I was talking to the service rep that handled my inspection- he'd been through dozens of replacements, so I'd expect they've covered a lot of issues in the past and would be prepared to answer your questions when you drop it off. Best of luck-

 

My dealer had heartburn over my aftermarket Airbags. But as they had over 100K on them, and I don't tow with it anymore. I had him trash can them. Got the leaf spring "thingy" done too.

 

Unfortunately, the service reps (yes, several of them) at the dealership acted like they never heard of Toyota replacing frames (hmmmm really??)... Needless to say I called Toyota America directly and they called my dealership rep; 1-day later the new frame was ordered by the dealer.. Always be your own best advocate!

 

Ask the dealer about supplying parts for them to install.
They did a bunch of new stuff I supplied for free.
The tech was more than happy to not deal with the old stuff.
Wish I’d done UCAs and bushings.

 

Where are you from.
Mine jumped at doing another frame!
They make good money having figured it out.
Plus they charge Toyota for renting you one of their trucks.

My local dealer averaged 3 days to do the work. Bet they’ve done hundreds.
They were stacked like wood and the spent frame trailer was at the ready.
The tech invited me to stop in and I did.
Before during and after even got pics during the swap.
30k miles since and no issues and I’ve undercoated myself very pleased with the work I’ve looked it over a few times.

 

I'm in New Jersey (East Coast Rust Belt). I have not clue what they were thinking. My best guess is that the program for my truck (2008) expires in 2020, so without looking up my Vin., they likely presumed my truck did not qualify.

 

k I was gonna say I’m in Vt and if a dealer around us is clueless I’d find a different one.

 

I was tempted to go to another dealer, but the next closest one is 45 minutes away. The one I am going to is 5 minutes away. Hopefully it all works out.

 

Maybe they’ll let you termite infested salt free southern folk keep the old steel design and us salt brine covered northerners get the new treated lumber design.

I’ll hold out for a traditionally timber framed one so there’s no pesky metal carriage or lag bolts to rust either.

 

I wish everyone has as good an experience as I did.
Believe me a lot of sleepless nights I’m kinda anal about the truck wondering if it passes then what etc.
Then after the fail about what could go wrong in the end is for nothing thankfully.
I highly recommend doing the lower intermediate steering shaft.
It should be part of the frame like hard lines and lcas are but not yet I guess.
Best of luck!

 

Just had my frame replaced and it went super smooth as well but I’ve got a vague looseness in my steering (was there before frame replace) and lower int. Steering shaft is on my short list of things to check out when things get warmer.

 

Glad it went well it gives them new life.
I had them install
Rack with inner and outers and lines, and bushings.
Lower intermediate shaft.
Body mounts/bushings.
Sway bar bushings supplied by them I missed it.
Rear shocks.
It’s like a new truck with 187k on it.

 

Interesting to read of all of your experiences, thx for sharing.

I was thinking of new shocks since with 150K on the originals the truck was starting to ride a little rough. For those of you that did replace at the time of the new frame, any suggestions? Did you get them at the dealer...supply your own? Do struts at the same time? I'd think with the truck already at that level of disassembly it'd be pretty easy (not that it's that complicated a job from what I've seen) but as stated above these guys might prefer to work with new stuff over the old and replacing suspension was on the list of things to do anyway. Any idea on pricing from the dealer for the extra work?

Thanks-

 

Why is anyone surprised with frame rust?

I have lived in New England forever and every pile of junk in three years time from going through winter's is rotted. Doesn't matter what brand. Only Toyota has taken in the rear replacing frames trying to save face.

I've seen plenty of junk pre 95 trucks roll in and out of the dealer back in the day. No new frames...they just fail inspection and get run till the expired sticker gets noticed.

GM trucks with only a few years on them with rotted out brake lines or rusty ABS sensors...no recall. Fords with rusty beds but since it doesn't completely perforate out it isn't fixed. How many new domestic trucks have rotted rockers within five years? Most of them. No recalls. Has nothing to do with build quality on Toyota. It's a boxed frame which may as well be a trap for road salt.