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RUSTED FRAME and missed the recall deadline

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by BROKEN_DREAMS, Dec 18, 2023.

  1. Dec 18, 2023 at 8:03 AM
    #1
    BROKEN_DREAMS

    BROKEN_DREAMS [OP] New Member

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    I am extremely sad.

    I love this truck and how basic it is.

    2008 Tacoma 2.7 base model 2wd single cab manual.

    Climbed underneath yesterday and was looking around because it seemed to be riding a little squishy.

    Noticed extensive rust and missing metal plus a crack or two in the frame.

    Went inside to do a little google and found out about the recall that I was unaware of has already expired. Apparently they mailed me a recall notice to my old address.

    Talked to a dealership that forwarded me to corporate that forwarded me to resolution department that dead ended.

    Sure sounds like now I have a broken truck with not many options other than buying frame sections and welding them in, which sucks because it only has 180k miles on it.

    I am a decent welder and have a capable machine but do I really want to take that on with no shop space and only a crumby asphalt driveway in the winter?

    The frame maybe rusted bad enough that it would require the entire thing to be replaced. Would anybody recommend avoiding that and all that comes with it?

    Does anybody know of a way that I could still get my frame replaced for free?

    I am just kind of lost at this point... any suggestions would help.

    What's a Tacoma in this condition worth?
     
  2. Dec 18, 2023 at 8:20 AM
    #2
    Pyts

    Pyts Well-Known Member

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    You asked a lot of questions I don't have the ability to answer, but I'm there with you to some extent. Our 09 reg cab RWD automatic came from North Carolina. It had really low mileage, and the frame feels sturdy. But there's lots of surface rust, and I had to replace the exhaust line including cats due to deterioration.

    I wish I'd gotten in for a replacement frame just to know that such a severe matter is already addressed vs. having to live with a special needs chassis - and I'm no welder.

    I'd think given the circumstances, a dealer might work with you.. but I'd expect something more like "we'll cover 10%" since they in all likelihood have no legal obligation, and have already addressed the issue of their reputation being tarnished by the recall. I feel like a salvage yard would love your truck, but wouldn't pay.. and parting it out yourself would be a chore among chores.

    I'd likely settle between parting it out and replacing/rebuilding the chassis. Maybe take it to the dealer in person and just try to show 'em, talk to 'em. Selling a faulty frame is.. I mean, ain't that the biggest job you could do on a vehicle? Puts you in an untenable situation very well beyond the scope of responsibilities for a consumer.

    Hopefully someone else has better ideas and can contribute. Sorry about your situation. That ****in sucks.
     
  3. Dec 18, 2023 at 8:28 AM
    #3
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    Toyota isn’t going to do anything.
    And a new frame is expensive.

    As you have found out, you have 2 options.

    Pay for the repairs yourself or get rid of the truck.

    It’s a bad situation all the way around.
    The only thing you can do is help off set the cost by doing some of the work yourself, should you choose to fix the truck.
     
    ace_10 and 2015WhiteOR like this.
  4. Dec 18, 2023 at 9:10 AM
    #4
    dtaco10

    dtaco10 Well-Known Member

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    Anoka County, Minnesota
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    I'm not going to defend Toyota because Toyota is not the only manufacturer that has problems like this. I have seen a Canyon with no spacing at the top of the box meeting with the cab. It was like a "V". The first-generation Rangers, '80s and '90s had issues, numerous rear spring shackles would rust off. Older CJ5, CJ7, and Wranglers had frame rust issues. I have an uncle who likes the Ram/Cummins combination and had a number of them since they first became available, but switched to a Ford because the Rams rust out terribly in the rust-belt area.
    The sad part is manufacturers could address the issue, but because of cost, they choose not to. It would raise the cost of the vehicle. The Tacoma frame is designed to trap water in some places.
    Your best option is to use some type of rust-preventative when you purchase a new vehicle and even a used vehicle will benefit if the rust hasn't taken too strong of a hold and do a yearly check. My 2010 was used when I bought it and the frame was in really good condition, not perfect, but in good condition and it still is in good condition because I used a rust preventative on it and in all cavities. In some places the rust preventative drips when the weather is warm. I live in Minnesota so rust is a constant fight.
     
    TnShooter likes this.
  5. Dec 18, 2023 at 10:37 AM
    #5
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    Yeah, Where you have multi-layers of frame over lapping, water gets trapped and rots the frame.
    Like you said, fixing the issue would cost money. Yeah, they could use a sealant.
    But the sealant will too and could actual trap more water in, cause a larger issue.

    Maybe an epoxy permanent hard setting sealant?
    I don't know.

    But the easiest thing for the owner to do is use a "thicker" rust preventative, like Wool Wax or Fluid Film.
     
    robin1970 likes this.
  6. Dec 18, 2023 at 11:02 AM
    #6
    ABA180

    ABA180 It burns when I pee....

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    Saf-T-Caps are an option, I've heard people had success with those.

    The frame is about 12K parts and labour, not sure how much to buy the frame and DIY but you would have to get one made as Toyota doesn't make those anymore. My 2010 is the same as yours and had it replaced in 2021.
     
  7. Dec 18, 2023 at 11:59 AM
    #7
    knottyrope

    knottyrope Well-Known Member

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    i found a frame and doing a swap, the caps wont have much to weld to on mine
     
  8. Jan 11, 2024 at 2:29 PM
    #8
    Jutah1974

    Jutah1974 New Member

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    I found a 04 extended cab 4wd Tacoma that was immaculate. The truck was a 1 owner and he took the truck in to his local Toyota dealership for everything the truck ever needed. The service invoices were neatly sent with the truck when I bought it. But before I bought the truck the buddy of mine who brokered the deal told me the frame was in bad shape and since I'm a welder/fabricator that I could fix it. So I called Toyotas 1-800 customer service line and spoke with a extremely nice lady at the Texas location where the truck was built and she said it qualified for the free frame replacement because previous owner took it in to have some rust inhibitor sprayed on the frame. I gave her the VIN and all she asked for. I wanted to make sure that if I bought the truck with me being the second owner if it would be any problem and she said no. I was also told to take it to my local Toyota dealership and they would do a ball peen test and determine the outcome of frame replacement. It was rotted out and broke in front of rear tires along with other bad areas on the frame. I dropped off the truck one evening at local yota dealer and they called me the next morning saying they would have to have $160 to do inspection. I informed them nicely what Toyota said it was a free inspection but then I was told the warranty ran out on 24th August 2019 for that truck. I bought the truck for my son's high school graduation gift. I bought the truck at start of his senior year figuring 9 months of leeway to swap frame. But Toyota would not honor the frame replacement and the previous owner died right after having inhibitor sprayed on. The truck sat in a garage for several years untill the estate sale when I purchased it. So I'm stuck with a worthless truck that I'm told would easily sell for 14-15k if I swapped out the frame. But that's a damn shame Toyota did that to me then I ended up buying my son, unfortunately a damn stinkin ass diesel truck he wanted..lol..I don't see how a Toyota holds it's value whatsoever. I'm a GMC guy but everyone in my family owns a Tacoma and I reckon I do too unfortunately...
     
    303tacoma likes this.
  9. Jan 11, 2024 at 3:22 PM
    #9
    Steelhead Bum

    Steelhead Bum Well-Known Member

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    Is it unfortunate you got the run around, yes, but you bought the truck knowing the frame was bad with the intention of repairing it since your a welder fabricator. They sell kits to repair the frame or fab your own. Fix it up and sell it, or drive it.
     
  10. Jan 11, 2024 at 3:44 PM
    #10
    fxntime

    fxntime Well-Known Member

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    All Toyota needs to do is galvanize the frame. That's it. Nothing more. Heck, I'd easily pay $500-$1000 more for a galvanized frame on a truck.
     
  11. Jan 11, 2024 at 5:07 PM
    #11
    Steelhead Bum

    Steelhead Bum Well-Known Member

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    Or cities, counties, states could stop laying down highly corrosive chemicals for road maintenance.

    If it’s doing that to your frame think about what it’s doing to your water. It’s not good.
     
  12. Jan 13, 2024 at 3:47 AM
    #12
    robin1970

    robin1970 Member

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    Agree with TN shooter. Anyone near rust belt should get truck undercoated annually with wool wax, fluid film, PB surface shield, or New Hampshire oil, etc.

    Avoid rubberized undercoatings.

    I've got a 2007 Tacoma in northern New England, purchased in Florida in 2019. Not garaged. PO was a snowbird, and truck had been undercoated by him.

    I get it undercoated each year and frame seems to be in great shape. A Toyota dealership recently told me frame is good, doesn't need replacing. However, if I ever wanted a new frame, cost would be around $10k. Since my truck is in good shape (not a rust bucket) they would be willing to do it.

    However, I did have an independent toyota shop tell me 18 months ago that there is some fraying of the frame in the rear (near rear bumpers) on both sides. (Can't find pics quickly.)

    For now I'm not considering it a big issue, and Toyota dealership didn't think it was. I just keep getting truck undercoated each year.
     
  13. Jan 13, 2024 at 2:35 PM
    #13
    ABA180

    ABA180 It burns when I pee....

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    I didn't until the bulletin for my 2010, I let Toyota do the CRC. Didn't touch it myself until it rotted in April 2021. Since the reframe I get it Woolwaxed yearly.
     
  14. Oct 9, 2024 at 1:25 PM
    #14
    Mconsdesk

    Mconsdesk New Member

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    I am very sad! I bought a 2005 Tacoma in March this year from IAAI Auctions. I was happy because it was as new, with only 42k miles on it. Trying to repair the Air Condition, not only that the compressor was eaten up by rust, but also the evaporator core, and to my nightmare today, was told the frame is gone, all chewed up by rust. The annoying thing is that Toyota dealership has done to analysis on the vehicle without discovering in full, the entire troubles. Troubling... From reading above comments, I have a long road to work, with more 11k on the vehicle at moment, with few more repairs pending.
     

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