Self Introduction Plus Details Why I'm Here

I'm new here, just signed up. After spending a few hours recently trying to research the ominous Toyota rust problems. This site appears to have among the best up to date information surrounding the frame replacement issues. I was brought into the realm of fellow Tacoma owners who share the problems and dilemmas concerning the rusted frame and other rusted areas, by my son who purchased this nice looking low mileage 03 Tacoma 4x4. It was almost a year ago while he was commuting to work on a busy freeway in Houston, the rear band holding the fuel tank gave way causing the tank to drop down. Fortunately the tank didn't fall far enough or hard enough on the pavement to cause a rupture which most likely could have cause a fire. Much later on when I looked the vehicle over I noticed the fuel tank's protective bottom metal shield was, I would say 90% missing from rust, as in totally gone. Having shared that part of our Tacoma story, I say my boy was very lucky that morning. My main purpose to share this is for a tip or heads up to any of you who have a similar vehicle with that ubiquitous rust problem, to simply beware and check those two fuel tank straps. I read about this almost same thing happening to another Tacoma owner. Just FYI our Tacoma was originally purchased in Pennsylvania, and currently has only 64K miles.
As I understand the purpose of "Introduce myself" I like to think I gave it a start with the above. However I now have my son's Tacoma. It was towed off the freeway to a Houston Toyota shop and dealership in hopes of getting it repaired, but to the tune of almost 5k. Recall the fuel tank gave way? Outrageously to expensive, and no where on their list of parts was it even mentioned about the rust issue, and there are large frame perforations, and very visible other damage. Later on I devised a plan to have it hauled to Kansas where I am, and delivered to a reputable near by GM dealership and shop. After about 2 weeks they had that Tacoma up and running fine for just less than $1800, including the hauling bill. It was then I first discovered in detail the rust problem. Then my son informed me of the Toyota frame replacement. So here I am to learn more.

 

Hope it is all good in the future for you.

 

Welcome and good luck in the future!