ROTTED FRAME ON TACOMA

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OK, i have a guy who works for me who has a 1998 ? Toyota Tacoma v6 4x4 extended cab.

of course it runs great, shifts great. The thing is he is 58 lives with his mom who he takes care of and she has a little Dementia and he is not in position to get a new one at this time.

Has any of the highly skilled people here on BITOG had any luck patching up a frame ? or what i really need is a truck that needs a Engine ?

I am all ears.

Thank You
Steve
 
Depends on if it's localized or the entire frame. If it is local and there is good frame to weld to on each end a plate and gusset repair can be welded in.or box it if it is to much space of bad frame it will depend on how fresh the motor and tranny is to get a frame and swap it.
The good thing about that after 20 years is it's is a good opportunity to replace all the body mount bushings, the suspension bushings and inspect other things.

I had a couple of Tacoma's of that generation and used them har, on the beach a lot goi g fishing down Padre Island national seashore.
After each trip to clean up. I would run a hose in the frame and flood it with water to get all the Sand, mud and salt out. The boxed frame with holes in it would hold a lot of sand and dirt. It would never dry out if you never got the dirt and sand out. The trouble area I saw coming would be the area near the front of the leaf springs g mount. As well as the dip area behind the front wheel well.(sand off the front tires would just pour against the frame there.)


This thread probably should be in general automotive.
 
They sell kits to patch it up. I had a 2004 and it was badly rusted toward the front of the leaf spring. Decided I didn't want to deal with it. Sold it....disclosed the flaw and still broke even on the truck.
 
I have welded on a LOT of rusted out cars that made their way into Texas.

It can be done (anything is possible) but you really need to be able to "see in your mind" how the stresses and loads are handled through the geometry.

Having done a LOT of unibody vehicle repairs in the past helps to determine where to go to find "good metal" to reinforce to.

If the frame is only rotted in a few spots, it'll likely be possible to patch it up for a few years longer.
 
I have seen a local welder reanimate a "zombie rust frame" that I thought was junk. I would give it a shot. The important thing is to oil spray ( Krown or Fluid Film) the frame every year without fail to stop further deterioration. I use Fluid Film and it works great for me so far. No experience with other products.
 
Originally Posted by bubbatime
Wasn't Toyota replacing frames WAY past warranty. Like 10 or 15 year old (or older) trucks?


Yes, several threads back a couple years...OP, I would suggest he checks with the dealership.
 
Originally Posted by JLTD
Originally Posted by bubbatime
Wasn't Toyota replacing frames WAY past warranty. Like 10 or 15 year old (or older) trucks?
Yes, several threads back a couple years...OP, I would suggest he checks with the dealership.


His 1998 is 21 years old!

If I was Toyota, I'd tell you that you got your money's worth.
 
Originally Posted by Linctex
Originally Posted by JLTD
Originally Posted by bubbatime
Wasn't Toyota replacing frames WAY past warranty. Like 10 or 15 year old (or older) trucks?
Yes, several threads back a couple years...OP, I would suggest he checks with the dealership.


His 1998 is 21 years old!

If I was Toyota, I'd tell you that you got your money's worth.


They are trying to put a stop to this....

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Recently bought a 74 GMC 4WD stepside project that has a rusted frame. Every panel is Chinese except cab and possibly hood, never seen anything like this but am looking forward to it. Have an old 327 with 375 horse cam to install. Will post pics to hopefully get some advice whether to repair or replace.
 
Well we will have to have a good welder look at it. There is not a lot of Metal left to weld to in the rear of the rear wheels.

We will see. Thank You for the help and assistance.

Steve
Steve is the Oil guy
 
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