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Pickups Toyota Tacoma Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem
923 messages, Last post on Nov 16, 2009 at 8:28 AM
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Replying to: screwed4 (Feb 26, 2009 7:26 pm) im about 25 mins north of boston ! I think I saw that investigation done by channel 5 and I am totally against the frame replacement |
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Replying to: Sambone5769 (Jan 16, 2009 9:47 am) http://www.krown.com/ Good luck. |
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I have been reading this forum for several months now. I have an 01 Double cab that will be needing a frame replacement soon. I wanted to take a minute to alleviate the stress some of you are feeling about getting a frame replacement. It's not as scary as you think. Even though the scale of the job is larger than normal (big nuts and bolts), it should be an easy job for any competent technician. If you would trust a dealership, or any mechanic for that matter to do any specialized work (brakes, suspension, steering, etc...) a frame swap is no different. There seems to be this idea that these trucks were somehow magically assembled by brilliant scientists. Each one hand fit together. No chance. These trucks were designed to be easily assembled, and can easily be taken apart. Rust and corrosion will hinder the process, but all the rusty hardware will be replaced. I've monitored the first 2 swaps at a local dealership, as I know several techs there. Everything and anything that might be needed for the job with the exception of exhaust parts, is included in the kit. Other's have listed the parts in previous posts, so I won't repeat it. The total retail cost of the parts plus 60 hrs labor was around $14,000!!! Thats a lot of new parts for an older truck. If you maintained your truck for the long run, this swap should make you feel even better about getting many more years out of it. Don't get me wrong, Toyota definitely screwed up, but they are trying to fix it (more so than most manufacturers would). I think it would make sense to continue the buy-back, as they can fix the trade-ins and resell them. Anyway, relax, get the new frame if you need it. The truck will be safe and reliable.
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Replying to: jjbillings (Mar 02, 2009 9:42 am) further more, no manufacturer builds cars to be easily disassembled. car and trucks are designed and built as efficient as possible as to save the manufacturer time and money on the assembly line.... Frame swap is a very big job. if you get a rolling chassis ( everything built into the frame that is needed) then it would not be as bad but the simple fact is, when you disturb electrical connectors and other fasteners that have been in one position for a long time, odds are there are going to be problems. Most likely your concern should be with electrical.
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Replying to: mcalautt (Mar 02, 2009 9:56 am) "Not sure what experience you have directly with the repair of vehicles but your analogy about a frame swap being the same as brakes, suspension etc is wrong. " mcalautt: I have many years of service experience, but more importantly, I owned a 1985 Toyota truck that I replaced the frame on. (As you can imagine I am a little ticked that I am 0 for 2 with toyota truck frames) I admit, I was a little weary at first, but the job overall went very smooth. After the swap, I drove it daily for 5 more years and 120,000 more miles trouble free ( I still own it) An experienced tech, should know how to properly remove electrical connectors. And, if one should get damaged, fix it. Were talking vehicles that are 8 years old in the worst case. Talking with techs who have done 2 frame swaps already, it went much smoother than anyone first anticipated. My analogy to brakes, steering, etc..., was in the trust that someone who works on your vehicle will put it back together safely. El-cheepo tire barns who mount tires, install valve stems, and bolt wheels on everyday have an equal amount of responsibility, as would someone doing a frame swap. I guess everyone takes that kind of work for granted. It's important to understand that this is just my opinion. Most people who know me, hold my opinion in high regard. I wanted to convey some optimism in an otherwise gloomy forum.
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Replying to: rachelf (Feb 22, 2009 12:31 pm)
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Hey all, just a heads up. Last year Toyota bought my '01 Taco back and after 2 months of arguing offered me $12k for it,,,,just barely KBB. Being completely sick of the whole proccess, I took the money and bought a Dodge. Well, wouldn't you know it, last week i got a call from Toyota Corp advising me that my '01 was now included in there buy back program and that they were sending me an additional check of $6k and change!!!! So, all total Toyota has now paid me just over $19k for my loved Taco. Had they initiated the full 150% KBB in the beginning we would still be driving a Toyota. However, they took a bit too long to make the right decision. I took the money and ran. I hope in the future Toyota pays more attention to the details. For you that had cases close last year for the '01 Taco's you might be in for a delightful surprise.
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Replying to: missunderstood (Mar 03, 2009 8:38 am) |
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Replying to: missunderstood (Mar 03, 2009 8:38 am) |
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Replying to: jjbillings (Mar 02, 2009 12:00 pm)
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