1st Gen. Rusted Frame: Repair? Replace? or Salvage?

Unfortunately, the rear passenger shock absorber just broke away from the frame on "Old Red", my 2000 Taco. "Yes", it's a bit rusty under there (driven in Wisconsin, USA), but the truck has less than 115,000 miles on it and looks really nice otherwise, both inside and out. So, I'd love to repair or restore it underneath if possible. Someone suggested SafeTCap Kits from autorust.com which appear to address specific areas on of the frame (like the shock absorber area). Are these a good solution in my situation? Or is my frame too far gone? Is it even realistic (and possible) to replace the full frame on this daily driver (not looking for a show car)? Not sure what to do. Love to hear your advice and recommended part vendor(s) if appropriate (note that I'd likely purchase the parts and hire someone to make the repairs). Thanks in advance for your help!

 

SafTCaps wont be enough

Need a total new frame to be safe for a DD


Do the hammer test

 

Thanks for the prompt reply, @Xperivent ! Does anyone have recommendations on where to find a total new frame? Is there such a thing for a 23-year old truck?

 

Some people strip wrecked/rolled tacomas down to the frame… i dont think toyota makes the frames anymore but you used to be able to buy them

some people post frames those on here, but the swap is very involved, time consuming… might be better to just find another taco… …

and shipping a frame / driving cross country to pick one up is also $$


Other people know a lot more than me so listen to them… but your frame doesn’t look like there is any good metal to weld a safe-t-cap thingy to. And if you were to swap frames, you’ve got a lot there that will break & need replacing if you try to disassemble it.

 

First can you do the welding and fabrication work yourself??

You can`t do the work your looking at an easy $6000.00 to $10,000.00 depending on what Wisconsin allows if you have the safety inspection

Any one you hire should be able to make all the needed parts.

Good used frames can be found but shipping can be more then the frame. If I recall @Emptylord bought the last new 1st Generation frame from Toyota.

with enough money anything can be repaired or replaced !! How much is the real world budget .

 

It’s gonna hurt either your wallet or your heart, depending which way you go.

 

I’ve done 2 frame swaps and 1 frame restoration.
Plan on all new bushings ball joints basically anything rubber.
Random clips and bolts will break
I end up heating nearly ever nut or bolt with a torch.
It can be knocked out in 2-4 16 hour days if you’re experienced and have spare parts on hand and by experienced I mean having done this several times.
My first one took 2 months I also cleaned and repainted everything. You could spend countless days cleaning prepping and painting parts.
If your ok with putting dirty or rusty parts back onto the new frame then it’ll go quicker.
It’s not difficult work but it takes time, a place to have it tore apart and, a way to lift the cab off the frame.
At minimum a 2 1/2 car garage so you can have both frames beside each other just moving parts from old to new frame.
If you’re going to save this truck it’s going to take time. Look south for a frame.
I wish could help you out more don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Good luck it’s a great looking truck otherwise!

 

Honestly I’ve seen worse. Nice trucks deserve to be saved.

 

If it was me I'd keep it and find another with a good frame. What's better than one Tacoma? 2 Tacomas! That rot is pretty bad but dang - the body is great looking.

 

Find a fabrication guy. They’re around.

 

It won't be super cheap to save this truck, but still cheaper than a new Tacoma. I feel your pain, I'm also in WI and it took me a while to find a Tacoma that didn't have a rusted out frame. I would agree with others that the SafeTcap will be more like a bandaid. The rot is likely widespread enough that it will be tough to save. Especially if you're using it as your daily through the winter. I say work to find a new frame (not easy) and try to find someone to do the work for you. That or part out the truck, as sad as that is to say.

 

Save it

 

I have a 2002 extra cab frame for sale for sectioning or complete use. Not nearly as bad as yours. Cheap if you’re local. I’m in 07827.

https://imgur.com/a/MUccFqA

 

I bought a new one for my 98 a couple months ago. Last one though. BUT if your willing to pay and put the effort forth, used frames from down south can bring you another 20+ years of service

 

I just repaired my 2002 using the SafeTCaps and some parts I conjoured up. It's not hard if you have access to a welder and aren't afraid to get dirty. I went a little above and beyond before fitting the caps. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2002-double-cab-frame-rehab.774605/
Where in WI are you?
I have the left and right shock mounts from SafeTCap available to get you started. I bought them but ended up not using them and rebuilt the original parts. Would make you a deal on them.

 

Wow. I can't tell you ALL how much I appreciate this input. I do agree that the entire frame is suspect and should be replaced, however, I suspect finding a good one is a long shot. Then it must get to me up in Wisconsin. So, a more likely solution sounds like SafeTCaps then get a separate daily driver car, using the truck for local trips and farm chores. @gzig5, we live just south of Madison, WI (ZIP Code 53521) and just might be interested in your shock mounts. I plan to discuss all of this with my repair guy then make decisions after that. What ever I end up doing, I know that you all appreciate how sad it is to see such a great truck in this shape. I'd just love to find a way to save "Old Red". Again, thank you ALL for such fantastic input.

 

You can save that truck with safeTcaps. I had my 01 frame done by them back in 2016 and it's still going. If they're done right the frame is solid.

 

The passengers shock mount section itself is not worth splicing in from another truck. It collects dirt and grime and was not well designed. I would not trust it off of another truck. The SafeTCap repair part is superior to the OE design.

Personally I would look for a replacement frame if you are up for the project or know someone. That is a lot of rust. Or sell it and buy something from the south and use fluid film at least annually. Best of luck

 

Let me know if you want to see anything, maybe inspect in person, or are ready for the parts. I'm retiring in a month and will have some more time available later this year for stuff like this. I'd be happy to help if I can. I do have a couple of lessons learned that may be beneficial. It is all very straight forward work and just takes appropriate preparation and time to execute properly.