Need a new frame, thinking of welding problem areas.

Hey Everyone, so I just got a 2007 Tacoma. After getting it looked at I was told that the frame had to be replaced because of rust. The mechanic told me it wasn't a big deal and that Toyota had a huge recall on them and that I could get it replaced. After talking to Toyota they said, and I quote, "that truck is a paperweight" and that the recall ended for my year of truck 2 years ago.

Besides the frame, the truck is in great shape and doesn't have a lot of miles on it. So I was thinking of getting the frame welded in some of its problems areas because a new frame would just cost too much.

My question is, has anyone been in this situation with Toyota before, and is welding some areas of the frame an okay idea just to keep it on the road a little longer.

 

First, welcome to the site. Second, your mechanic gave you some very bad - and very expensive - advice. Yes, Toyota does have a frame replacement program, but the "warranty" only extends for 12 years from the "first in-service date." You're well past that. No amount of complaining to Toyota will get you anywhere. None.

As for the possibility of "welding some areas of the frame" to extend the life of the truck, I'd be very careful there - especially since the Toyota dealership said it's in such bad shape. There is a company that makes patch panels specifically for the most commonly rusted areas. The big kicker is that you need good metal in adjacent areas to weld the patches to. Oh, and you need a pretty talented welder. In the words of Dirty Harry, "So kid, you feeling lucky?" Sorry for the bad news.

 

I would say it is worth fixing, anything can be fixed, but not by just anyone, but a GOOD welder fabricator would be who I would call.

Where is the worst areas? Right in front of the rear wheels where the idiots at Toyota stuck an inner channel inside the main frame side rails?

 

There is a company that makes repair sections to weld in the frame. The area that is a concern is near the catalytic converters and that’s the section that is made. I don’t recall the name of the company but they are available. If it’s another area, yes, it can be repaired with steel stock. Those types of endeavors are most cost effective as a DIY project due to cost but it can be done. Post photos when you get a chance.

 

Care to share the conditions of purchase and if you live in an inspection state?

Dealer? If yes, what kind?

If your state requires inspections, does the seller have to furnish a clean inspection? If so, someone screwed up.

What I'm getting to is you might have an exit path with a refund from the seller if they did something illegal.

Otherwise, you have a very expensive paper weight.

Finding the same model truck with a good frame and damaged body or blown engine is an option IF you have the time, tools, skills and space to cobble together all the good parts.

 

This is the company. OP, you can buy sections and have them welded in. Don't feel bad, look at all the auto brands on this site, all frames rust through eventually.

https://www.autorust.com/product-category/toyota/tacoma-2005-2015-2nd-gen-double-cab/

 

Pictures would help.

 

Surely a Taco with a solid frame or one that has had the frame replaced has been totaled and is waiting to be purchased at an insurance auction; If I had an otherwise decent truck that needed a new frame, I'd buy a totaled Taco just for the frame (as long as the frame wasn't damaged in the accident) and swap all the parts from the truck with the rotted frame to that frame.

A truck was that in a freshwater flood would also be a good place to start!