Replace rusty front leaf spring bracket

Hello. My truck has a rusty leaf spring hanger that I am looking to replace. I've attached a photo of the area. I haven't had any luck finding this piece in the parts catalog. Is there any aftermarket part or some other way to replace this section? Unfortunately the truck it too old for a frame recall


Thanks in advance

 

Left side: https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...A)&Location=rear-spring-shock-absorber,,48407

Right side: https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...)&Location=rear-spring-shock-absorber,,48404A

Note that I have never dealt with that company, so I can't vouch for their reliability. If anything, you can take the part numbers and find the parts elsewhere.

 

Thanks a lot! So, now the question is how to replace it? Getting the old one off is straight forward enough, but how would you suggest attaching the new one? Would a bolt/nut combo do the job?

 

If the spring hanger is that bad, what's the rest of the frame look like. it looks to me like that would have qualified for a new frame 3 months ago. Too late now though.

 

Well the original is riveted on, so ideally you would do that.
I suppose that you could substitute bolts, but you're going to want to make sure that you figure out the proper hardness of bolts to use -- I won't be able to guide you there. Fine threaded, and I'd be tempted to stick a layer of adhesive between the parts, like loctite.

 

My guess as well. At this point it is definitely a matter of applying bandaids to pull just a little more life out of it.

 

Here is a discussion from another forum about switching from rivets to bolts. Some ideas to think about, but as always, be cautious about anything you read from an anonymous forum on the internet.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...cs/239831/Any_problem_replacing_frame_ri.html

 

Not what I wanted to hear since I just bought it, but I had a feeling this was the case. I don't do any serious off-roading so if this fix can give me ~2yrs of driving without fear of the hangar failing I suppose that's money well spent. I appreciate all of the help.

 

Have you inspected the rest of the frame?
What I want you to do, is crawl under the truck so that your head is below the transmission and in between the front cab mounts, and look at the part of the frame adjacent to the cab mounts, but facing the transmission. You should see a rectangular hole that is approximately 1 inch by 2 inch. Is there any evidence of that face being rusted through? Note that there are two layers of steel in that face of the frame, and you can see both layers at that hole. If the two layers are touching each other, that would be a very good sign. If there is a huge gap between the two layers, that is a VERY BAD sign and means that in the very least, the inner layer is rusted right through.

When exactly did you buy the truck?

 

Look at the frame rails beside the catalytic convertors. If there is a hole the size of a cantaloupe, I would be more worried about the frame folding in half in the middle. Did a shady dealer sell you the truck?

 

Crap. One side has a huge gap. I bought it less than a month ago.

 

Also, look here. this is a 2006 Hawaii Taco.

 

Ok, so basically what is going on right now, is everybody who is realizing that the new frame program is over for the 2005-2010 (there is rumor of it starting soon for 2011-2015) is trying to dump their trucks with shot frames, since they are now basically worthless. You're going to see the prices falling dramatically for 2010 and older having their original frames and significant frame rust. The seller of your truck **may or may not** have been aware of the overall condition.

Since its only been a month, there may be an opportunity for you to force the seller to buy the vehicle back from you. Basically, for a contract to be enforceable, the item being contracted has to be FIT FOR PURPOSE. If the vehicle is unfit, i.e., unsafe due to the frame being rusted out, then the vehicle as a whole is not fit for purpose, and the contract is void. The exception to this would be one of the two conditions having been met prior to the sales contract being completed;
a) The seller clearly informing you as to the unsafe state of the frame,
b) The buyer acknowledging the unsafe state of the frame to the seller.
(either one of these should be included in the sales contract as evidence, but is not required technically).

Either one of those would alter the purpose of the sale, changing it from "fit to drive" to "fit for major repair" or "fit for parts salvage".

Also note that it doesn't matter if the seller is a Toyota dealership, other brand dealership, used car dealership, or even a PRIVATE SALE. The elements of a contract still must be satisfied in order for the contract to be enforceable.

So my suggestion would be to start off with a phone call to the seller saying that you've determined that the frame on the truck is rusted right through and the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and that you would like your money back on that basis. If they say something like sorry, caveat emptor, then you are done with them, thank them for their time, and go talk to a lawyer. You don't need to tell them that you're going to talk to a lawyer, just thank them for their time and leave.


Now ALTERNATIVELY, if you got a great deal on it and would be satisfied with just a year or two of use before sending it to the crushers, then you can just repair it as much as is necessary to keep it safe, with the understanding that you aren't going to get too much time out of it.

BUT, I would like to point out that you are now at a point where a decision has to be made. RIGHT NOW. Since you have now discovered the condition of the frame, ANY ATTEMPT AT REPAIRING THE FRAME, or any undue passage of time, will **ratify** the sales contract and you forfeit the right to seek remedy from the seller.

 

Word. I've already contacted the dealership about taking the truck back. Thank you all for your help. I'll definitely inspect my next taco a little closer

 

They are great trucks. Don't let this turn you off of them. Its just that as with anything, appropriate maintenance is key to longevity. 13 years without proper maintenance will definitely take its toll.

 

If you buy a 2007 to 2010 that is less than 12 years old from the date of 1st use, and the frame has a 10mm rust hole, you get a new frame for free. It sounds like there's lots of Tacos with rusty frames in Hawaii.

 

I don't think he actually said where he's from.

 

Oahu Members Thread
Hello, I'm new to the island. I needed a vehicle and noticed that I couldn't pass a parking lot without seeing a Tacoma, so I decided that was a...
Post by: shellshox345, Feb 25, 2019 in forum: Hawaii

 

Went down to the dealer and they agreed to buy the truck back with minimal fuss. The toyata dealership across the street has a blue 06 DCLB with a good frame for $16,500 which is tempting.

Anyway, thanks again for all your help. It looks like this story will have a happy ending

 

WOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!! That's awesome that you got out from under that. Now do your research so you don't make another mistake.

There is no way I would pay $16.5 for any '06 Taco.