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2000 Tundra frame replacement

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by Jarvo11, Sep 16, 2016.

  1. Sep 16, 2016 at 12:11 PM
    #1
    Jarvo11

    Jarvo11 [OP] New Member

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    just wanted to share what Toyota is doing regarding my 2000 Tundra frame. As you may know, there was an issue with early Tundra frames and cross members that necessitated a recall. I had taken the truck in when the recall came out, and had it inspected. That was years ago. At this years State Inspection time, may machanic advised me to take it back in fir a frame inspection, because he felt the main frame was no longer safe to be driving on. I got under the truck with him, and both sides of the frame had huge sections missing. They no longer exist. I honestly don't know what was holding up the rear end of the trasmision. The rear cross members also had corrosion holes in them. So I took my truck into a Toyita dealer, and had them take a look...

    Now, at 286000 miles, I wasn't expecting much. It still runs great and the body is in very good condition. I thought maybe they would offer a very low buyout toward a new truck, or tell me it was a total loss. But, to my amazement, Toyota is going to replace the frame, and give me a free loaner car for the duration of the rebuild which could be several months. I got a 2016 Camery fir the loaner. I have also started looking around for a new, or recently used truck, and I have to say that I am seriously going to look at Tundras again. There have been minor repairs along the way over the 14 years I have owned it, but it still rides and runs and looks great.

    Kudos to Toyota for honoring their commitment to their customers. You have created another loyal Toyota family. We currently also own a 2008 Highlander Sport, which my wife loves...and my children are watching this too!!!
     
    Black Wolf, driverdog, Law323 and 2 others like this.
  2. Sep 26, 2016 at 10:20 AM
    #2
    louie59

    louie59 New Member

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    I had my 2000 Tundra for 10 years before selling it to a family member 6 years ago. He recently passed away. We had a potential buyer come to look at it over the weekend. The buyer asked to see it up on our lift. Wouldn't you know, even though we took it in for the recall in 2009 and it passed with flying colors, it now has terrible corrosion where the spare tire carrier attaches to the frame, at 169,000 miles. We were so concerned about how bad it is, that we drove it to Toyota of York, York, PA, today, 9/26/16. Dealer advised they will replace the frame and offered a rental on the spot. It will take about 4 months for the frame to come in. I am super impressed that 7 years after it passed the recall inspection, they'll still honor the replacement. I have been driving Toyotas since 1985 and this is why. I thank them for taking the high road and they can feel free to quote me on it!
     
    driverdog and TheBeast like this.
  3. Jul 31, 2018 at 5:24 PM
    #3
    OBXTundra

    OBXTundra Member

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    http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/1...ndra-pickups-for-frame-corrosion-problem.html

    I would personally bring the truck to the dealer and explain to them your situation. It is very easy for a dealer to blow off a 3rd party over the phone whom is calling on someones behalf. Heck, it's easy for anyone to blow off anyone on the phone.

    Hound the dealer and then call Toyota Customer Care and hound them. It looks bad when Toyota decides to replace some frames and not others.

    Short story: My friend had his Tacoma bought back under the rust recall years ago, made out really well. A year later his grandfather brought in his Tacoma and was told it was good and they would treat the frame with preventive coating. My buddy crawled under his grandfathers truck to find it in worse shape than his was when it was bought back. Buddy and grandfather went to the dealer together and got under the truck with the service manager. My buddy also had pictures of his frame from his rusted out Tacoma. He asked the service manager how much further he would need to take his issue, they presented his grandfather with a formal buy-back offer on the spot.

    But.......I would ultimately set the blame with your mechanic that inspected the truck prior to purchase. I don't even touch anything with surface rust underneath it, let alone a frame with actual holes rotten through it.
     
  4. Jul 31, 2018 at 6:47 PM
    #4
    Rev. Dave

    Rev. Dave New Member

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    I appreciate the advice OBXTundra, but it was Toyota Corporate customer service who assured us the frame had been fixed and then a month later told us that it had just been sprayed to purlong the inevitable demise of the frame. In other words they coated over the rust to make it look good and get it beyond the warranty period.
    We did take the truck to the local dealer and he was very sympathetic, totally agreed with us that Toyota should replace our frame, but that does nothing to get them to do it.
     
  5. Jul 31, 2018 at 7:18 PM
    #5
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    is the frame rusting on its own or is it because of the salt/chemicals they put on the roads around where you live ? in other words is it Toyota's fault or the state/county ?
     
  6. Aug 7, 2018 at 4:10 PM
    #6
    fudozen

    fudozen New Member

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    My 2000 Access Cab is getting a new frame... Just waiting for it to arrive.
     
  7. Aug 7, 2018 at 4:32 PM
    #7
    ktundra

    ktundra rust be damned

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    Shawn, what city is your dealer located?

    Did you take it in and just schedule a frame inspection? How did the process work for you? Was it straight forward? Was there any push back?

    Thanks for any insight you can provide. I have a 2001 Tundra 4x4 that has a badly rusted frame.
     
  8. Aug 7, 2018 at 5:15 PM
    #8
    fudozen

    fudozen New Member

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    Northway Toyota in Latham, NY. After we talked to our mechanic about the truck, we called the dealership and they told us when to bring it in. They took it into the shop and came out and said "You'll be getting a new frame and a rental car on us. You cannot take it off the lot, it is unsafe." So no push back. I was surprised because the major rusting was at the transmission cross bar, not as much gas tank and back. Even if I don't do anything else, it raises the value of the truck....
     
  9. Aug 7, 2018 at 6:53 PM
    #9
    ktundra

    ktundra rust be damned

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    That's awesome. Please keep us updated as to what they may end charging you for wear and tear parts like brakes, shocks, etc, as that's what others have reported.

    The frame replacement job is a huge job in and of itself which is a $15k+ job. I'm OK with shelling out a little in order to extend the value and life of my truck.
     
  10. Aug 10, 2018 at 2:12 PM
    #10
    tundramark

    tundramark New Member

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    Guys, explain to me how you are getting a dealership to replace your frame when the option ended 12 years after initial purchase. Mine is a 2001 tundra with a rusted out frame and no dealership will even discuss that option. Even Toyota headquarter is telling me they will not replace under the recall warranty. Now I own a 2001 tundra with 94,000 miles that I have been told is unsafe to drive. any suggestions??
     
  11. Aug 10, 2018 at 2:37 PM
    #11
    fudozen

    fudozen New Member

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    Bring it to NY and try?????
     
  12. Aug 23, 2018 at 4:06 AM
    #12
    fudozen

    fudozen New Member

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    The frame has arrived and they will start the process to place it under my truck in the next few days.
    I also got the listing of everything that Toyota thinks that I should replace that isn't covered by the frame replacement.
    The grand total? $8,398.84

    Now as everyone (including me) gasps at that number. I have to point out that I knew going into this that my rear diff housing was rusted and needs to be replaced.
    What I wasn't ready for was the price: $5,568.67. I'm already working on sourcing a used diff housing for around $700.
    The second big ticket item is the rear bumper, also known, at $1,773.11. I have already ordered an aftermarket whole chrome bumper kit for $298.

    So the list of things that they recommend:
    Oil Change: $63.18 Parts and Labor
    NYS Inspection: $21.00 Fact of life it is due....
    Rear Brake lines: $69.38 Parts Labor price was included with the Diff so I don't know.... guessing $200
    Fuel Lines: $445.39 P&L
    Front Sway Bar Bushings: $67.95 Parts
    Tube, RR Brake: $69.38 Parts
    Shocks: $234.58 P&L

    So around $1100 - $1200, a price that I can handle.
     
  13. Aug 23, 2018 at 4:10 AM
    #13
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Thanks for the update. You seem to be doing good. She’ll be basically brand new when you get her back.
     
  14. Aug 30, 2018 at 3:51 AM
    #14
    fudozen

    fudozen New Member

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    And here is the old frame leaving:
    40500764_2243014769059729_48051351937299_6d96d296ba253f8e7b0e373dc82e87f614c2a9cd.jpg
    40397974_2243014412393098_77799666382956_589f871b143be38face0321b3a1042cb9a212c70.jpg
     
  15. Sep 1, 2018 at 5:46 PM
    #15
    fudozen

    fudozen New Member

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    I got it back today. They broke the clock spring so I'll have to take it back in for that, but I have it.
    They put my after market bumper on for no charge.
    40541194_2247377065290166_77982979366720_b117f51b8f5845a131411ad88bc9438cd88f298a.jpg
     
  16. Sep 1, 2018 at 6:05 PM
    #16
    tenntundra

    tenntundra 2013 SR5 crewmax Barcelona red

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    3" suspension lift, BMF 20" wheels 305/55/20 nitto ridge grappler tires,painted RED bushwhacker fender flares,fold up tonneu cover,100 watt led fog lights,led interior lights,borla dual exhaust,tinted windows,window vent visors, Toyota hood protector,toyota step bars,spyder carbon fiber floor mats,k&n air filter,painted brake calipers red, installed red lug nuts on wheels remote start.
    I had my 2000 limited TRD access cab frame replaced 8 yes ago. It had 250,000 miles on it but still ran and looked new.they offered me a buy out or replace the frame. I took the replacement.once the got the frame in it took just 4 days to get it back! I had to put back some vacuum holders and fix an exhaust leak but,it is doing great and now has 367,000 miles! This is another reason why I still drive toyToyotas!
     
  17. Nov 6, 2018 at 3:45 AM
    #17
    Jeocasio

    Jeocasio New Member

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    What’s the name of the dealership you had it done at?
     
  18. Nov 6, 2018 at 4:24 AM
    #18
    fudozen

    fudozen New Member

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    Northway Toyota of Latham, New York
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    Latham, New York 12110

    I got a 2wd rear diff w/ 3rd member for $700, and my mechanic installed it for $600.
     
  19. Apr 23, 2019 at 2:03 PM
    #19
    RustyFramedTundra

    RustyFramedTundra New Member

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    Hey everyone! I found this thread when I was searching around today. My mechanic called me to say that I should get my 2002 Tundra Ltd (183k miles) off the road because there is so much frame rot. I had the truck in during the frame corrosion recall, they didn't replace it... just sprayed it. Now it is a mess. Yes, I live in Massachusetts, but my mechanic said there's no way the frame should be in this condition in 7 years if it cleared the recall inspection. So here's my question...

    How on earth did you guys managed to get your frames replaced after the recall expired? Anything you can share with me would be great. I spent a lot of time on the phone with Toyota N.A. today and they are a stonewall (I got 3 rungs up the ladder). I'll probably call my dealer tomorrow if I can get any insights here. Any input is greatly appreciated!
     
  20. Apr 23, 2019 at 2:15 PM
    #20
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    a recall cannot expire. your truck had a "reasonable repair" done to it, so the recall is considered complete. those of us that are getting our frames replaced, (me included) have trucks that did not receive the rust preventative coating. Unfortunately, unless Toyota decides to throw you a bone, you're out of luck.

    Does that make sense?
     
  21. Apr 23, 2019 at 2:23 PM
    #21
    RustyFramedTundra

    RustyFramedTundra New Member

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    It does and it doesn't. If you brought your truck in under that recall, they either replaced the frame or put on that coating - wouldn't both be considered "reasonable repair"? If you didn't bring your truck in under the recall, Toyota told me that it has "expired" - their words, not mine. So I'm trying to understand if there is some other path I missed.

    In any event, I looked under the truck just now again. Yes, there is some corrosion - significant in places - but I think the right shop could fix all of it for less than $2500. Now I just need to find the right place.
     
    lsaami likes this.
  22. Apr 23, 2019 at 2:42 PM
    #22
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    Maybe Toyota was talking about the TSB? that expired in 2012. a safety recall imposed by the NHTSA cannot just expire to my knowledge. a TSB can because that's just the manufacturer doing a repair to make it's customers happy.
     
  23. Apr 23, 2019 at 2:45 PM
    #23
    RustyFramedTundra

    RustyFramedTundra New Member

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    It must be the TSB, because they kept saying it ended in 2012. Is there a safety recall for 2002 Tundras?
     
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  24. Apr 23, 2019 at 3:02 PM
    #24
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    yes, but if your frame was coated then that was resolved.
     
  25. Apr 23, 2019 at 3:07 PM
    #25
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    This is the sad reality. Toyota did their part and that solves their legal obligation. Depending on your rust severity you may want to consider welding repairs as some others in the past have performed.
     
    lsaami[QUOTED] likes this.
  26. Apr 23, 2019 at 3:50 PM
    #26
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    A couple things, it was never a recall, it was a limited service campaign born out of a class action lawsuit. It also theoretically expired 12 years from the vehicle in service date.

    Toyota may still be replacing some but it's definitely hit or miss depending on the dealer.

    If you got the CRC coating though you're shit out of luck since that "completed" the service campaign.
     
  27. Apr 23, 2019 at 4:20 PM
    #27
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    that's actually wrong. there was an actual safety recall for the 00-03 tundras for the rear subframe rusting out. the TSB covered the rest of the frame, and that expired.

    http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/toyota-launches-00-03-tundra-frame-replacement-program/
     
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  28. Apr 23, 2019 at 4:53 PM
    #28
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    My point was there is no recall for the entire frame replacement, it was only a service campaign.

    Yes there is a separate recall for the early trucks but that pertains only to the rear cross member.
     
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  29. Apr 23, 2019 at 5:00 PM
    #29
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    it pertains to the rear cross member, but the solution is to replace the entire frame, or if there are no rust holes, then the rust preventative coating is applied.

    My 2000 Tundra was JUST in under this recall, and had the entire frame replaced as of 02/19.
     
  30. Apr 23, 2019 at 5:22 PM
    #30
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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