Is There A Cheaper Frame Replacement Option?

Hi Guys. Unfortunately, my yearly inspection found that part of my frame (Rear Gas Strap Bracket) is broken. Looks like the frame warranty expired in September of this year, so I might be in trouble. I have a case in with Toyota to see if they'll take care of me since the break appears to have occurred during the warranty period (fingers crossed).

Here's my question...is there a cheaper option to replace the frame other than a new one from Toyota? I'm curious if anyone has had their frame replace with a used frame and got it done relatively cheap from a private garage before?

Any experiences and advice would be helpful in working through my upcoming decision making.

- Jim

 

If Toyota doesn’t replace your frame, you’re better off trading it in and let it be somebody else’s problem.

 

Pictures? You may be able to buy just the one piece, depending on what it is.

 

My mechanic said he can weld it, but he has to drop the gas tank to do it. Going to be one to two days worth of work. But he said my frame itself probably has 2-3 years of life left. So I'm wondering if it's worth replacing the frame to get more life out of the truck (112,500 miles).

 

So if that's the case, here's your situation. Drop cash to get 2-3 more years, or sell it for a down payment. I would take the latter. You already know the truck is on its way out and the time is close.

 

That's the direction that I'm leaning, but I would rather not get into a truck payment right now. Was just checking to see if there's a viable option to get a new (used) frame that it's good shape installed for a reasonable number (5K?). I don't know what that would cost, but that could buy a lot of years for me since this is my second vehicle (used to tow my bass boat).

 

Weld the tab for the strap, then sell it.

You could get a junkyard truck and swap the frame, that's a lot of fucking work though.

 

If your mechanic is right about future lifespan on current frame, IMHO, your best bet is to trade the truck in while you still can. I have looked, and a used frame in good condition will probably cost you a grand or more at a salvage yard. Then, depending on where it is located, you could be looking at $500 or more to get it shipped to you. Unless you have a close friend that is a good mechanic, and a shop to work in, having the frame replaced at a non-Toyota shop will probably cost at least 4/5 grand labor. And that does not count any parts that need to be replaced during the process. I noted you are in the PA area. That means it will be very difficult to find a local frame, given the PA winters, that is in much better shape than the one you have. I looked a while ago, and most salvage frames worth looking at are in the south or southwest so shipping will be expensive to PA. You could be looking at 7/8k or more. Is that truck worth it?

IMHO, put that money, along with what you can get for trade in value, against a new or newer truck (preferably not from the NorthEast). And if you do go with another used Tundra, have the frame checked very carefully. Either was, good luck.