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Frame Repair

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by Haug0382, Jul 21, 2021.

  1. Jul 21, 2021 at 11:28 AM
    #1
    Haug0382

    Haug0382 [OP] New Member

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    Before you see this as "just another rusty frame" post, I have a serious question that could determine the future of my frame.

    My 02 tundra has a rusty frame with a crack in the bottom of the frame right above the leaf spring shackle. The crack is only getting bigger. I'm willing to spend money on getting it fixed but dont know the best route to go. I have 2 options:

    1. One frame repair shop will strip the undercoating and rust, weld a support plate over the crack and then apply several coats of rust prevention coating.

    2. Another frame repair shop will essentially build a metal support around the entirety of the frame, almost like building a brand new frame. They wont get rid of any rust or add a seal coat.

    So which option would you go with? Tough call on my end. And both are priced pretty similar. About 2k.
     
  2. Jul 21, 2021 at 11:39 AM
    #2
    N84434

    N84434 In the Frozen Tundra

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    I would go with option 2. Reason being, check out my build thread and see what I did with my damage around the rear shackle areas. I fabricated new stiffeners for that area..
     
    Lil Steve likes this.
  3. Jul 21, 2021 at 11:52 AM
    #3
    BubbaW

    BubbaW Been Real

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    They can be fixed as @N84434 build page will show but until We saw what the whole frame looked like, it would not be right to give advice on either option. We have seen our fair share of bad frames and some were at the point of needing option 3 and 4.

    3. if enough frame damage and the rest of the truck is still in good shape, consider new frame....yes it's not cheap
    4. cut your losses and get out from under it.
     
  4. Jul 21, 2021 at 11:58 AM
    #4
    Winning8

    Winning8 New Member

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    Go to shop 2 first, then go to shop 1 to finish it
     
  5. Jul 21, 2021 at 12:02 PM
    #5
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    Before you repair. Ask yourself are you willing to spend 2k every year to keep it repaired.

    It sounds awful but if your frame is rusted and cracked in one spot you can almost guarantee there are other spots not far behind.
     
  6. Jul 21, 2021 at 12:07 PM
    #6
    Haug0382

    Haug0382 [OP] New Member

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    Yeah, I should have added more info. Truck is in great shape. 125k miles, no body rust. Great interior. The frame appears to be in great shape (it has been spray coated by toyota so that's probably hiding a lot) minus what appears to be surface rust (very well could be internal though) with one small crack. Both shops said they could fix it and that the frame repair job would probably outlast the truck (no guarantee given though). So I think your options 3 and 4 are out of the question. After seeing other responses I'm leaning towards option 2.
     
    N84434 likes this.
  7. Jul 21, 2021 at 12:09 PM
    #7
    Haug0382

    Haug0382 [OP] New Member

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    I believe that other spots are not far behind but theoretically, if I go with either option, it should be fixed for the long run. I wouldn't have to spend 2k every year. You dont agree?
     
  8. Jul 21, 2021 at 12:10 PM
    #8
    Haug0382

    Haug0382 [OP] New Member

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    Yeah, that looks good. I'm sure the second shop will add something like that, or at least I'll ask about it.
     
    N84434[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Jul 21, 2021 at 12:21 PM
    #9
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    I'm just saying the possibility exists the you get this fixed this year. Then next year another spot could rust through and you're in the same position again.

    If you're going to do through with it my advice is grab a hammer and start smacking the frame none to gently in the rust prone areas. Example where the frame curves up front by the wheels, under the bed at the crossmember, all the crossmembers, and the same spot on the other side where your crack currently is.
     
  10. Jul 21, 2021 at 2:53 PM
    #10
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy Truck repair enthusiast; Rust Aficionado

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    Option 3. Find another shop. You can strip the rust yourself. A support plate over the crack shouldn’t be even close to $2k. More like $500-$750.

    Option 2 sounds underpriced IMO. That’s a lot of work and time.
     
    rockmup likes this.
  11. Jul 21, 2021 at 3:55 PM
    #11
    N84434

    N84434 In the Frozen Tundra

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    I think you meant Overpriced? I would tend to agree, however...

    If the OP is not in a position to repair it himself, unfortunately he's at the mercy of the quotes he's given.

    Heck, if he was near me, Id take a look at it...
     
    Jack McCarthy[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Jul 21, 2021 at 4:02 PM
    #12
    the red

    the red the threat is real

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    I thought he did mean underpriced. I would be as hesitant to get an underpriced job done as an overpriced one. Why is it underpriced, where are they cutting corners?
     
  13. Jul 21, 2021 at 5:41 PM
    #13
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy Truck repair enthusiast; Rust Aficionado

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    I guess it really depends upon what they’re doing. Are they cutting and sizing all new metal to encase the old frame? That doesn’t sound like a trivial job that can be done in a couple of days. Did they elaborate on how exactly it would be done?
     
    the red[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Jul 21, 2021 at 6:19 PM
    #14
    rockmup

    rockmup New Member

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    If the frame is cracked only on the vertical face, then grinding the crack out, welding it, plating it and boxing the backside is how I'd do my own. Still should only be 1200 or less and thats being quite generous with the shop hrs.

    2K is an "I don't want the job price"
     
    Jack McCarthy and N84434 like this.
  15. Jul 21, 2021 at 8:06 PM
    #15
    NickB_01TRD

    NickB_01TRD You don't need less cars, just more driveway.

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    You are certain this truck was sprayed previously through Toyota right? Have you checked on toyota.com/owners to verify? My 01 just had recall frame replacement last week and wasnt even that rusty.
     
  16. Jul 22, 2021 at 1:49 PM
    #16
    Haug0382

    Haug0382 [OP] New Member

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    Yeah, I checked the website and brought it into the dealer. They said even if the truck wasn't sprayed by toyota, it still wouldn't meet the criteria. I'm surprised toyota is still doing recalls. How bad was your frame? Did it have holes?
     
  17. Jul 22, 2021 at 2:09 PM
    #17
    NickB_01TRD

    NickB_01TRD You don't need less cars, just more driveway.

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