1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Early 1st Gen (2000-2003) Tundra Frame Replacement FAQ

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by lsaami, Oct 5, 2019.

  1. Nov 30, 2022 at 10:44 PM
    #181
    MetalicSkyTund

    MetalicSkyTund New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2022
    Member:
    #84830
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    luke
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra 2WD
    these are all so great to hear!!! so glad they are all getting the chance at a second life.
     
  2. Nov 30, 2022 at 10:49 PM
    #182
    richsadams

    richsadams New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2022
    Member:
    #77782
    Messages:
    112
    Gender:
    Male
    Northwest
    Vehicle:
    2000 SR5 AC 4x4 4.7L
    Excellent. Same as what I have, but ours has been a west coast vehicle all of its life, so nothing beyond a little surface rust.

    It's amazing to me that the cost of frame itself plus the considerable associated time/labor involved for vehicle that's almost 23 years old is anywhere near cost effective, even with Toyota backing the dealer. Seems like some kind of insurance policy would cover them totaling it and handing over a check.

    We've had Toyotas and Lexus for decades. Although all manufacturers have their issues, these kinds of stories keep me from switching.

    It does look like you've taken great care of your truck. Good on 'ya! Ours is pushing a quarter-million miles and is still running strong. Yours ought to be around for a good long time too.

    Thanks for the info, all of the photos and the encouragement for those that follow. :thumbsup:
     
  3. Nov 30, 2022 at 10:50 PM
    #183
    empty_lord

    empty_lord They see me rollin'

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2019
    Member:
    #25441
    Messages:
    10,024
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Indiana, Chicagoland
    Vehicle:
    05 rollover special
    custom body work, Billies with taco ARB springs, Icon AAL, TRD FJ trail team wheels, 2019 Toyota 86 radio, Blacked out interior, Added factory power everything, heater mirrors, ETC
    Toyota did the buy backs for 95-00 Tacomas. 150% kbb excellent value. Based off the truck market currently, a frame swap still likely is cheaper than a buyout on a lot of these trucks



    plus it helps boast longevity numbers.. you don’t see the big three with new frames this old.
     
  4. Nov 30, 2022 at 10:56 PM
    #184
    MetalicSkyTund

    MetalicSkyTund New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2022
    Member:
    #84830
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    luke
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra 2WD
    I cant believe that they pay 10,000 worth either! Mine has about 213,000 and I knew it was either going to the Junker or getting parted if not repaired, so glad everything turned out the way it did. I am 19 about to turn 20 and hope to keep it in my family as long as possible.
     
    richsadams[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Nov 30, 2022 at 11:04 PM
    #185
    richsadams

    richsadams New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2022
    Member:
    #77782
    Messages:
    112
    Gender:
    Male
    Northwest
    Vehicle:
    2000 SR5 AC 4x4 4.7L
    That's great! I keep reading story after story about how a lot of folks would rather have a first gen Tundra than a newer Tacoma. I think they're all awesome, but the first gens are pretty special. Take good care of her and she'll do the same for you. :D Enjoy!

    Oh, just be sure to change that timing belt every 100K or so!
     
  6. Nov 30, 2022 at 11:21 PM
    #186
    MetalicSkyTund

    MetalicSkyTund New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2022
    Member:
    #84830
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    luke
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra 2WD
    I totally agree, the first gens have a special place in my heart. Funny you mention the timing belt, mine is about 10k past due. planning on changing it in about a month or so.
     
    richsadams[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Nov 30, 2022 at 11:39 PM
    #187
    NickB_01TRD

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

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2021
    Member:
    #64346
    Messages:
    2,117
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    KY
    Vehicle:
    01 Tundra V8 4X4 AC SR5 TRD
    @MetalicSkyTund thanks for sharing. I had mine done about a year and a half ago. Glad to see it's still going on for sure. Has been a decent bit of time since someone has had one done to confirm it was still active. Love to see these trucks getting a new lease on life. This would be the best time for you to do undercoating or fluid film or similar. Itll never be this clean again.
     
  8. Dec 1, 2022 at 1:23 AM
    #188
    MetalicSkyTund

    MetalicSkyTund New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2022
    Member:
    #84830
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    luke
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra 2WD
    Im going to look into Krown undercoating. if anyone has any recommendations please share your preference or experiences.
     
  9. Dec 1, 2022 at 2:09 AM
    #189
    NickB_01TRD

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

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2021
    Member:
    #64346
    Messages:
    2,117
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    KY
    Vehicle:
    01 Tundra V8 4X4 AC SR5 TRD
    I just used fluid film but I haven't driven my truck in the salt since the frame replacement. Trying to keep from driving it this year too
     
  10. Dec 1, 2022 at 6:05 AM
    #190
    shifty`

    shifty` The Second Shortcoming of Christ

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #48239
    Messages:
    19,077
    ATL
    Vehicle:
    '06 AC Limited V8/4WD
    (see signature for truck info)
    Krown products are just another Lanolin-based product like Fluid Film and Woolwax, IIRC.

    My recommendation is not to take the topic away from 'frame replacement', and instead ask your question over here in a dedicated thread on the subject.
     
    richsadams likes this.
  11. Dec 2, 2022 at 7:29 AM
    #191
    96FZJ80

    96FZJ80 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2022
    Member:
    #87727
    Messages:
    2
    Vehicle:
    '96 Land Cruiser, '07 Sequoia
    Greetings, fellow Tundra fans. I offer you up a case study by way of Craigslist, Battle Creek. 2003 TRD Off-road stepside with only 88k on the clock. I emailed for the story and it sounds familiar. He went in for brakes, found out the frame was gone. Dealer confirmed the open recall and offered to schedule the "free" frame replacement plus $8k out of pocket for extraneous expenses. Owner said no way and now has it listed for sale. I have no dog in this fight but if you're in or near Michigan, it might be worth a look. Tell him Rob sent you. My hunt continues for a creampuff 1st gen.
     
    empty_lord likes this.
  12. Dec 2, 2022 at 11:29 AM
    #192
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2019
    Member:
    #25875
    Messages:
    11,788
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Noah
    Western Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    '00 Tundra V8 SR5 '03 Corolla Virus
    I might be wrong, but if he refused the offer of service, does that mean the recall is closed on that truck?
     
  13. Dec 2, 2022 at 12:55 PM
    #193
    MetalicSkyTund

    MetalicSkyTund New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2022
    Member:
    #84830
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    luke
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra 2WD
    I'm not sure if the 8k you are talking about was what the dealership quoted him for additional repairs but if so it sounds like they were trying to rip him off. when my frame came in my dealership sent me a parts list of parts that would likely brake and that were "recommended" to be replaced, I questioned if they were mandatory and they said absolutely not. I eliminated most of the list they send me and only had them replace things that broke and that was only about 350$ worth. I replaced other parts that they recommended that didn't necessarily have to be but even that was only about 2k. don't know how in the world they got to 8k unless there was major damage to other components.
     
    richsadams and shifty` like this.
  14. Dec 2, 2022 at 3:03 PM
    #194
    96FZJ80

    96FZJ80 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2022
    Member:
    #87727
    Messages:
    2
    Vehicle:
    '96 Land Cruiser, '07 Sequoia
    The way he explained it, it sounded to me like the dealer was trying to jack him. It apparently angered him enough to try to practically give it away on CL. The listing has already been taken down so that was only a matter of hours. He either reconsidered or somebody jumped on it.
     
    richsadams likes this.
  15. Dec 2, 2022 at 4:33 PM
    #195
    MetalicSkyTund

    MetalicSkyTund New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2022
    Member:
    #84830
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    luke
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra 2WD
    I ended up going to a dealership about an hour and a half away from me because of similar reasons. passed about 3 dealers on the way there and all of them had absolutely terrible service and just all overall reviews.
     
    richsadams likes this.
  16. Dec 4, 2022 at 7:07 PM
    #196
    lsaami

    lsaami [OP] Let ‘er buck

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2018
    Member:
    #20129
    Messages:
    1,758
    Gender:
    Male
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra 4x4 "$1100 Build"
    3/2" lift, visor, 33s, eibach pro-truck, Cvj axles BFF Bumper 4.56 Tacoma Diffs
    honestly, big three trucks from this era are rusting out just as bad as the Tundras are, especially the ford f150s. Dana corp made these frames, I’m sure they had contracts with the big three as well.
     
  17. Dec 4, 2022 at 7:19 PM
    #197
    NickB_01TRD

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

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2021
    Member:
    #64346
    Messages:
    2,117
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    KY
    Vehicle:
    01 Tundra V8 4X4 AC SR5 TRD
    Dana Corp was bought at least partially by Metalsa (or metalsa bought some of their plants I'm not entirely sure) and they still make F-150 frames and the replacement tundra frames as well.
     
  18. Dec 4, 2022 at 8:44 PM
    #198
    MetalicSkyTund

    MetalicSkyTund New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2022
    Member:
    #84830
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    luke
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra 2WD
    If they are making the replacement frames do you think they will rust the same as the old ones? I would hope that they fixed the problem the original frames had if the same company is giving out the new ones.
     
  19. Dec 4, 2022 at 8:51 PM
    #199
    NickB_01TRD

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

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2021
    Member:
    #64346
    Messages:
    2,117
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    KY
    Vehicle:
    01 Tundra V8 4X4 AC SR5 TRD
    One would like to think they've got it together now but I can't say for sure. If F-150s aren't rotting to the ground from the last 10 years all seems well. Does seem weird to me how the same company that definitely made F-150 frames for the last 20 years got those right but not the tundras. By got those right I mean there isn't a recall on them anyway.
     
  20. Dec 5, 2022 at 1:44 AM
    #200
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

    Joined:
    May 7, 2017
    Member:
    #7600
    Messages:
    3,692
    Gender:
    Male
    Cambridge Springs, PA
    Vehicle:
    04 Tundra DC
    The replacement frame on my 04 is 7 years old now and doesn't show any significant signs of rust so I'd say whatever they did differently is working.
     
  21. Dec 6, 2022 at 2:07 PM
    #201
    MetalicSkyTund

    MetalicSkyTund New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2022
    Member:
    #84830
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    luke
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra 2WD
    did they replace the whole frame or just a crossmember? I didn't know they replaced anything after 03.
     
  22. Dec 6, 2022 at 2:27 PM
    #202
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

    Joined:
    May 7, 2017
    Member:
    #7600
    Messages:
    3,692
    Gender:
    Male
    Cambridge Springs, PA
    Vehicle:
    04 Tundra DC
    Whole frame under the Service Campaign.

    Recall included 00-03, LSC included 00-06 but expired in 2018.
     
    richsadams likes this.
  23. Dec 6, 2022 at 3:54 PM
    #203
    lsaami

    lsaami [OP] Let ‘er buck

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2018
    Member:
    #20129
    Messages:
    1,758
    Gender:
    Male
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra 4x4 "$1100 Build"
    3/2" lift, visor, 33s, eibach pro-truck, Cvj axles BFF Bumper 4.56 Tacoma Diffs
    https://youtu.be/nrEz4-5eFrA

    nuff said
     
    w666 and FirstGenVol like this.
  24. Dec 6, 2022 at 8:08 PM
    #204
    NickB_01TRD

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

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2021
    Member:
    #64346
    Messages:
    2,117
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    KY
    Vehicle:
    01 Tundra V8 4X4 AC SR5 TRD
    Yeah I watched that the other day. Didn't cross my mind when I wrote my post though. Guess my point was just that other big companies never had a recall for their frames so one would think they had less issues.
     
    lsaami[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  25. Dec 7, 2022 at 2:28 AM
    #205
    w666

    w666 D. None of the above

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2019
    Member:
    #40020
    Messages:
    1,267
    Gender:
    Male
    Maryland
    Vehicle:
    04 Access Cab SR5 V8 4WD
    None yet
    "...for sale. Runs, drives, some exterior damage."
     
  26. Dec 7, 2022 at 5:58 AM
    #206
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy Truck repair enthusiast; Rust Aficionado

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2020
    Member:
    #54409
    Messages:
    7,727
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bill
    North of Boston
    Vehicle:
    02 Tundra AC SR5 V8 4x4
    The real test would be jumping the truck at 50 mph off a ramp and seeing the back bed bend in two!
     
  27. Jan 28, 2023 at 4:33 PM
    #207
    NetGnome

    NetGnome New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2019
    Member:
    #39322
    Messages:
    89
    Gender:
    Male
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2003 RC V8 4wd, 2007 Sequoia V8 4wd
    Removed lots of rust.
    I just wanted to add the frame replacement program for the 2005-2007 Sequoia.
    I purchased a Sequoia which had the frame already replaced under this warranty.
    They dealer did not do a great job and the frame is rusty already.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jan 28, 2023
    shifty` likes this.
  28. Jan 28, 2023 at 4:34 PM
    #208
    lsaami

    lsaami [OP] Let ‘er buck

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2018
    Member:
    #20129
    Messages:
    1,758
    Gender:
    Male
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra 4x4 "$1100 Build"
    3/2" lift, visor, 33s, eibach pro-truck, Cvj axles BFF Bumper 4.56 Tacoma Diffs
    what about it?
     
  29. Mar 12, 2023 at 9:11 PM
    #209
    DJC94

    DJC94 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2023
    Member:
    #93499
    Messages:
    27
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2001 AC SR5 V8 4WD
    Hey there, I’ve learned a lot of great info from this thread, so thank you for that.

    Got a question for you all - I’m looking at an 02 Tundra and based on the notes in the Toyota Owner Portal it looks like the vehicle was taken in for the frame to be inspected in 2011 due to the recall but based on the notes the frame looked good at the time (no rust) and I don’t see anything about the CRC being applied - just that the frame was inspected with no issues.

    If the frame on this truck never actually had the CRC applied (I will confirm), and develops rust issues down the line in the areas outlined by Toyota, would there be a chance that Toyota would approve of a frame replacement? There are currently no active recalls on the vehicle.

    I know this is all hypothetical but just curious on your thoughts on this - the frame actually looks great on this vehicle and I’ve been looking for rust carefully when considering buying a 1st gen. Also I didn’t see this situation previously asked in the thread so if it has already been answered, my apologies.

    Thank you!
     
  30. Mar 13, 2023 at 2:44 AM
    #210
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

    Joined:
    May 7, 2017
    Member:
    #7600
    Messages:
    3,692
    Gender:
    Male
    Cambridge Springs, PA
    Vehicle:
    04 Tundra DC
    No. If there are no active recalls then it's been marked by Toyota as completed.
     
    DJC94[QUOTED] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top