Searching for my 1st Tundra--Opinions on this Frame?

I ended up finding one where the local small dealer took it in to Toyota and they replaced the whole frame, even brake lines and bolts, etc that were too rusted to put back on. Besides keeping it in a garage and getting the under carriage washed regularly after roads have been salted, what are the best ways to care for a new frame? I unfortunately do not have a garage.

 

Thats a helpful breakdown, thank you. I ended up going with the 02 I found locally (only a couple minutes from my house) that just had the frame replaced. Despite the recommendations of avoiding lower mileage (and all the reasons I've heard loud and clear from this community and based on all the past experiences I've read) I decided this was worth diving into for me. Main reasons being not only for the frame being brand new, but also the front rotors + brakes were replaced along with the rear drums + brake shoes. Also new 02 sensors, transmission oil and filter pan and bolts replaced, replaced crankshaft seal, new timing belt, water pump, and thermostat. Even rear shocks are brand new along with 4 new tires. Spark plugs were also recently replaced and seller said there was no sign of the varnish like residue under the valve covers when doing so. Brake lines were also replaced and even the fluid reservoir. When checking the service records/carfax the previous owner changed oil about every 3-6k miles, also LBJ replaced at around 18k miles--I have to go back and double check but I also believe the lower control arms have been replaced too. With all of that and only 47k miles, I felt more comfortable taking the risks that typically come with lower mileage Tundras that you all have explained on this forum, and if I do run into of those same issues after all, I'll at least be more confident in how to handle them based on what some of you all have also had to deal with. I also figured this would be easier since the dealer was literally a couple minutes down the road from me, than it would be flying or driving out of state for something that may or may not check all boxes or pan out after checking out in person.

 

I fluid filmed mine before I drove anywhere after getting my frame swap. That's a good thing to do if the frame is still clean. If not, give it a really good wash and coat it. Mine sits outside but it sees 0 miles of salt driving. I have a different car for the salty winter months.

You gonna post up some pics of what you got?

 

Thank you, I'll do that for sure--probably go get the undercarriage washed today. Is this easy to do a decent job if you dont have a lift and to get in all places thoroughly? Otherwise I dont mind trying to find a local shop to do it as long as I make sure they do a thorough job (getting under the skid plate and the spare tire), maybe even ask toyota as long as they dont use the same stuff they used for the CRC bed liner looking stuff.

As far as pictures, I havent had a chance to take any of my own since yet I took it home last night but I will today. I can share the dealer pics for now

 

That looks great. Fluid film is very messy, stays tacky forever. I wore a disposable tyvek suit when I did mine and it took about 5 or so cans. There are many other products out there that are similar and you'll have to decide which is best for you. Just make sure you get a kit that comes with a long straw for the cans so you can get inside of the boxed frame section.

Don't just take my opinion on this, there are many options for "tacky" undercoating and you'll need to see what is best for you. Like I said previously, I don't drive mine in the salt at all so you may find there is another product that is better for not holding onto dust, dirt, salt etc.

The rear axle looks like it has been coated in something at some point, that may not be bad depending on what is hiding under it. Might just look over it and make sure the rear cover doesn't have any thin spots. They also may have sprayed over the breather on the axle and you need to make sure that it is free and clear, or just replace it so you don't blow out any seals.

 

Got ya, going to see how much shops around here can do it for to get an idea if I want to just do it myself. And yeah I'll probably avoid driving in the salt too but will do more research on options.

I did notice that on the axel too, I'll have to get a closer look at it.

By getting in the box frame sections, you mean through these areas? I've also noticed the C channels on some other tundras I've looked at got absolutely destroyed.


Just realized this example is just the outer side of the c channel I believe, but I think I get what you meant.

 

Nice work on finding one with a brand new frame and lots of new underside running gear, thats a lotta money to put into one, i can only suspect the dealer ate the cost of all the extras, and passed it onto you in the sale price.
Any CarFax or vehicle history? Any idea on why there are so many different colored body panels? More than one wreck? Getting rid of rusty panels? Did you get any pix from the seller/dealer of what the vehicle looked like before they replaced everything?

 

Thank you--it seemed like the best option considering it had all that done and still not priced too far off from others I've come across. Yeah I got the Carfax--its clean with no accidents or damage reported, and checked Toyota service history from the VIN. There really isnt any rust on the body. Also, I just had the seller send me all the service records and invoices he received from Toyota along with all other parts he ordered elsewhere and work he done on it before listing it.

I thought the body panels looked to be slightly different shades too when I first saw the pictures online, but I think it's just lighting angles and how shadows are being casted on it/how the light hits it. Here are pictures I took, there are shadows from trees and the sides of buildings casting shadows on it towards the rear.

 

interior is spectacular
new frame and a laundry list of new parts is spectacular
nice find

 

Yeah, just where the frame is fully encased and hard to get to.

I feel the same but with this coming from a dealer I'm really scared what the price tag was. It's a great looking truck though and if OP is happy then I think that's all that matters.

 

Yeah definitely excited about it, now its on to the mods. Looking at weather tech floor mats or something similar, for starters and probably a new touch screen stereo since the current/original makes a slight humming sound.

 

With all that's been done, oil records showing every 3-6K, tells me you need to get a lottery ticket.

I'm not in the camp concerning low mileage 20 yr old 1st Gens. I'm looking at an 05 DC LTD best Gen 53K miles with pristine frame and not coated from another ole fart like me. It won't give any heart burn because of low mileage considering the maintenance he accomplished and how often.

You have a gem after all is said and done.

 

Came from a smaller mom and pop dealer and not a Toyota dealership, but it ended up being 15k. Carfax "retail value" (for whatever thats worth) has it estimated at 20k but KBB is around 10-13k, and looking at the market nationally--based on condition, miles, etc--doesnt seem to be too far off most listings in comparison. Regardless, I plan on keeping this for a very long time, unless I decide on switching up to a DC later model at some point down the line.

 

Appreciate it, and damn that sounds like a hell of a find right there too. Is it 4WD? There have been a few gems similar to those specs littered around in my search but they were mostly, if not all 2WD.

 

Yes on 4wd and LTD. Ole fart took care of it well. He does have issues with leather for one of the back seats. The Katzkin full leather kit I bought back in Nov will be able to handle that because all I changed was all the front including door cards. The rest went in storage, since my 04 back seats are in pristine shape.

It doesn't have the suicide doors that all the kewl gang likes but I'll get over it

 

a 2005 Double cab, 4x4, with 57,000 miles, and the frame looks good?
What color?
Better score it before one of those hack job "custom" shops buys it and does a good deep clean and puts it up for sale for $28,000
And if you are not gonna get it do you care to share where it is in a PM???

 

Considering where he and I live(pump sunshine in), we don't get snow(no salt/brine) hardly ever. His frame and my 04 frame with 218K are both equal in appearance....damn good shape.

What got me interested was it's color is same as mine, Salsa Red Pearl/3Q3 and have been wanting a decent 05/06 and might have found it. Hope to give my 04 to one of my grandson down the road.

 

Dang y'all would be twinkies.
Gud luck.

 

Truck appears to be in great shape. The bed may have been repainted or replaced. It’s missing the trim in front of the wheel well openings that complete the side moldings.

 

I considered pulling mine off at one point so I could buff out that area. They’re just held on with adhesive. I don’t like the way they look. Bubba pulled the number for me long ago, but I never ended up buying replacements.

 

Good catch, I hadn't even noticed that. I remember looking at that section earlier today and don't recall seeing any adhesive/residue or any sign of there being trim there--there was only very small rust spots at the end of the trim on the chrome section that stops at the end of AC door. Maybe it really was replaced or repainted at some point. If it was, theres no records of it anywhere in what I have (carfax, toyota, or the invoices he provided me of parts he ordered for work done)--he did replace the rear bumper though. If anything I'd rather go with that solid black trim that you have anyways--you have an awesome looking truck there man.

 

Tend to agree with you on that--at least not a big fan of the chrome outline of the trim. The solid matte black looks much better IMO.

 

I see these threads and kind of get sad. I know the entire history of my 01 AC Tundra as it was my grandfather's truck he bought new. I swear everyone here would say it's frame is "suspicious" and it has 49k miles and was undercoated with woolwax by me when I got it in 2020. It was garaged it's entire life before that and has NEVER seen salt.

 

@Dblock500 How many curbstones did the prior owner take out? The rim of those wheels.

 

haha yeah those will probably have to get upgraded when these tires need to get replaced.

 

Can anyone tell me what this cable would possibly be for? It's a 3 prong 110v male plug, similar to what you'd plug in a typical residential outlet. I noticed it dangling under my front bumper. The cable itself is actually lodged in between the bumper and front part of the frame that the bumper is attached to. It looks like I cant get it out without removing or loosing that side of the bumper. The cable runs passenger side along with another line towards the firewall/back of the truck.

 

Wanta say a block heater if that is a cap over the male end so an extension could be used

 

This was my first guess also.

 

Ah ok thank you, that must be it then and yes that is a cap on the male end in that picture.

 

I see writing on it, what does it say?