2004 Toyota Tundra Frame Rust

If they don’t do anything, I would pursue possible repairs like @rustbuckit did. A shop could probably fix it for a LOT cheaper than getting a new frame.

 

I can help with advice it's free. More on what needs to be used what needs to be cut loose

 

All back together now. Now to fix the bed

 

Plastic bed liners suck

 

What are your thoughts on how to bang this dent back to a point where I can do some body filler work?
I’m open to suggestion. I saw on another thread Potoghi took off the side quarter panel. I’d rather not do that unless it comes down to it. Also, I’d rather not remove the bed from frame and do a bed swap.

I’d rather do some body work a few hours at a time rather than wrenching and searching junk yards for countless hours for the proper part. I do not have a welder or body shop tools. I can do very good finish work whatever the medium.

Special tools needed? Tricks instead of special tools? Thoughts anyone?

 

For getting dents out (not quite that bad) see if you can fit a rod with a 90 degree angle about an inch and 1/2 end on it. Then with visegrips try to twist the other end to push it out. If the steel is creased it probably won't work. Other than that see if you can rent or borrow a small stud welder or pick one at harbor freight. Some dent pullers are just small stud guns.

 

Yeah Harbor freight has one for $98.00

 

Sorry its called a stud welding dent puller

 

The steel is creased and I think this is the big hurdle. I may try your steel rod 90° trick. Also, I’ve considered grinding a relief cut along the crease axis to relieve the pressures before bending back out. Then, grinding the loose metal edge (after popping things back) back to factory as best possible to give me the straight lines needed to start filling.

Thanks for your input.

 

Also now that the creative juices are flowing, I’ve considered this as an option. Cut out the crease along the blue lines to remove section. Bend crease back as best as possible on the work bench with the persuader. Pop out the doinks on the quarter panel now that its opened and relieved. Reinstall section back on using two part epoxy. Wait a few days.

Grind down to achieve a straight edge on everything. Prep. Fill. Sand. Prime. Paint. Clear coat. Etc.

This will let me do the thing in stages and have an operable vehicle. Parts (mostly paint) $150.

 

That's too much work. Just fill it with bondo and call it good.

 

And say it looks good from your house?

 

Fiberglass kit is a little stable. I think maybe cutting it out not a good idea unless you can have it welded back in. Maybe rent a port a power and some wood blocks would do tomorrow

 

Done with the bed

 

Call a paintless dent removal place and get a quote. They're usually pretty reasonable and you don't have to do any of the work!

 

Done

 

Super Heavy Duty frame now! Hows she riding?

 

A little stiff but pretty good

 

If you never had the recall performed, then it is still open, and they must address it. Type your vin under Toyota.com/recall and if the frame recall is listed, they’ll fix it.

 

Note: There was no recall notice sent out. It was a "limited service campaign" by Toyota which has since expired. I called Toyota customer service about this several times. They stated that I should have received a notice in the mail to have my frame spray coated. I did not receive a notice. They said they are not responsible for what happens with the mail. They also said, if I had my frame sprayed and it still rusted out, it would be covered by the frame replacement campaign. What to do with the large paper weight in my driveway?

 

Contact Jim lentz at corp.he's the head honcho! Bombard him with emails day after day

 

I'm bored all these clowns at corporate with emails everyday

 

Lombard all the Clowns with emails

 

Hello,

I know this is an older thread, but I am looking at getting a first gen Tundra. Is the recall still open and is it open to any owner or does/did it have to be the original owner?

Also is there a way to distinguish between normal rusting of a 15 yr old truck vs the kind that is going to cause the truck to split in half?

Thank you

 

There was no recall , basically it was an extended warranty on the frame which has expired . You might want to call Toyota and ask if they’ll still do something for you . Just look at the frame closely or better yet have a mechanic put it on a hoist and inspect it for you .

 

No manufacturer would replace a 15 year old truck frame for free. Anyone who expects a free frame on a 15+ year old vehicle is not being reasonable and will be disappointed. Anyone who thinks that this only happens to Toyota trucks is not being honest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOnI7iK3Dpo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww1EDsGvh-A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfQ7VrSSPd0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV5pLFEjcuY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsnsQJRAh4M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vt4b5FYgRk

 

According to the sticky at the top of this forum, there was a limited service campaign AND a recall.
It’s my understanding that a safety recall can never expire. But I’m not an attorney and I didn’t stay a a Holiday Inn last night.

 

So question not related to if I can get Toyota to do anything about my 04 Tundra. I am going to check with my local dealer but from what I have found cannot purchase a frame from Toyota new for my VIN. My question is I have found a clean frame from a 05 Tundra but the 04 is a solo year for exact fit. Does anyone know what the differences are for the 05-06 frame compared to the 04? From what I can find it might be the trans mount and maybe carrier bearing crossmember which both I am not afraid of moving/modifying to make work with my 04 driveline. All the other suspension and body parts appear to be the same. Any input would be appreciated.

 

Here's the list of things the dealer replaced on my 04 DC if that's what you have. The frame shows still available.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...t-gen-tundra-today.2558/page-359#post-1451105

 

Update and will see where it goes. My local dealership recommended I call Toyota customer care and explain the situation to them before proceeding with a used frame swap. Truck goes in next week to have frame inspected at the dealer and see what Toyota will do. I will update with the response I get from Toyota.