'05 AC Project Prep

I've been planning on getting a Tundra for a few years now. A couple weeks ago I finally picked one up. It was always going to be a project truck. It's going to be an all-out, down to the frame, build. It's going to get a manual conversion, along with other custom goodies. It's going to be primarily set up for my work, and will be towing an enclosed trailer much of the time for that. I'll probably do something like a 2" lift with 34s.

Here's the truck on it's way:

It's far from perfect, and it may or may not have enough good parts not to need a second one. We will see. It's a start either way. What it does have is a good engine with VVTi and what seems to be a LSD.

 

The first order of business was to lose the rotten box and start digger deeper to see the extent of frame rust. The hitch/bumper crossmember is also scrap, as is the lengthwise support running along the fuel tank.

 

Honestly, I'd see if toyota would outright replace your frame at that point. I wouldn't be comfortable towing with that. Glad to see you're not afraid to work though!

 

The real reason I wanted an AC: for tool boxes, not passengers. So I removed the rear bench to test fit my toolboxes. A near perfect fit! I'll do some custom mounts for them when I get to that stage of the build. I love the way the rear doors open the cab wide open for easy access. I will do some custom thin door panels on the rear doors to further open it up.

 

If you have a keen eye you may have spotted remnants of shattered glass in my last post. This truck was rolled on it's side. I'm looking at possibly replacing the cab and passenger side doors.

 

Yeah, I had thought the time frame (no pun intended) was up on that. But I've been seeing some of you are still getting them. I'll definitely look into that! Either way I will definitely not be using this frame in it's current condition.

 

Good deal. Doesn't hurt to ask. I think your truck qualifies based on my readings of others getting replacement frames.

 

I'm trying to figure out how to go about this. I'd probably have to bring it in to the dealer to inspect it, which would have to be by trailer. Reverse isn't working. Neither are the brakes. Then, I may be out of luck anyways, as I don't have the papers for it.

 

Well, I decided to just take the chisel end of a brick hammer to the worst spot on the frame:
Not going to be saving this one. Probably best I just call this a parts truck.

 

Dang that's rough. I see you're in Canada and I have no clue how it all works there. I just brought my truck to the dealer and they inspected and within 30 minutes said I was getting a new frame. Although I do believe it has to be driven in. It may also have to be clean title (not sure if yours is). Yours is also an 05 and I'm not sure if they are still doing those or if it's only the older trucks (00-03).
Probably worth taking a look on Toyota.com/owners and see if it says anything about an open recall or anything. Or maybe just call the local dealer.

 

Well I went in to my local Toyota and checked on whether my truck would qualify for the frame replacement. They looked up my VIN and told me it had already been done, that it got the spray treatment. I kind of figured as much, but it was worth a shot.

I think I'm going to look around for a decent frame from an auto wrecker, get it media blasted, and POR-15 it.

 

Jeez that frame looks really rough, I wouldn’t drive it without a new used frame or repair patches.