2006 Tundra Frame Rust (Extreme) HELP?

There was also a recall of 2007-2008 (Gen-2) frames. I think the 2004-2006 owners are getting the shaft.

 

Wow... That was worse than my Tundra. Great work resurrecting that Taco. I like the finish you went with.

 

They hate the best pickups they've ever made. Sad to see.

 

No recall there either. Same type of service campaign as the 04-06 trucks.

 

Take it to Carmax. Don’t say shit. Have them buy it. You’d be surprised what they give you. They likely won’t look at the frame.

 

I primarily hang out on TacomaWorld 1st gen section, because I have two of them. One needed major frame repairs, the other only minor (southern truck) But, huge fan of 1st Tundra as well.

This same thread appears on TW about once a month, with someone new discovering a bad frame. Generally, after a lot of discussion it comes down to several viable options.

- Even if you can buy a new frame, it's rarely going to be feasible to buy one and pay to have it replaced. From what guys see on warranty replacement invoices, you're likely talking $12-15,000. But, if you can buy new and replace yourself, definitely #1. Your likely gonna have a lot of other associated costs replacing rusted parts that will break.

- Find a donor frame somewhere like car-part.com and replace it yourself, if you have the means

- Make or buy ( https://www.autorust.com/product-category/toyota/tundra-2000-2006/ ) sections and repair it yourself. The price of a MIG welder and a plasma cutter ($15-1700) will likely be offfset by what you'd pay someone to do the work. If limited areas need attention, paying someone may be cheaper, but if damage is widespread, and your circumstances allow (garage, health, motivation/desire) buy the equip and have fun.

- part out!

I am fortunate enough to have the tools and space, and ended of building new rear frame sections for one of my Tacos. I used some scrap steel in places to keep costs minimal, but appearance was no matter to me. Thickness is about double original frame. Made my own spring mounts and spare tire carrier.

It was fun, but the truck is not a daily driver, so there was no pressure to do it quickly. I probably had 30hrs labor in it spread over a month.

Last Summer:

 

Some of the best advice here lol

 

They don’t even test drive the cars they buy right now with COVID.