Rusty Tundra - I need advice

Hello All:
I just ended up with a 2007 Tundra from a family member. The truck has 125K miles on it. The body and interior are beautiful, but its really rusty underneath. I started cleaning the frame in anticipation of coating/painting it and in doing so I uncovered a couple places where rust has started eating through the frame. I spoke with a local body shop who referred me to a welder. So, plan on getting the frame patched up. My immediately plan is to level it with new front coil overs and then put new wheels and tires on it. I'd love to lose all the chrome.

Are there things I should be doing pro-actively, such as ball joints, replacing the front axles (kind of rusty), wheel bearings...? What about the rear wheel bearings? The rotor guards in the rear have completely rotted away. Any advice would be much appreciated. I didn't pay a lot for it so I can justify spending a little here and there. My goal is to drive it for a few years, but it won't be a daily driver. Thank you.

 

I would take it to Toyota and see if it qualifies for a new frame they were replacing those that were bad.

 

From what I understand, it went to Toyota a few years ago for the frame inspection. Toyota pronounced it good, and rust proofed it, which evidently didn't last. I don't think the frame replacement program is active anymore.

 

I 2nd that. Buddy of mine has an '02 tacoma that got a new frame from that recall. Granted, he lives in the mountains of NC, and the rest of the body and bumpers are eat up with rust from all the salt on the roads. But they put it all on a brand new frame!

 

I'll call the dealer. That would be sweet if there's an option to get the frame replaced.

 

Definitely worth a shot to check with the dealer. If they don't go for it though I would say only replace what's an issue when it comes to the maintenance items (ball joint, axles, etc.). My experience when a frame is rusty like that is even though you get a few areas welded to pass inspection usually just the every day driving is enough to result in additional spots of deterioration on the frame the next year. I understand the excitement of wanting to make the truck look nice, I would probably do a few things to make it my own and looking good too, just be prepared that it could need some serious high dollar frame work in a year or two so replacing parts that don't necessarily need to be replaced might not be worth the price.

 

Called the dealer. The frame replacement program covered 12 years from manufacture date. So, as a 2007, it's no longer eligible. I guess I'll be careful with how much money I spend on it. I'll definitely get the frame welded and will paint the entire frame... maybe I can get a few years out of it.

 

Bummer…there’s a product called coroseal that’s supposed to neutralize rust and it’s supposed to work pretty well. It turns the rust black via a chemical reaction and then you paint over top of it. I’ve used it on small stuff before and it’s worked well.

 

If the frame is that bad you might want to look under the bed too . I’ve seen a few people that had to repair/replace the bed due to rust on the 2nd gens .

 

Under the bed looks okay, but the frame cross pieces under the bed don't look good at all. The frame component that holds on the spare tire is a mess.

 

Just bought a gallon on Amazon. Thank you. I'll see how it goes. I'll probably need more!