Is it worth trying to reinforce the frame?

Hey guys, first timer here.

Got a not too expensive 2001 Tundra 4.7l 4x4 on my hands and decided to go get a scare by asking for a full investigation.

It's at 300,000km (or 186k miles)

It runs well enough to my taste but I want your advice on what you deem is critical or if it's even worth doing at all I guess?

First is the infamous frame that is peeling , no holes yet when I poke but it's still no bueno. I was wondering if it's worth reinforcing.








Then the list of troubles has 2 pages.
- A broken leaf.
- Exhaust rusted off at the flange
- 2 suspension airbags in the back hangs freely
- Little gas smell, suspects the gas tank
- Unbalanced drive shaft
- Steering rack boots
- Front CV boots
- Bushings and rubber
- Major power steering leak (I haven't been able to find the source yet, it's high pressure leak and gets everywhere in the engine bay)
- Small transmission leak
- Found some engine oil that had leaked.
- Most of the hose clamps need changing
- Belt (Didn't ask this one, timing or accessory?)
- Hole in bed
- Bed support rails are weakened.
- Font bumper is hanging by not much.
- Undiagnosed brake light is on. Brake fluid is okay in the tank.

It's an old truck, I don't mind some problems and will attempt tackling all the issues I can myself without too much specialized tools but wanted your advice if it's even worth the effort.

Thanks!

 

Since you’ve already bought it, your best bet is www.autorust.com to get safe-t-cap reinforcements that go over and weld to the frame.

You got a lot of work ahead of you if you plan to keep it for any significant time.

Hope you know how to weld. Good luck.

 

Man, that's like a year of weekends you've got in front of you. With that much stuff that needs doing, you can count on zero maintenance being done. So you can definitely add timing belt, radiator and Lower ball joints to the list.

Financially, it makes zero sense. If you can get the frame replaced or fixed, then as a labor of love, maybe. But expect to spend a LOT of money and time, especially if you don't have a decent set of tools and and can't weld. That rust will be everywhere, including places you haven't found yet.

ETA - I'm all about fixing stuff even if the numbers don't make sense. I like tinkering with that stuff, so it's more about enjoying a project. But that's not for everyone.

 

Put it out to pasture.

 

Hey guys, thanks for your advice and opinion.

I'll check for the frame first then decide from there if I want to get into that labour of love as you say.
I haven't done much more before than oils, brakes pads, discs and spark plugs but I'd love to learn as I go.

I mean, the truck runs fine and looks good enough for its age.

 

Yeah, that’s the problem with these trucks. They look great, the engine/trans run forever, but the frame falls apart. It’s a lot of the reason we made this thread together as a community, to warn folks and help save some heartache/wallet ache: https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

I kinda agree with others above. Without having welding skills and some clean frame to weld onto, you very well may have a death trap on your hands.

 

Looks like somebody already welded the frame in the first picture.

If I were you I'd just be changing the motor oil and at least diagnosing the power steering leak and just drive it until it's dead.

 

Abort Abort......
Honestly I don't enough about Toyota rusted frames but It does look cancerous.

 

Yeah, looks like someone welded angle iron to the bottom of the frame rail.

Sorry, OP, but that frame is toast.

You may want to check if Toyota treated that frame or not. If not, you may or may not qualify for a free frame replacement depending upon the vehicle’s history and where it resided.

 

Yeah, last owner had a shop weld the front frame.
I'll have a call Monday with Toyota to figure out the warranty status but the automated tool on their website tells me "Congratulations! No active recall!". Might be out of luck in Canada.

 

Might try convincing your local dealer to honor the frame replacement recall

 

Cut your losses - do'nt spend a penny more. The frame is in terrible condition and you are looking at many thousands of $$ to fix all those problems correctly, even if you do a lot of work yourself. A truck with a frame in that condition isn't worth it. Spend your money on something in better condition.