Frame Repair Coming Up

I've posted this before, but I think this is the best video on how to effectively spray FF/WW....if you don't have the shop do it

https://youtu.be/TRsD-fgt6h0?si=EoCZJyx3yElC0Xnm

 

I'm now considering procuring a used frame in good condition. My reasoning is that if I'm going to go through the trouble of doing the work, might as well do it in a way that will make the truck last longer.

I've also connected with an old friend who now owns a body shop and will help me with the logistics and charge me as little as possibly. Under this scenario, the projected expenses change greatly.

 

I’ve seen many clean frames here for sale on facebook and craigslist here in Oregon. Clean frames an be found in washington, oregon, cali, arizona, nevada. You’d have to figure out shipping or a road trip. I’ve once bought a wrangler YJ frame and transported it back 200 miles back home. It took 5 strong guys to lift it up and set it on top of my little scion xB’s roof rack. Once lashed down it was super stable.

 

That’s the short jeep? Not the 4 door ? I’m Not jeep hip, but what an adventure in moving anyway. A scion? Crazy

 

While I plan to take my truck for the frame repairs in late August, I also want to fix whatever else may fail or may be too old and will need to be replaced soon. How do I determine which components to replace? What are the typical things people replace once they do the frame overhaul I'm planning to do? I wish I had a Tundra specialist near me who can help me identify all those parts so I could order them and bring them to the shop that is going to work on my frame.

 

Which suspension parts would you replace?

 

Those that need it.

 

I was hoping for the names of the 3 or 4 items that typically need to be replaced so I could have my mechanic check them and replace them if necessary.

 

I believe there's a list of common fails and what to look for around here somewhere. The one I hear about most is replacing lower ball joints as a preventative. That said, a quality mechanic (not necessarily a Tundra specialist) should be able to inspect your truck well enough without a cheat-sheet.

A lot depends on how the truck was used, maintained, and how you plan to use it. Mine has been a daily driver for homeowner use... bags of mulch.. whatever. It doesn't tow or pull heavy loads nor it is regularly climbing and crawling in the woods. It simply doesn't get the hard use that some do. Much of what I read of folks replacing two or more times I have never done. Wear and preventative replacement of parts can be vastly different.

Good luck

 

Truck was bought and used by the original owner for long commutes to and from work for 255K miles in Connecticut. Occasionally, it towed a small boat during summers. In 2023 I bought it from him and sorted out the typical deferred maintenance (SaiS, O2, exhaust, timing belt, etc.) I sold it in 2024 to a friend who thought he needed a truck. The truck was parked most of the time and I was able to buy it back from him. I'm now doing the frame as a means of preparing it to last 5 or 10 more years, possibly more.

My use: I drive 3 miles to work each way once a week. I take the bikes to the trail 2 or 3 times per week. Home Depot once a week during Spring. Maybe one long drive per year for a little vacation, typically in FL.

We own other vehicles and the Tundra is NOT the primary.

In summary, I'd say this truck has been used lightly by prev owner and by me and except for NOT rust proofing the frame, has had all the maintenance done on time and responsibly.

 

First pic looks the worst, the rest look fine.
https://www.rustbuster.com/collections/2000-2006-toyota-tundra

 

Probably the unpopular opinion here, but that frame is not terrible. Based on the pictures, I can't imagine anything breaking unless you are doing some serious off-camber driving or hauling an insane amount of weight. I'd leave it alone, at least for now. You are going to open up a can of worms if you start removing parts for the frame repair/replacement.

 

Sounds like similar light uses.

I often read about guys acquiring a used truck who just can't wait to start replacing things. I'd pay a qualified mechanic to go over it well but wouldn't be in a hurry to fix what ain't broke.

 

Thanks Badwrench. I have to admit that at this moment today, I haven't decided if I'm cutting and patching it, or if I'm replacing it. I'm going to wait until the shop sees it and let them give me options. They may very well tell me that cutting and patching is sufficient.

 

This is my new favorite YouTube frame repair guy...check out his channel and there are dozens of similar videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uydV3DciZbM&ab_channel=VXM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pYvA6Q4v0A&ab_channel=VXM

Search around, there are many, many more channels!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5naUNv2Ope0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt9021YKQz8&ab_channel=torque405

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo9BL0zNyXM&ab_channel=VXM

 

I'm addicted to those frame repair videos. Have seen dozens.