Just wanted to share the following...

I purchased an 06 4Runner Limited (150K miles V8) from a used car dealer on the South Shore. He was upfront about it needing some frame work and the cost was adjusted accordingly. The one owner truck came from the "Oceans of Rhode Island", was used as a summer truck to put 2 boats in and out of the water all summer long (for the past 16 years!). As a result, the frame was in fair, but repairable shape, with the rear being the worst. Interior is mint and fully optioned.

The hunt was on for a qualified and knowledgeable repair shop. None of my "body shop" friends wanted to touch it but a friend at a local Toyota dealership directed me to "World Motor Werks" in Braintree Ma. The owner, Yianni Laskos, is a certified Toyota Master Tech and does all types of repairs, INCLUDING frame work. He had an 06 Land Cruiser up on one of his lifts that need the right side frame repaired and the rear bumper support as well. He allowed me to look at what was done, and then to come by when he finished (Dec. 23rd). I was amazed at the quality of the work. Looked better than when it left the Toyota factory! He replaced the needed frame parts, full bead weld, seam sealed, painted and then coated the frame exterior. He even coated the inner frame with Woolwax.

I was convinced to give him a shot. He ordered a rear piece from Toyota, showed me a frame he had in another part of his shop for parts, and told me he could order the needed frame panels as well.

As a result I dropped off my 4Runner this past Friday (Dec 30), stopped in today (he had pulled the rear end out and the fuel tank to gain better access) to see that he had already completed the driver side repairs (strut tower rearward to the control arm perch) and was fitting the pieces for the passenger side. I am having him replace the brakelines as well as removing the airlift/XREAS suspension.

He estimated the frame repair at 4500.00, which includes the metal, sealing, coating and inner protection. The suspension work will be based on what I chose to install. He has a direct line for "new take-off" 4Runner/Tacoma struts and shocks. I may go that route!

I will post up some pictures tomorrow or Wednesday, once I get back to take them.

I usually do not post this type of info, but if anyone wants to have their frame repaired in order to save their 4runner (or any other vehicle) I highly recommend Yianni at World Motor Werks! He is on Mill Lane in Braintree MA.