Any idea cost to have entire frame replaced?

[Speedy123]

Not trying to rehash the many rust threads. My newly bought 03 has a lot of chassis rust, mostly surface without major perforation, but some rot around the struts no doubt eventually a problem in the next few years. I'll do rustproofing etc. and spot welds if needed.

Just wondering if anybody has paid to have an entire 4th gen frame replaced, and how much it would cost? I know there's not a recall, and a couple of people have posted about Toyota helping under goodwill, but that likely won't apply to me.

Nor do I need it now, but it is a vehicle I'd like to keep for a long time, with only 60k miles on it. Just curious how much an entire frame replacement would end up costing??

 

[Jeremy556]

This is for a 5th gen, but 4th would be close or the same. MSRP on the frame is $5,841.90 and 36 hours book time for install (34 hours for 2wd).

 

[Velonici]

This is for a 5th gen, but 4th would be close or the same. MSRP on the frame is $5,841.90 and 36 hours book time for install (34 hours for 2wd).

Figure at $120 and hour (isnt that the going rate now?) so about $4,200 in work time. Add in probably another $500 -1000 in misc stuff that is going to break, looks like you would be sitting at a nice down payment for a brand new one.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

You could probably get a used one in good condition and have it stripped and treated for about $3000 if memory serves me right. (I could have sworn I saw a frame or two on LKQ's website for about $2~2.5k

 

[Speedy123]

This is for a 5th gen, but 4th would be close or the same. MSRP on the frame is $5,841.90 and 36 hours book time for install (34 hours for 2wd).

Yikes

 

[M1911]

It is about 40 hours of labor to do the frame swap. So that is near $4k in labor alone. You will need more than just the frame, however. When Toyota swaps a frame, they send a kit to the dealer along with the frame, including things like all new brake lines. I don't know if those parts come with a frame if you buy one from Toyota. If not, that is more money.

Also, you will end up needing to replace some suspension components that are worn out or rusted out. My truck ended up needing about $1k in new components.

It really isn't economic to do for an '03. Unless Toyota is footing the bill, it just isn't worth it.

Back when Toyota replaced my frame, I had been expecting (and a hoping) that Toyota would just buy me out instead. But the service advisor told me that Toyota doesn't do buyouts anymore -- they either replace the frame or not.

Putting $6k+ into an '03 4Runner doesn't make much economic sense. My truck isn't a cream puff. It's got 160k miles. The paint isn't perfect. The interior isn't perfect. I'd be surprised if it is worth $10k; probably more like $7k. But it was worth my end of the bargain -- $2k -- to get a new frame.

At this point, I figure I'll keep it until at least 200k. Unless something bad happens, like a wreck or major drivetrain failure.

 

[Walkenvol]

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Looks like a used "southern" frame could be had for $500-1,000. Would definitely have to be a DIY project on a 2003 to be viable IMHO.

 

[phishtaco]

They are billing $8k + on the 05+ Tacoma frame replacements. Sometimes more depending on what else is all rusted and broke during replacement.