labphantom
New member
Does anyone know if the frame on a 2004 4runner is used on any other vehicles (such as Tacoma or Tundra)?
Frame Help
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Uneek
Super Moderator
It's used on the GX470. The FJ Cruiser either uses a shorter version of the 4Runner frame or it's derived from the 4Runner.
Definately not on the Tacoma, 4Runner's frame is fully boxed--Tacoma's isn't. They share similar front suspension components/geometry.
And definately not on the Tundra, first or second gen, the truck is much wider than the 4Runner.
Definately not on the Tacoma, 4Runner's frame is fully boxed--Tacoma's isn't. They share similar front suspension components/geometry.
And definately not on the Tundra, first or second gen, the truck is much wider than the 4Runner.
Uneek
Super Moderator
Falls said:
Don't know. My guess... the Tacoma not being boxed is probably due cost cutting measures and/or Toyota figure that the rear end is lighter on the Tacoma than the 4Runner thus open C-channel might be enough. A side note, the '07 Tundra isn't fully boxed either. It has a TripleTech frame--fully boxed in front, rolled C-channel under the cab and open C-channel under the bed.
I was surprised when I looked under my Tacoma and saw that it wasn't fully boxed. I saw pictures of a Tacoma when the owner showed pictures of how sliders mounted to the frame and when Thai mentioned on another thread for a member to also consider the Frontier as its frame is fully boxed. I didn't believe it wasn't fully boxed until I looked...
Thai
Elite Member
The reason why some trucks have C-section frame in the rear is due to meeting the needs of most truck owners...that is, carry heavy payload over the rear axle (aka vertical load).
See this link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25424&perpage=15&pagenumber=2
IMHO, i prefer a boxed frame over any type of C-section frame (tripleteck or not). And if you use it for off-roading, then i definitely favor boxed frame for both strength and much better for mounting frame accessories (e.g. sliders, bumpers).
I do believe that Toyota may be making a mistake by cutting cost at the frame level by going C-section frame on all their trucks. Disclaimer: this is a totally wild speculation from a non-engineer.
Ford and Chevy are making strides in boxing their truck frames as are Nissan and Dodge. And most of these manufacturers are using hydroform technology to shape & strengthened their frame.
See this link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25424&perpage=15&pagenumber=2
IMHO, i prefer a boxed frame over any type of C-section frame (tripleteck or not). And if you use it for off-roading, then i definitely favor boxed frame for both strength and much better for mounting frame accessories (e.g. sliders, bumpers).
I do believe that Toyota may be making a mistake by cutting cost at the frame level by going C-section frame on all their trucks. Disclaimer: this is a totally wild speculation from a non-engineer.
Ford and Chevy are making strides in boxing their truck frames as are Nissan and Dodge. And most of these manufacturers are using hydroform technology to shape & strengthened their frame.
So do you think this will / or is a drawback to Toyota trucks / SUV's ?
I dont think its a cutting corners type of thing. If Toyota is going to cut corners on a new truck they hope to take the market share in the future , using a wimpy frame is not a good thing for full size truck buyers to see.
I dont think its a cutting corners type of thing. If Toyota is going to cut corners on a new truck they hope to take the market share in the future , using a wimpy frame is not a good thing for full size truck buyers to see.
Camprunner
New member
I had a good read on this the other day and Toyota states that the new Tundra frame is not boxed for reasons of better crash protection ???
I sort of question this when the new Dodge trucks with a boxed frame gets five srar crash results.
I sort of question this when the new Dodge trucks with a boxed frame gets five srar crash results.
Camprunner
New member
Thai said:
I agre with you Thai although I was suprised to learn the other day that large tractor over the road trucks do not use boxed frames and they say that if they did they would be to stiff and ride like a "rail".
I had a good talk with a friend of mine on this one he drives over the road and just purchased a new Peterbuilt and he says you need some flex built into the frame ???. He states that many tractor companys "Mack" "Pete" and others tried the boxed frame way years ago and found it just to stiff.
Im not an engineer so who knows ?
Thai
Elite Member
Camprunner said:
That may be true in those Peterbuilts where they don't have a very sophisticated suspension (if one at all!). However, we're talking about a 1/2 ton truck here, not a tractor or Peterbuilt. As you can see, Toyota is giving all sorts of "excuses" for not having a fully-boxed frame. IF all of these exuses/reasons are true, then i am sure that all future Toyota trucks AND SUVs will only be partially boxed and the rest of frame will be C-section. Hell, the new Land cruiser/Lexus LX470 is coming soon...i am sure that it will have "Tripletech" frame! Who's gonna bet me that this ain't gonna happen??
The new Tundra is surprisingly very well-priced...easily on the same level as American 1/2 tons. BUT, the Tundra has a super nice interior, along with nice features, big rear axle, and a brand spanking new super engine. All of these costs a lot of money to design and produce. Just take the engine alone...it's the #1 V8 engine out there with all the latest technology known to man. Toyota HAS to cut corners somewhere to keep price low to be competitive with the American trucks. Unfortunately, Toyota decided to cut corners on what most customers don't see and will not likely ever see the ill effects of (if use within the truck design)...the frame.
What started out just Nissan and Ford making fully boxed frames, Dodge and Chevy have joined in. And these guys (except Nissan) have been building trucks for a long long time...they know what they are doing. American manufactueres may suck when it comes time to make a car or SUV, but they do know how to make a workhorse truck.
Think of it this way...out of the major manufacturers of trucks, how many of them still make C-section frames on their most popular trucks (1/2 ton)?? ONE. Toyota. Hell, even the Honda Ridgeline's unibody is reinforced with boxed frame gussets and crossmembers!
BOXED IS GOOD.Camprunner
New member
I see your point Thai I will be curious to see if the next gen tundra (many years from now) will have a boxed frame.