Frame Repair

delz05

Member
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.
 
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Pictures

like to see before/after. good luck!

Missed the siderail frame "before" photos... Yianni had already completed the cutting and repairing. I do have the rear section photos (already removed from the vehicle) and the current status photos.

Left side completed, primed, painted and coated, right side cut and panel repaired/welded, rear section cut, repaired and welded.

I had him weld new panels along both entire frame rails, from shock towers to rear. 75% was not neccessary, but what the hell, he was there and easier to complete all at once now, than a little now and more later. Basically, I will have an entire new frame once completed.

Will update as the project moves along
 

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like to see before/after. good luck!

A few more...

Sorry if pictures are not entirely clear. I have an old flip phone, best I can do!
 

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HAhaha! I truely have no use for an Iphone or such. Had one for work for nearly 5 years, sat exclusively in the glovebox of my work truck, in it's original box. Don't recall ever using it for any reason. Supervisors would always call me on my personal phone. Same cell number for over 25 years! Can't even remember what the Iphone number was... People call me... I call them... occassional text message.

As for a full frame replacement... try finding one! A V8 is different from a V6, then take into account 2WD vs 4WD. Add in freight delivery IF you find an undamaged, clean one. Then factor in body mounts, complete drivetrain and suspension swap, fuel lines and brake lines, gas tank, cooling and AC, electrical harnesses and then the body itself. Probably close to 20 grand when all said and done.

Frame repair is much cheaper and much easier... kind of like calling someone on the phone!
 
The job is complete. Added a timing belt and full tune up with all new fluids (PS, Coolant, Trans, A/C, front and rear diffs, brakes), new radiator, PS cooler and lines, heater and radiator hoses, thermostat, struts, springs, shocks, full rear suspension, all brakes, calipers, lines and hoses... Basically a complete overhaul from bumper to bumper, including what amounts to a new frame. The full welding cost (material, primer, sealer, paint and coating, plus labor) was around 7500.00. The 4Runner rides better than brand new! Looking forward to the next rescue!
 

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