Frame rust

I'm having the same issue with toyota. My runner spent the beginning of its life in MI and has some significant rust. I took it to toyota for the buyers inspection and they failed to mention any rust at all, nevertheless any of the structural degradation I have since found. Who did you get the most movement with when you were talking to toyota? I talked to the shuttle driver as he took me home after dropping it off for the second time and he said that I should request to speak with the dealer's toyota rep, that he may be more apt or able to help me. Any thoughts? Also, anyone that could give clarification, I have a 1 1/2" hole (rust) sitting right where the passenger side front tow point is located. I pointed this out to the dealer but they assured me that that was merely a radiator support bracket, to which I asked "why would toyota put a tow point on a radiator bracket and not directly mounted to the frame?" To which I was simply "reassured" that this was just a bracket. Definitely getting the run-around here. I Have since gotten under the thing and grinded and needled as much surface rust as I could and then I used eastwood internal frame coating and por-15 on the outside (still hasn't come off my body) but through my troubles ended up finding more rust issues than previously mentioned by the dealer upon second inspection. I need to figure out my best next move because I think toyota royally f****d me on this one.
 
I spoke with the assistant service manager at the dealer and asked him to speak with Toyota about it. I never had to speak with Toyota directly.
 
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M1911 said:
Toyota would not be spending $8k to replace the frame unless they believed they had some responsibility.

You're not worth responding to further.
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It isn't costing Toyota $8k. It is costing you $1k. It is called a good will offering. If it was Toyota's fault, it would cost you nothing, much like it cost those of us that had frame rust on their Tacomas. Obviously the frames are not the same.
 
You know you HAVE to post pictures, right? We've been looking at older Tacomas. Most I've gone to see in person have been rusty. Online I've seen a couple that had the full frame replacement. They looked great. They both had prominent bar codes pasted on the rear drivers side, just visible behind the rear wheel. It'll be interesting to see if they marked yours too.
 
I picked it up today. First impressions: very nice. It seems quiet and tighter than it had been. I previously had a rattle which seemed to be coming from the tail gate. I wouldn't have expected the frame replacement to effect that, so I won't be surprised if it returns.

I had been having a rattle at idle while in gear. It seemed as though the exhaust system was touching the frame. That is gone - since they had to rehang the exhaust system, that is not surprising. The brake pedal seems firmer. I don't know if that is because of the new brake lines or because their equipment did a better job bleeding the brakes, but it is welcome.

They removed the XREAS system and put on 4 conventional shocks. It seems as though the truck might be riding a bit higher and might be a little less damped than before. Of course that also might be due to the new rubber bushings. I didn't notice significantly more sway or dive, but then I haven't pushed the truck hard and the original shocks were probably long since past there prime.
 
I'm looking at replacing my old Xreas with stock springs and shocks, so please update us after a few miles on that front. Thanks!
 
I've got an '05 Sport that toyota agreed to replace the frame. Toyota was replacing frame, paying for 25 hrs of labor. Dealer was paying 15 hrs of labor I pay the rest, $925. truck has been up there for 2 months plus. I am the second owner but, have only owned toyotas for past 30 years. Here is the kicker and my questions. Dealer called said they weren't doing the frame because the suspension (XREAS system) is too rusted and would cost $6000 to replace. My questions are; When they looked at the frame, how do you miss the suspension problem? How much ,guesstimate, is it to change suspension with shocks and springs? Thanks for any advice.

Bob
 
rlarryvt said:
I've got an '05 Sport that toyota agreed to replace the frame. Toyota was replacing frame, paying for 25 hrs of labor. Dealer was paying 15 hrs of labor I pay the rest, $925. truck has been up there for 2 months plus. I am the second owner but, have only owned toyotas for past 30 years. Here is the kicker and my questions. Dealer called said they weren't doing the frame because the suspension (XREAS system) is too rusted and would cost $6000 to replace. My questions are; When they looked at the frame, how do you miss the suspension problem? How much ,guesstimate, is it to change suspension with shocks and springs? Thanks for any advice.

Bob
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Non-XREAS stuff swaps right in as long as you do all 4 corners.

I ditched mine, and it rides so much better now, but apparently the fronts had leaked some so its not surprising a linked setup would be all messed up with one end leaking.
 
Bilsteins and fj cool swap (all brand new coils thru dealer) would run ya $600 ish.... Labor should be free since they have to take do it anyway for the frame
 
rlarryvt said:
I've got an '05 Sport that toyota agreed to replace the frame. Toyota was replacing frame, paying for 25 hrs of labor. Dealer was paying 15 hrs of labor I pay the rest, $925. truck has been up there for 2 months plus. I am the second owner but, have only owned toyotas for past 30 years. Here is the kicker and my questions. Dealer called said they weren't doing the frame because the suspension (XREAS system) is too rusted and would cost $6000 to replace. My questions are; When they looked at the frame, how do you miss the suspension problem? How much ,guesstimate, is it to change suspension with shocks and springs? Thanks for any advice.
Click to expand...

Mine had XREAS and it was shot. It would also be stupidly expensive to replace. So I told them to replace the XREAS shocks with standard shocks. The cost to me was reasonable. Unless the springs are shot, there is likely no reason to replace them. If they do have to replace them, the cost won't be high. They are just springs.

The XREAS system, on the other hand, has a ton of parts and would be very expensive to replace.
 
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rlarryvt said:
... Dealer called said they weren't doing the frame because the suspension (XREAS system) is too rusted and would cost $6000 to replace. Bob
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Bob, setting the frame cost aside, I found it hard to believe that it would cost you $6000 for the XREAS system. I spoke to local dealer sometime last year when I swapped out my XREAS, but wanted it back afterward, and I was quoted $300.00 per side or $600.00 total for parts. Shock absortbers are about $350.00 each (on line OEM parts). About $2000.00 for parts. Labor might cost you an equivalent of 4 hours (I'm guessing based on 2 hours replacing the 4 shock absorbers that I have done). Here in the Windy City the labor charge is about $95 average. I would not say a word if the total charge is about $2500-@2600 for the XREAS & 4 new shocks.

Alternatively I suggest that you buy parts on line (cheaper and no taxes) and find other local shop that can give you a better deal with compatible quality of work.

For the frame work, I think you got yourself a good deal. I would pay ($925) in a heartbeat for that kind of work.

I wish you luck with your Runner. Please keep us posted.

Cheers!
 
mid9pitstop said:
Bob, setting the frame cost aside, I found it hard to believe that it would cost you $6000 for the XREAS system. I spoke to local dealer sometime last year when I swapped out my XREAS, but wanted it back afterward, and I was quoted $300.00 per side or $600.00 total for parts. Shock absortbers are about $350.00 each (on line OEM parts). About $2000.00 for parts. Labor might cost you an equivalent of 4 hours (I'm guessing based on 2 hours replacing the 4 shock absorbers that I have done). Here in the Windy City the labor charge is about $95 average. I would not say a word if the total charge is about $2500-@2600 for the XREAS & 4 new shocks.

Alternatively I suggest that you buy parts on line (cheaper and no taxes) and find other local shop that can give you a better deal with compatible quality of work.

For the frame work, I think you got yourself a good deal. I would pay ($925) in a heartbeat for that kind of work.

I wish you luck with your Runner. Please keep us posted.

Cheers!
Click to expand...
I am very happy with the offer from both the dealer and Toyota for the frame. More than fair. As far as the cost of the suspension, that was the price quoted me by the service manager. I am under the impression he personally didn't want to do it in the first place (conjecture on my part). I will keep you posted and thanks everybody for the responses.

Bob
 
rlarryvt said:
I am very happy with the offer from both the dealer and Toyota for the frame. More than fair. As far as the cost of the suspension, that was the price quoted me by the service manager. I am under the impression he personally didn't want to do it in the first place (conjecture on my part). I will keep you posted and thanks everybody for the responses
Click to expand...

Looking at all the parts involved in the XREAS system, it doesn't surprise me that he doesn't want to do it. It looks like a royal pain the rear.

Just have him put on conventional shocks. A few hundred bucks and you're done.
 
frame rust

My frame is shot, rear control arm cracked on frame. Toyota offered me $900 rebate on a new Toyota, I guess it's better than nothing but if anyone has a frame rust issue contact NHTSA. if every 4runner owner submits a complaint maybe they will have a recall.
 
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