I think something's wrong with my TOW HOOKS

[TSO]

Wow, so I noticed this the other night when I was flushing my PS fluid... but wanted to get a better look today in the daylight.

I can actually move them by hand, they're THAT rusted !!! Question now is, what can I do about it? Is this common with these trucks? I remember hearing something about a rusted-frame recall with the Tacoma's or 1-Gen Tundras, where they were actually replacing the frame. Is this something that is even replaceable?

Additionally, I was wanting to add a bull-bar or similar eventually, but IIRC, don't they mount to the tow-hook bolt locations? If so, I'm screwed!

Thoughts?

 

[scottm]

Wow, that is,...frightening. I just glanced at my tow hooks last night, no rust yet, don't think this one is from Michigan originally. But that looks like some thin steel. I've heard of V8 4Runners putting the engine mounts right through the frame when offroading, apparently the frame isn't very thick on these.

Those hooks are welded on, not bolted. The ARB I had on my Land Cruiser had holes for recovery hooks, not as stout as the stock hooks though.

 

[TSO]

Yeah, no doubt... makes me worry about the rest of the truck. According to CARFAX, this one was originally titled in Pennsylvania, stayed there from 03-10, then was dealer traded to Ohio, then Colorado, then to Michigan... over the last year & 8k miles.

So, I don't know what PA does with their roads, but apparently it's ALOT of salt!!!

 

[scottm]

I carry a recovery strap and shackles, but that pic makes me very nervous about using it on my front hooks. I wouldn't pull anyone out in reverse, but if I'm in the ditch I might use them. Gonna take a good look at mine tonight, that looks like some thin steel. I think that part of the frame just holds up the radiator, might not need much strength, and the hooks are really just to tie down the truck for delivery.

 

[TOY2G]

I think that part of the frame just holds up the radiator, might not need much strength, and the hooks are really just to tie down the truck for delivery.

Radiator is supported from the sides and does not even touch this cross-member. What you are looking at is the actual front cross-member and yes the two hoops are for vehicle recovery points (see owners manual) not to transport vehicle. this part of the frame should be much stronger IMO..

My truck spent 1 year in PA and came back to Texas with all sorts of rust.... that's one place I will never live EVER....

 

[M1911]

Yikes.

My '03 has a lot more rust on the frame than I think it should have as well.

 

[snowbrdr033]

That's a scary amount of rust, and on tow hooks too. Can only imagine what else it has done to your frame. It's a good thing you saw that BEFORE you had to hook up to those hooks to perform a recovery or yank a stump out....that could've been REALLY bad news!

Those northern roads, especially during the winter, sure do some damage on vehicles.

 

[d2huffman]

You definitly would not want to use them. It looks like someone cinched it down with the tow hooks to pull away like that. It is not just rusted. Also looks like some cracks above? I would have it looked at by a body shop.

 

[cabowally]

That'll buff right out!

 

[ClockWork]

That entire front part of the frame looks like a complete mess. From those pictures, those areas are behind the front removable frame horns i.e. on the actual frame itself. I've got some minor surface rust on my truck living in NJ and PA, I definitely plan on taking care of the entire underside this spring.

Some people just don't wash their cars.

Scott, I haven't read of a V8 engine mount failure, only V6's on Toy120 as it's an issue on Tacomas as well.