Time for a new frame

[rjb75]

Long overdue update-tried a few dealers with no luck. One place said the hole was too small, which I thought was hilarious. Also tried a few body shops but none of them wanted to touch it. I again considered swapping the frame-I was able to find some garage space that I could "borrow" to do the job, but I just don't have the time with my work schedule.

So, after much deliberation, I traded it in for a 2016 SR5 w/nav in Magnetic Gray Metallic with 2000 miles on the clock. I lost $3k on the trade, but it really was the best choice for me.

I traded the truck to Torrington Toyota in Torrington CT. They say they are sending it to a wholesaler, so who knows where it will end up. So if anyone out there comes across a 2004 SR5 4WD w/V8 for sale, VIN # JTEBT14R640032161, be sure to check over the frame before buying.

 

[blind squirrel]

looks like it ended up here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLlQzmWs0fE

 

[AdmiralAugbar]

looks like it ended up here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLlQzmWs0fE

That video was posted in 2015

 

[rjb75]

looks like it ended up here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLlQzmWs0fE

That's where I bought the truck from in 2015. BTW, don't ever buy anything from that place-a nightmare to deal with. Took 2 months to get the title and their idea of fixing an exhaust leak is tacking a soup can to the leaking pipe to cover the hole.


I just traded the truck yesterday so it's too early to know where it will go.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Took 2 months to get the title and their idea of fixing an exhaust leak is tacking a soup can to the leaking pipe to cover the hole.

Probably after they tried gluing it on?

 

[rjb75]

Probably after they tried gluing it on?

I think there was some putty on it as well, come to think of it.

 

[inscarguy]

I have a response to all of you who said section out the bad area and put in a good one.

Most frames with the exception of hydroformed ones should not be sectioned.
The 4runner frames are 2 "c" channel welded together. The frames are designed to collapse and fold in certain areas to absorb energy from an accident( i have first hand experience with this). If you section a frame like the 4runners it will be difficult due to the type of frame and now you have changed the "crush" area of the frame. With the welding you have changed the strength of that area. AFAIK there is no sectioning procedure on these frames.

Now for example a silverado, trailblazer, sierra frames are hydroformed so if the front or rear section is rotted or bent you can just replace that section in the designated area. There is a procedure for this. There's actually a kit for it.

If it was my 4runner and had limited space like you, I would get a good used frame from the southern states(away from water) and find a shop who would do the changeover. Be prepared to have a little rainy day money put to the side for related parts that will have to be purchased because they will not come off the old frame. If you plan on keeping it for a long time change all fuel, brake lines with OEM or stainless. I would also at all possible get OEM Hardware and put antisieze on EVERYTHING.

 

[rdruss]

The guy with frame problem was 6 years ago and he moved on from the vehicle. With regard to obtaining a good used frame with no/little rust and swapping out, yes, I agree, but I bet there is about an average of one shop in every state who would be willing to do it and who you would trust, probably less.
Best bet is to cut out bad sections and weld in plates. Several youtubes on it. I have had mine plate welded in a couple of places and it's expensive if you can't do it yourself, cost me $1K. Personally wouldn't be concerned what the repair did to the original planned crumple zone as long as it was a quality repair.