Toyota Frame Replacement Research & Tips

S

snowboardwcu

Member
google searching for exactly what I'm looking for has been difficult. lots of anecdotal stuff, one court case.

Got word she wont pass inspection anymore due to frame rust/rot. I've done a ton of frame restoration grinding/priming/painting to extend the life but of course you can't stop it from rusting from the inside out. dealership did a report and took pictures but kinda just said call customer care and wasn't extremely helpful.

over the years i completely replaced the suspension, DT headers, sound deadening, sound system etc etc so i'm really not trying to take a total loss here.

so looking for tips & tricks to engage toyota on a replacement. I'm formulating some evidence & arguments to just cold call customer care but would rather investigate known working methods.
 
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That sucks man.

I remember visiting my dealer years ago and seeing a stack of brand spanking new beautiful frames sitting in the bays, but outside of the official recall (didn't include 4runner), I'm not sure anyone has had success with Toyota for a replacement.

And I know you were asking about help from Toyota, but several brave souls here have attempted it themselves with success if that's your flavor.

Anecdotal replacement costs (don't quote me, I just remember seeing astronomical numbers) from a dealer are like $10k plus...
 
Yea, unfortunately, you wont get anywhere with toyota and will likely just make yourself more upset and frustrated. You can lodge a complaint with the BBB and thats about it.

Id try something like this myself if youre looking to save the runner. though its inevitable more spots will likely come up

nothing you can do when they salt the roads half the year

4 Runner 2003-2009 4th Gen Archives - autorust.com
 
Syr4RinNC said:
Yea, unfortunately, you wont get anywhere with toyota and will likely just make yourself more upset and frustrated. You can lodge a complaint with the BBB and thats about it.

Id try something like this myself if youre looking to save the runner. though its inevitable more spots will likely come up

nothing you can do when they salt the roads half the year

4 Runner 2003-2009 4th Gen Archives - autorust.com
Click to expand...

i have mostly mentally prepared for that frustration yeah. but your link is something i had not come across at all so thank you. its another possible pathway back to safety and inspection.
 
I knew mine was getting bad, but I was hoping to squeeze another year or two out of it.. But last night I pushed my finger through the frame.
 
Good351 said:
I knew mine was getting bad, but I was hoping to squeeze another year or two out of it.. But last night I pushed my finger through the frame.
Click to expand...

Cut the bad out and weld in some new. As long as it's a flat spot it's pretty easy. I have a new spot I have to repair soon.
 
Try going to the small claims route. If you are outside the actually city of philly, you can file with your local magistrate. Limit is up to $12k. You can make your case and see where it goes. Best case is Toyota does not show up and you get a default judgement. Would be a couple hundred for filing / server fees. PM for more info.

If you are in the city, not sure how that court system works as they have their own way of doing stuff.

Good luck!
 
Compatible frames

- Is there a list of modern Toyota/Lexus frames that are compatible for the 4th gen 4Runner?
- Does anyone have one kicking around I can grab? I’m on the East Coast.
 
Hard to let it go but you have to accept these things living in the rust belt. Had to salvage my 3rd gen 5 years ago due to frame rust - a very sad day when they hauled it off. I am not sure if the problems is the frames are bad or the rest of the truck is too good and lasts too long. You won't get anywhere with Toyota and, as others have said, you will make yourself crazy trying. Best to move on and use Woolwax in the future - that is what I am doing with my 4th gen and my Tundra. Peace.
 
Sandraqu said:
- Is there a list of modern Toyota/Lexus frames that are compatible for the 4th gen 4Runner?
- Does anyone have one kicking around I can grab? I’m on the East Coast.
Click to expand...

Check for Hilux Surf frames, would have to import them but the Hilux Surf frames fit for sure. I have heard rumor that the 03 Prado Frame also fits as that is supposedly what this vehicle was designed off of.

Do be aware though the 03-04 frames might be slightly different than the 05-09 frames I think it's entirely down to trailing arm placement, but I've noticed replacement kits for that assembly do not match the 2003's location.

Personally, I'm looking at replacing the frame with something custom. Mine is getting really bad at the rear suspension trailing arm mounts. That or Frankenstein together a frame from different components at some point.

For now though it looks like I'll be running some patchwork to hold it together for the next 3 years.
 
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