Who had their 4runner frame replaced?

[radlynx]

Hi everyone,

I'm just wondering if anyone had their frame replaced. I'm in that stage where I need my frame replaced in a few weeks. I found out that my rear upper control link in the frame don't have enough metal left and thought it will be unsafe driving it in a few months. I have the 2005 v6 4runner. I've been calling the Toyota dealership and is getting different prices and some giving me an estimate between an amount of this and that, which means they have no idea what will it really cost. Can someone share me how much you paid and which dealership you went to? I can't afford to get a new 4runner but a frame replacement could be more financially better than getting a new or used truck. The body and engine and transmission is in good shape. Your help is really appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Keros]

A friend of mine bought a 2003 Tacoma that had the frame replacement done. His frame still had the parts label sticker on it... it was so nice.

$21000-ish Canadian, whatever that would likely work out to in freedom-bucks.

Keeping in mind this was replacing virtually everything that wasn't perfect (because Toyota was picking up the tab). I think that included some new billy shocks too (that the owner paid for).

Although it's a different truck and different country, it should atleast set some kind of expectation.

I would think the most important aspect of the project should be experience, finding someone who's done this sort of thing before and knows what to expect. Frame replacements are a HUGE job and most dealership techs probably have never done one before.

I've always envisioned using a hot rod shop that does body-off restorations to do my frame when the time comes. They know how to deal with rust and repair problems... not just replace things until it works again, as dealership techs often seem to approach problems as.

 

[radlynx]

thank you for the info. that's a good info even if it's not a 4runner. that's what i'm afraid of, techs who has not done it before might ruin it more during replacement. i'm calling pretty much all of the dealership getting additional info.

A friend of mine bought a 2003 Tacoma that had the frame replacement done. His frame still had the parts label sticker on it... it was so nice.

$21000-ish Canadian, whatever that would likely work out to in freedom-bucks.

Keeping in mind this was replacing virtually everything that wasn't perfect (because Toyota was picking up the tab). I think that included some new billy shocks too (that the owner paid for).

Although it's a different truck and different country, it should atleast set some kind of expectation.

I would think the most important aspect of the project should be experience, finding someone who's done this sort of thing before and knows what to expect. Frame replacements are a HUGE job and most dealership techs probably have never done one before.

I've always envisioned using a hot rod shop that does body-off restorations to do my frame when the time comes. They know how to deal with rust and repair problems... not just replace things until it works again, as dealership techs often seem to approach problems as.

 

[hinmo24t]

in what way would paying for a frame replacement make any sense at all on a 4th gen 4runner? the cost it 15-20k? wouldnt buying one with decent frame and mileage for 10k make more sense?

 

[Ed_C]

Not on my 4Runner, but Toyota replaced my 1st-gen Tundra's frame for free as part of the frame rust campaign, but they did print out a report order listing parts and labor.

It came out to over $6,000 (parts and labor), besides the frame all the hard lines (brake, fuel, emissions) and front lower control arms were also replaced. They recommended replacing the rear shocks and parking brake cables at no additional charge labor-wise since they already had the original ones apart, I was able to get the cables right away and installed but by the time I received the rear shocks the old stuff was already back together and they'd have to charge me labor.

 

[eleven14]

in what way would paying for a frame replacement make any sense at all on a 4th gen 4runner? the cost it 15-20k? wouldnt buying one with decent frame and mileage for 10k make more sense?

This. I can't imagine it making financial sense if you're paying to have it done (especially through Toyota).

That said, if you could afford to have the vehicle down for a period of time and have the space, picking up a solid frame and transferring everything over would be an option. Done right, replacing whatever needed it along the way, you'd basically have a brand new truck on the other side.

 

[Terminator03]

This. I can't imagine it making financial sense if you're paying to have it done (especially through Toyota).

That said, if you could afford to have the vehicle down for a period of time and have the space, picking up a solid frame and transferring everything over would be an option. Done right, replacing whatever needed it along the way, you'd basically have a brand new truck on the other side.

2 problems are that most people don’t own the tools necessary, to include lifts, and other specialized things needed to complete a task like that. The second problem is finding a good, rust free frame that has not been in an accident. My sense is that the only times these vehicles end up in a wrecking yard is when they have been in a bad crash (most likely resulting in frame damage), or because they are rusted beyond repair, and it seems to me that rust is mainly an issue with frames not bodies on these, bringing you back to square one. The ONLY option that makes sense is to buy a new frame from Toyota and either have someone swap it, or do it yourself if you have the equipment and knowledge to do so. In the end, I see that alone ruling out 90% of owners at the very least. I love my truck and will weld in repair sections as needed to keep it running, but won’t be replacing the frame unless Toyota happens to do another recall, as I see it as more trouble than it’s worth to tackle at this point even though I have the equipment and knowledge to do it. My time is too valuable these days.

 

[rdruss]

If a Toyota shop couldn't do a frame replacement for less than $5K labor they shouldn't even be changing oil. Charge a customer some flat amount, $1K, $1.5K, somewhere in that range and that would be sufficient, Toyota could reimburse their dealers at %70 and call it good for customers who love their Toyota 4Runners.

 

[Terminator03]

If a Toyota shop couldn't do a frame replacement for less than $5K labor they shouldn't even be changing oil. Charge a customer some flat amount, $1K, $1.5K, somewhere in that range and that would be sufficient, Toyota could reimburse their dealers at %70 and call it good for customers who love their Toyota 4Runners.

If I could have Toyota change mine for that price I’d do it in a heartbeat, but I don’t see that ever happening, especially with a shop rate from $85-$125 per hour as most shops are these days. There is just way too much peripheral problems to deal with because it’s not JUST the frame that’s rusted. EVERYTHING that bolts to it, including all fasteners, control arms, brake, fuel, transmission lines, etc. are going to be rusty, so they will either break during removal, or otherwise need replacement. There is no way your going to get a labor bill that cheap..., and that’s not even considering all of the related parts and fasteners that will ultimately need replacement while they’re in there...

 

[radlynx]

Here's what i think about it. Some of the dealership are increasing their price too much so that you can just decide to replace it or buy a new one. There's one place who quoted me for 12000 and he seems to know what he is talking about. all the rest are like 15k-20k who probably don't want the business. a range of 8-10 grand would be the deciding factor for me to get it done in the dealership. the dealership just don't like the business i guess by over pricing it. Imagine if the dealership would not overprice it, they would get a lot of business replacing frame.

i have another option though, i'll just cut all the old frame until the old stuff are gone and put in a new one. that would make more economic sense. (lots of cutting metals, lol). I have all the time i need to work on it.

in what way would paying for a frame replacement make any sense at all on a 4th gen 4runner? the cost it 15-20k? wouldnt buying one with decent frame and mileage for 10k make more sense?

 

[radlynx]

I agree on you on this.

If a Toyota shop couldn't do a frame replacement for less than $5K labor they shouldn't even be changing oil. Charge a customer some flat amount, $1K, $1.5K, somewhere in that range and that would be sufficient, Toyota could reimburse their dealers at %70 and call it good for customers who love their Toyota 4Runners.

 

[eleven14]

2 problems are that most people don’t own the tools necessary, to include lifts, and other specialized things needed to complete a task like that. The second problem is finding a good, rust free frame that has not been in an accident. My sense is that the only times these vehicles end up in a wrecking yard is when they have been in a bad crash (most likely resulting in frame damage), or because they are rusted beyond repair, and it seems to me that rust is mainly an issue with frames not bodies on these, bringing you back to square one. The ONLY option that makes sense is to buy a new frame from Toyota and either have someone swap it, or do it yourself if you have the equipment and knowledge to do so. In the end, I see that alone ruling out 90% of owners at the very least. I love my truck and will weld in repair sections as needed to keep it running, but won’t be replacing the frame unless Toyota happens to do another recall, as I see it as more trouble than it’s worth to tackle at this point even though I have the equipment and knowledge to do it. My time is too valuable these days.

Oh I never said it'd be easy. Also not for everyone. But several here have done it, either with a used frame that's been recon or a new one from Toyota.

 

[T4R2014]

If I could have Toyota change mine for that price I’d do it in a heartbeat, but I don’t see that ever happening, especially with a shop rate from $85-$125 per hour as most shops are these days. There is just way too much peripheral problems to deal with because it’s not JUST the frame that’s rusted. EVERYTHING that bolts to it, including all fasteners, control arms, brake, fuel, transmission lines, etc. are going to be rusty, so they will either break during removal, or otherwise need replacement. There is no way your going to get a labor bill that cheap..., and that’s not even considering all of the related parts and fasteners that will ultimately need replacement while they’re in there...

Quoted for the truth. It costs 1.5k these days for an engine swap. If you think there's a way to profit off of that then you probably aren't aware of how the auto repair biz works.

 

[MikeinNH67]

Do you have a picture of the rusty area? You may want to get a pointy hammer and do some tappy tappy all over the frame. Mine had holes in odd spots after I scaled the frame. I found three spots, I was able to weld plates after cutting back to good metal.

 

[Terminator03]

There are also replacement frame repair sections available that are preformed so you can reinforce the rusted sections and buy a lot more time out of it. I sandblasted, primed and painted my entire frame which slowed things down considerably, but there are still some areas that I plan to weld in plates at some point just because they were already in need of repair, and sandblasting really exposed the weak areas.

Here’s an example of what I’m talking about...
Forward Center Frame Section (ART-201-R) - autorust.com

 

[wsgoat]

Hi everyone,

I'm just wondering if anyone had their frame replaced. I'm in that stage where I need my frame replaced in a few weeks. I found out that my rear upper control link in the frame don't have enough metal left and thought it will be unsafe driving it in a few months. I have the 2005 v6 4runner. I've been calling the Toyota dealership and is getting different prices and some giving me an estimate between an amount of this and that, which means they have no idea what will it really cost. Can someone share me how much you paid and which dealership you went to? I can't afford to get a new 4runner but a frame replacement could be more financially better than getting a new or used truck. The body and engine and transmission is in good shape. Your help is really appreciated.

Thank you.

LOL....I was in the EXACT same position a couple months ago.....passenger side rear control link rusted off the perch. I have a great "indy" mechanic who was able to fab some parts and get my ole girl up and running. Rust/road salts will eventually kill any northern 4runner. If you could find someone to do a frame swap for around 5k, that'd be ok.....otherwise better to put that money towards a new ride from a southern state. Gonna be a sad day when I have to put my '05 out to pasture....far and away the best vehicle I've ever owned!

 

[stewtopia]

You in MA? Call these guys in RI. They fixed the frame on mine.

autorust.com - Makers of the Frame Saving Safe-T-Cap Kit

 

[MikeinNH67]

So one of these rust threads got me to finally remove the rear bumper cover to make sure my hitch was still well supported. The pointy hammer created some nice holes in the corners on both sides. Fist pic is after cutting the metal back to solid steel. You can see in this picture that they can rust from the inside out. It doesn't help that there was 5 pounds of sand packed into this area, the pic is after cleaning it out some and hitting it with the scaler. This section looked decent from the outside until I rapped on it. Second pic is one side repaired, you can see some of the rust wafers on the ground. I did bore some access holes into the new steel and sprayed fluid film in there. Plus rust trapped the exterior. It should last me awhile this way but I think oiling the frame will become a yearly thing to do.

 

[hamel]

You in MA? Call these guys in RI. They fixed the frame on mine.

autorust.com - Makers of the Frame Saving Safe-T-Cap Kit

Actually just picked up my 4runner from this place this AM.

They capped the entire passenger side mid section, replace parts of the frame on both front (behind bumper, near radiator) and at rear bumper, sand blasted the entire bottom and undercoated (think super thick tarry stuff that takes a while to harden)

$2300 and it took a week. This is actually my 2nd 4th gen that I got for a song, which is why I wasn't too worried about spending the $ for the frame repair/coating)

ETA-weird thing about this one was passenger side frame real rusted, holes flaking etc. Driver side nearly perfect (at least for the northeast). Tech said the AC drain line was responsible.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Actually just picked up my 4runner from this place this AM.

They capped the entire passenger side mid section, replace parts of the frame on both front (behind bumper, near radiator) and at rear bumper, sand blasted the entire bottom and undercoated (think super thick tarry stuff that takes a while to harden)

$2300 and it took a week. This is actually my 2nd 4th gen that I got for a song, which is why I wasn't too worried about spending the $ for the frame repair/coating)

ETA-weird thing about this one was passenger side frame real rusted, holes flaking etc. Driver side nearly perfect (at least for the northeast). Tech said the AC drain line was responsible.

Toyota’s placement of the drain line is arguably the most boneheaded design flaw in 4th Gens. That said, it’s very easy to extend it down past the frame and every 4th Gen owner should do it ASAP.