Early 1st Gen (2000-2003) Tundra Frame Replacement FAQ

No, just salt and shitty steel. Sorry about your bad luck. Have you dropped the spare tire yet to check that cross member?

 

Sorry about your luck

But awesome ToyoCorp responded after the NHTSA report. That's a pretty egregious hole.

 

I didn't drop spare, but felt up around there on my first inspection of vehicle. Looked at it 3 times before pulling trigger. Tried to research the major issues and avoid if possible... The frame caps aren't terrible $210, if I can get it installed reasonably.

 

I'd let Toyota replace. There's no way the dealer can say this is in any way safe. Granted, I think the spare tire x-member is one of the spots they check, but the gaping holes up front can't be ignored.

Just know, frame replacement still costs money. You can expect to frop $1k-3k. More info in the frame recall sticky thread. Still, it's worth the money. Will add a few $K in value onto the truck, give you a fresh start. The cost will come in with whatever the dealer feels they need to replace while they're in there.

 

If I can get a new frame with under $3k additional investment, would consider that value added for sure.

 

Sounds to me like his truck doesn't apply for the recall for one reason or the other. Maybe it was sprayed in the past.

@ronin380 have you ran you vin online to see if it shows any active recalls? Make an account on Toyota.com/owners and see if it shows any info or service history there. (It may not, the website has been a bit off lately).

Shifty is saying if you get lucky enough to get a recall frame you'll probably spend $1-3k on additional work while they have it apart. Frame replacement is a $10k job by the dealer under the recall I'm not sure what it would cost to have it done by someone but you'd have to source everything on your own.

 

I checked the service history, in 2011 shows rust inspection, none found (no treatment). Looks like truck was dealer maintained with transmission and belt services in 2010-2011 (135k belt-152k tran). Belt about due, at least I know it's not original (270k now).
I'll go by dealer then maybe a different dealer.., maybe I'll get lucky. I can imagine them checking it 2011 on a rack, focusing on crossmember, if mine isn't a typical location at that time, easy to miss being on top side and behind splash guard.

 

If your last belt service was 2010/2011 and 135k ago you're way past due and probably want to put that near the top of your list if you plan to go through with frame issues.

Give Swope Toyota of Elizabethtown KY a call and see if they can help you. They do a lot of frames there including 3 trucks I've personally been involved with. See if they show you qualifying for anything. Not sure where you live but may at least point you in some direction.