I worked in a body shop for 20 years and have done several frame swaps. They are an absolute pain in the ass. Everything needs to be swapped over. All the suspension, brake lines, fuel lines, engine, trans, fuel tank, every thing. To top it off insurance companies would only pay use like 16 hours to do it. Absolutely impossible in that amount of time.
I would like you to know that I have been watching you for years on the other Chanel and enjoyed the way you lay things out. Keep going for us shade tree experts lol.
Only frame swap that wasn't a pain for me was an 83 toyota PU was simple as could be, and was at 1.2m km hauling firewood on van isle, only on its second engine went from the 22r to 22re on it just so the carb didn't freeze up solid again when it was parked by the ocean in winter again beautifully simple cheap n reliable honestly could probably do everything on it with double set of wrenches n a press
@@sschevmale24 it was 15k Canadian for the dealer to do it at customer rates. Toyota would pay a different rate, lower than what you and I would pay, but it was 40.5 hours (from memory plus it minus a few hours) plus parts. The dealership came out on top that’s for sure. Like I said 12 hours and my truck was rolling out complete.
I’ve been a body man for 40 years just swap a frame in two days 8 hours a day The way he’s doing it is stupid…sorry not being ugly Remove the body first Roll the chassis next to the new one and switch it over roll the new one back I’ve done it for years It payed 24 hours I did it in 16 that’s making money 👍🏻
I remember seeing you and Jessi (RIP) as a kid and just now finding you on UA-cam, you two were awesome then and even more now! Thank you for inspiring me to work on things!!!
I like how you've done this with tools and resources the average guy has. Not like those fancy high budget TV shows that just promote manufactures expensive parts that are generally financially out if reach for us common folk.👍👍
Makes me chuckle every time I see the Ontario plate on the wall watched you every sunday morning on powerblock or horsepower tv looked forward to it greetings from Niagara on Canada.
This video is making me get underneath my 2008 Tacoma AC 4x4 tomorrow to check it again. I bought it used in 2012 in Boulder CO. It was taken to a dealer in San Diego in 2015 (?) on a recall to check the frame, no issues except surface rust. It's stayed with in CA & TX ever since. It's a shame Toyota couldn't get it right, I had a 2004 Tacoma before that, fortunately no rust issue on that one either.
My dealer here in the north east of Canada has done 100’s of these swaps. Mine was done 6 years ago and took 1.5 days from start to finish. Unbelievable, and I drove it for 5 years after and not 1 issue.
Great job!!! I have a 2008 TRD OR, And the front portion of the frame was just starting to show signs of rust so I ordered some slip over repair parts, and my neighbor was kind enough to help me get the parts welded back on (he has the lift in his garage, so that is really helpful.) I did all the dirty work sanding, wire wheeling, and cleaning the frame, he welded the parts in, and I finished by painting, and then undercoating the entire frame with B'Laster surface shield. Hopefully it will last a good 5-10 years with maint. As my son is inheriting this truck as his daily driver. But in all I really enjoyed this vid! Great work Ian!!
Why do content creators feel music is required? You’ll never find music everyone likes, so how about just shop sounds? I know, I can mute it, but does anyone really like watching video (for an hour) with no sound?
Brings me back when I did my frame swap on my 03 tundra a few years ago. I had to do some mods too but not cut the frame like you did. Needless to say that this ranks high on the difficulty level especially when the frame needs to be cut like that. We’ll executed and great workmanship👍
@@markstevens1729 it depends on the amount of time you have and what you have for tools to do it. I had a shop at my disposal with a forklift. I’m a Millwright by trade and I own everything I need to do the job. I had to clean and rust treat the donor frame first but it was in great shape. I’m in Canaderp so the rust age is real… there’s a few things to consider when you do this. First how long are planning to keep the truck and second how much money and your time are going into it. I still have my tundy and love it, in fact I own a 2018 and I sometimes prefer my 03 OG. Hope this helps.
I used to work at a Toyota dealership. With the exception of needing a couple of helpers to lift the bed off we had a couple techs who could do the whole frame swap by themselves in one day. They worked hard but they made it look easy.
I have had many trips especially in the winter where I wanted to get away for the weekend but did not want to tow my travel trailer over the mountain passes covered with snow. My truck also has a nice canopy and it has worked great for a couple of nights but I did add some insulation panels that I could easily remove because a steel pickup up box gets really cold in the winter. That made a big difference.
I had the frame on my 2005 Tacoma replaced by Toyota. Every year since I have applied Fluid Film to the frame to protect it from the New England winters and it still looks brand new.
@@marc-antoineethier1862 I’ve only used fluid film and am happy with the results. I buy a gallon can from amazon every fall and spray almost all of it under the truck. In addition to the nozzle, the sprayer kit comes with a couple of tubes so you can spray the product inside the boxed sections of the frame.
I had a 98 Tacoma, frame recalled and they bought back the truck after 11 years! Bought a used 2005 Tacoma that was mint, and bought a special spray wand to clean the frame... Loved it! They again had a recall for the frame after owning the truck for 5 years (Not an option, had to take the vehicle to the dealer) I was told no 2005 Tacoma had passed their "Test" and I would be on a waiting list for a frame... I did pass their "Test"!! and they sprayed the frame with some crap that was sticky and looked like yellow mud! I was not given the option to have this done... Told the dealer to find me a new Truck because they have prevented me from being able to clean my frame and prevent corrosion. My 2016 Tacoma frame is getting weekly cleaning with the wand I bought and used on the 2005 Tacoma.... only time will tell but as of right now it's mint and I live in the snowbelt where they use a lot of salt.
I own the 98 Toyota Tacoma best shock I ever had in my wife, 30/01/1050 15th I used to go up Into the Woods and camp out of upstate New York. I never had that set up yet, I was awesome, you did a wonderful job man. God bless you bro love you man love you love you loves the way you have patience. I don't have patience the way you do anymore. I'm 61 now. So makes a big difference. When I was young. I was a whipper snapper. I worked at quite a few dealerships in my life. 6 of them actually. Plenty of certifications for the State of New York. But those days are over well. Take care of my friend. Love you can't wait to see won't buy❤❤😊😊😊
I am totally impressed on the knowledge skills and abilities and no help to do such a massive job. I have a Tacoma 2015 double cab I love but if it had to come down to this I would be screwed
I bought a brand new 2007 Tacoma offroad 4x4 double cab with the 4 .0 V6 . The fuel mileage was absolutly appaling!! That truck drank gas like a big block Chevy. I fluid filmed my frame from day 1 and it held up pretty well
great job! I have been running 5 road wheels, 5 matching tires on my vehicles for many years. The 'donut spares' are junk as far as I'm concerned! Tire rotation is the key to not having an expensive spare tire just riding along and getting old. Here's how I do it... The 5 Tire Rotation...... 1) Spare to Right Rear 2) Right Rear to Right Front 3) Right Front to Left Rear 4) Left Rear to Left Front 5) Left Front to Spare Been doing this for many years, never had a problem! The big benefit is, if the rotation is done every 5,000 miles, when there is 25,000 miles put on the car there are only 20,000 miles put on the set of 5 tires! Each of the five gets a 5,000 mile 'piggy-back' ride in the spare position. Try it, you'll like it!
Toyota was replacing bad frames. My GF had her Tacoma chassis replaced..free. The dealer actually contacted her to bring it in to get checked, found to be bad and swapped in a new chassis. Hers I think was a '05 or 06. I have a newer ('15) Tacoma and was checked a year ago and was found to be ok. Love the vw ... looks cool!
Back when I had my 99 4x4 Tacoma and had the frame checked they didn't even give me an option to get it fixed. They told me I couldn't drive it. They gave me a loaner car to drive and they paid me one and a half times the value of the truck. I wish I would have kept the vin number so I could look it up because the body and interior were perfect. I'd be willing to bet that they fixed it !
I have a 99 and didn't want to even go close to the dealer. The offer was not good in my opinion. My truck had 200 on it then, I ended up driving it to 430 and still have it. The frame was patched a couple times by a friend. The patch work took about six hours.
I worked at Toyota about 15 years ago, I remember these recalls! I lived in California so wasn't used to rust on newer cars, was absolutely flabbergasted by a 4runner with the flakiest softest totally rusted frame I'd seen on anything newer than 1950 lol It did spend some time in Germany with the owner on deployment but still 🤯
Could you hang the engine and trans from the cab? Imagine wood rails along the fenders. I figure it isn't done because the center of gravity would get all out of whack on the lift.
I've back halfed several Toyota's over the years,earlier models mostley. I put them on our frame machine,blocked them up,chained them down with all the wheels off,then used a 2 by 2 piece of steel to make a fixture that located the end of the frame rails by the holes that are on the bottom rail,then i cut the frame in a Z just under the cab,I'd remove the cab mount,weld the other section on once it was fitted on the fixture,reweld the cab mounts over the splice,gusseting the inner rail before i weld the rear section back on,and paint it with POR15.
girl had an 09 till last year, front crossmember rusted a 2" hole in it under 200K n blew the bottom end out with mint service n no abuse hah, repaired it all but dayum never expected that, that bilstein lift was absolutely gorgeous tho height and looks
I wouldn't have the balls to chop up two frames. I would be afraid it was laser aligned or something at the factory. This guys the best. Been watching him since I was a kid.
Thanks for watching....ypu would actually be amazed at how out of square factory frames are a lot of the time....remember they are building for speed...not for precision
I would’ve had to do the same thing to my 2001 access cab Tacoma but I just sold it and bought a gen 3 access cab but the single cabs were bad ass back in the day just glad that you replaced the frame but you should step-by-step of what you did awesome
Enjoyed this video and your knowledge and your shop, thank you for sharing. I have an '03 4Runner that has some frame rust issues, had a couple of plates welded in under the passenger side door to take care of the worst and then every year it is scrape/sand/paint. The rust belt is not vehicle friendly!
I did a bunch of these and a couple Tundras when I worked at Toyota. We would keep the engine, transmission and t case in the body. Secure the engine with an engine mount and ratchet strap the trans/tcase in place and pull it all up together off the frame, saved a ton of time. I could usually do one within 20 hours. Warranty paid anywhere between 30-45 hours depending on the model.
Someone else mentioned doing it that way....it was a great suggestion...and if I hadn't already had this engine in and out like five times (and knew how to do it quickly) that is what I thi k I would of done
Hiya Ian, Great video, have loved your work for MANY years. I have one "minor" "complaint" , Every time the music came on i had to turn down my volume to half way and then turn it back up to hear you well, I am watching this on my laptop with just it's in system speakers. Merry Christmas from Everett, Washington at 12:02 am December 25th.
Ian, really good video full of useful information. One minor correction. The X-Runner was a 5 lug truck so it would be the same as the base frame (mostly), not the prerunner/4x4 one. X-Runner was the only way you could get the 4.0/6 speed in a 5 lug 2nd gen. My daily is a 2010 X and I also have a 2011 4x4 Tacoma.
I've busted a bunch of Toyota frames. The recall came out when I only had 200,000 miles....Too many stories of dealers scamming so a friend patched the frame a couple times. Original clutch made it to 430,000 miles and the truck parked itself in a garage. I told the friend I would not drive it anymore...now I search around for 99 Tacoma extra cab frames.....(and a Tundra frame.....and a frame to go under the 1981 4wd)
Some Toyota dealers were great about changing frames, others were terrible. A relative took in his Tacoma and they refused him, even though it had visible holes. Mine was better than his and they gave me a new frame on my 03 Taco. But, that frame only lasted about 12 years before it rusted out and I've had to fix sections as they pop up.
Oh oh @@dc6233 So the replacement frames also had problems? Not good...I had hoped to find a frame for my 1999 from a newer truck that had the replacement. This doesn't come as good news.
I bought a 2006 Tacoma 2.7L 5speed that had the frame replaced by the dealership in 2017 in the recall for frame rust. After I bought with a frame in pristine condition, I sprayed it with Cosmoline. Now it has 211,000 miles on the odometer. No a rusty spot.
And this is one reason I NEVER drive my 1999 Taco from Georgia in Michigan winters. She sits rust free and comfortable in my garage during the Winter. Waiting for scuba, camping season . Great little truck that gets lots of compliments because it looks 5 years old !
I drove into my local Toyota dealer about 5 years ago, I had to order a new lug key since I had lost mine, He talked me into a total frame replacement on my 12 Tacoma Sport, it took them 3 months to finish it since parts were on backorder, but it wasn't bad because they gave me a brand new, 2018 at the time, Tacoma to drive until mine was done...... Once I got it back, never had an issue with it....
Im surprised your truck didn't get one right from the dealership, i was the second owner of my 15 Tacoma. They hounded me to bring mine in for a frame inspection without a request from me. They offered to A. Inspect the frame, B. If the frame was bad, replace it for $0 cost. Or if it was not rusty they would coat the inside of the frame with thier product and install rubber plugs in the inspection holes in the frame. C. After this was performed they would warranty the frame from rust through for the life of the truck. This was in 2021. So i brought it in even knowing that my frame was in perfect condition since i performed my own service on the truck and kept an eye on it. Since i am self employed this was my primary work vehicle, it had 172k miles at this point. When i brought it in the sales manager offered to appraise it for trade in value and i agreed to that even though i had no need or wanted to trade it in. I loved the truck and the only thing it needed in 170k miles was front pads and rotors once and a battery once. And of course a bunch of oil changes, tires, wipers and washer fluid. ( And +700lb add a leaf to give proper ride height due to all the tools in the pull out drawers and ladder rack, and pulling trailers at the maximum tow rating of the truck. Bu needless to say when they offered me $17,500, i bought a new TRD off-road raco with all the bells and whistles for $43k. It was an offer didn't expect and one I couldn't refuse even though i had to wait 40 days for thr new truck to arrive, they had my old truck sold the day I went to pick it up after thr frame coating, thy put me in a rental Tacoma at no cost to me for the month waiting for the new truck to come in ( covid supply chain issues). I have nothing bad to say about my new or old Tacoma or the dealership. It won't be my last Toyota for sure
I don't know either...I ran the VIN online and showed no known recalls.. called my dealer and talked to them...they said..nope...drove another dealer and they took one look under the truck and said...good luck...another dealer said that there was no way they would work on a modified truck...
90% of the frame replacements we do get powdercoated for better corrosion protection. We have done a few galvanized frames, a real pain but rust will never be an issue again.
I have a 2005 tacoma that had the frame recall done on it. Got to patch some holes in the body (back corners of the cab, and the tops of rear fenders (I have a cap on it). Planning to do a 2 inch lift (need to replace the four shocks and rear leaf springs). Very little othe work onit. Just hit 200,000 miles on it. North east
Between you and Dirthead Dave, I need a lowrider to go with my big tire rigs. The plumb level is a great way to line up your mounts like that. I've always wanted to build a single cab tacoma with a short 4 door bed, and looking at your teardown and build up makes it seem easier than I was thinking it would be.
I did this on my Uncles TD5 Landrover Discovery and it was a nightmare though it does now have a very nice galvanised (and painted) frame which should see the vehicle out for many years to come.
Thanks for the vid. I’m dealing with an 06 tundra right now. Kinda perplexed at what I bought. Was advertised as a new frame, and it kinda looks like it, but the suspension and brake systems were rotten. Like your Tacoma, the body is perfect; still has nice original paint and not a spec of rust. Still need to cut out the lower control arms and buy camber bolts/adjusters. Hoping to grab a sawsall on a post holiday sale. Happy-merry whatever you celebrate!
I have an 05 Tundra access cab just siting with a big question mark as to what to do. The passengers front frame area gave up. 56,000 miles on it, deep blue and perfect . But I can't find a frame.
He should simply send it in this condition to Toyota and ask them where they went wrong. Sure they can do better considering the rest of the truck is pretty decent.
Whoa the UA-cam algorithm gods have suggested you today! I always wondered what happened to you after you were on that other 4x4 TV show. Lost track of you. Glad I found you and that you're back at it.
1st let me say merry Christmas to you and your family love the build on the Toyota but when you talk it is low and the back ground is loud you are one of the good builders keep up the fine work
Toyota did a recall on this 20 years ago. My brother in law had one frame swapped for no charge. He had a Prius as a free car for a week. He traded in the truck even after the repair.
New subscriber. I'm impressed with your knowledge and video production skills! Being a new UA-cam creator, featuring the car in my profile picture, I totally understand the amount of effort required to make these videos!
I had three grapefruit-sized holes in the frame of my '09 Taco DC 4x4 Sport Toyota replaced it for free, took them 3 months, they gave me a loaner for the entire time. The frame replacement didn't include new shocks, they said they had to cut the original shocks off.
Brother I feel your Pain I own a 2003 4 Runner and I have been patching it together for year’s she has over 350,000 miles on her she run’s great so I will keep Patching. 😅
The Australian assembled Army Land Rovers had a hot dipped galvanised chassis. Ended corrosion issues with beach and saltwater estuary crossings. Also, Lanolin is a good penetration spray on surface rust to seal out moisture.
Toyota replaced the frame on my 09 in 2019 for free, even provided a free loaner. I was pleasantly surprised but I had paid for an extended warranty. I bought the truck in for a recall and they wouldn’t let me drive away. They had a bay in the shop that did nothing but frame replacements. So what was the catch? They wanted to sell all kinds of replacement parts while they were in there. I declined most except for the steering rack which looked bad. Still have truck, the new frame still looks brand new, better rustproofing? Who knows
I have a 2000 Tundra and Toyota replaced the frame 6 months ago still can’t believe it.I would love to do a linked 1 ton axle setup seeing the frame is new but don’t have the skill set or the time.
Well I took to a dealer 2 years earlier but they turned it down saying it wasn’t bad enough then I noticed a small gas leak under the cab by the drivers area took it to a friend who had a shop and was afraid to change the lines because it was going to get into a lot of money so I reached out to the dealer again and they told me to bring it in again,they had it a few days and called back and said Toyota approved it so I left it and they replaced the frame it cost me a few bucks, I was shocked to say the least being 23 years old with 145 thousand miles on it because the bed had rust holes in the floor and the fender wells were rotted but the cab is in really good shape it ran great love the little V-8 I really don’t have any tips to getting it replaced but if you have holes in the frame and it’s not safe to drive then keep on them. I love the truck even though the bed is shot but it drives like a new one I have a 16 Tundra with 50 thousand on it and I always end up driving the 23 year old beater LOL so good luck.
No doubt about the amount of work! Toyota gave my 2001 Tundra several cross members at the rear of the frame in 2017. I am going to keep my eyes peeled for a good first generation Tundra frame and refer back to this video for sure!
Enjoyed the info shared in the video, hated the music, muted every time the music played. Why people think that style of music is good is something I'll never understand...
Ian, If I had the tools you have, I would have built a custom frame for it instead of making a factory frame work. Since they are a known weak point on the Takoma, that new to you frame wouldn't be worth putting under it. Making your own would have ensured that it won't be an issue in the future.
He addressed this in the video. It is not a hardcore rock crawler and just an adventure truck so a stock frame is fine. He said if it was a more serious rig he would have built his own frame out of square tubing.
I worked in a body shop for 20 years and have done several frame swaps. They are an absolute pain in the ass. Everything needs to be swapped over. All the suspension, brake lines, fuel lines, engine, trans, fuel tank, every thing. To top it off insurance companies would only pay use like 16 hours to do it. Absolutely impossible in that amount of time.
I would like you to know that I have been watching you for years on the other Chanel and enjoyed the way you lay things out. Keep going for us shade tree experts lol.
10 or 15k job?
Only frame swap that wasn't a pain for me was an 83 toyota PU was simple as could be, and was at 1.2m km hauling firewood on van isle, only on its second engine went from the 22r to 22re on it just so the carb didn't freeze up solid again when it was parked by the ocean in winter again beautifully simple cheap n reliable honestly could probably do everything on it with double set of wrenches n a press
@@sschevmale24 it was 15k Canadian for the dealer to do it at customer rates. Toyota would pay a different rate, lower than what you and I would pay, but it was 40.5 hours (from memory plus it minus a few hours) plus parts. The dealership came out on top that’s for sure. Like I said 12 hours and my truck was rolling out complete.
I’ve been a body man for 40 years just swap a frame in two days 8 hours a day
The way he’s doing it is stupid…sorry not being ugly
Remove the body first
Roll the chassis next to the new one and switch it over roll the new one back
I’ve done it for years
It payed 24 hours I did it in 16 that’s making money 👍🏻
I remember seeing you and Jessi (RIP) as a kid and just now finding you on UA-cam, you two were awesome then and even more now! Thank you for inspiring me to work on things!!!
Thanks so much!!
Besides the eye glasses, he didn't age either....
The fact you had to maneuver 3 frames by yourself is amazing by itself lol. Great episode. Thank you.
My deeply loved 03 Tundra may get here someday, and I decided a while back to be willing to do this.
I am impressed with Ian's attention to detail and expertise coming from a former mechanic and quality control technician turned truck driver
I like how you've done this with tools and resources the average guy has. Not like those fancy high budget TV shows that just promote manufactures expensive parts that are generally financially out if reach for us common folk.👍👍
Makes me chuckle every time I see the Ontario plate on the wall watched you every sunday morning on powerblock or horsepower tv looked forward to it greetings from Niagara on Canada.
This video is making me get underneath my 2008 Tacoma AC 4x4 tomorrow to check it again. I bought it used in 2012 in Boulder CO. It was taken to a dealer in San Diego in 2015 (?) on a recall to check the frame, no issues except surface rust. It's stayed with in CA & TX ever since. It's a shame Toyota couldn't get it right, I had a 2004 Tacoma before that, fortunately no rust issue on that one either.
My dealer here in the north east of Canada has done 100’s of these swaps. Mine was done 6 years ago and took 1.5 days from start to finish. Unbelievable, and I drove it for 5 years after and not 1 issue.
One person?...how many man hrs?..BIG DIFFERENCE
Great job!!! I have a 2008 TRD OR, And the front portion of the frame was just starting to show signs of rust so I ordered some slip over repair parts, and my neighbor was kind enough to help me get the parts welded back on (he has the lift in his garage, so that is really helpful.)
I did all the dirty work sanding, wire wheeling, and cleaning the frame, he welded the parts in, and I finished by painting, and then undercoating the entire frame with B'Laster surface shield.
Hopefully it will last a good 5-10 years with maint. As my son is inheriting this truck as his daily driver. But in all I really enjoyed this vid! Great work Ian!!
I'm loving these long format videos! Awesome to see it start to finish! Merry Christmas brother. Keep killing it!
Great video ,Ian! The music is unbelievably ANNOYING!
Why do content creators feel music is required? You’ll never find music everyone likes, so how about just shop sounds?
I know, I can mute it, but does anyone really like watching video (for an hour) with no sound?
I couldn’t do this in a million years! Such appreciation.
Toyota dealer tech here - I LOVED doing these frame swaps - had them down to an art form.
It was kund of fun TBH
Brings me back when I did my frame swap on my 03 tundra a few years ago. I had to do some mods too but not cut the frame like you did. Needless to say that this ranks high on the difficulty level especially when the frame needs to be cut like that. We’ll executed and great workmanship👍
Interesting.. I have an otherwise lovely 03 Access Cab, and have some rust, and have considered a frame swap. What was the job really like?
@@markstevens1729 it depends on the amount of time you have and what you have for tools to do it. I had a shop at my disposal with a forklift. I’m a Millwright by trade and I own everything I need to do the job. I had to clean and rust treat the donor frame first but it was in great shape. I’m in Canaderp so the rust age is real… there’s a few things to consider when you do this. First how long are planning to keep the truck and second how much money and your time are going into it. I still have my tundy and love it, in fact I own a 2018 and I sometimes prefer my 03 OG. Hope this helps.
I miss watching you and Jessie Coombs Rest her soul on tv
I used to watch you and Jessi religiously back in the day on Xtreme 4x4! Glad I found you here!
I used to work at a Toyota dealership. With the exception of needing a couple of helpers to lift the bed off we had a couple techs who could do the whole frame swap by themselves in one day. They worked hard but they made it look easy.
I have had many trips especially in the winter where I wanted to get away for the weekend but did not want to tow my travel trailer over the mountain passes covered with snow. My truck also has a nice canopy and it has worked great for a couple of nights but I did add some insulation panels that I could easily remove because a steel pickup up box gets really cold in the winter. That made a big difference.
I had the frame on my 2005 Tacoma replaced by Toyota. Every year since I have applied Fluid Film to the frame to protect it from the New England winters and it still looks brand new.
That's exactly what people have to do, using a rubberized undercoat is the worst thing to do. New England Taco owner here as well...
Does it help ( film fluid ) I just receive my new frame and I was thinking paint with something like rust stop and film fluid every years .
@@marc-antoineethier1862 I’ve only used fluid film and am happy with the results. I buy a gallon can from amazon every fall and spray almost all of it under the truck. In addition to the nozzle, the sprayer kit comes with a couple of tubes so you can spray the product inside the boxed sections of the frame.
@@marc-antoineethier1862just build up fluid film. At this point, you gotta worry about the body more than the frame. Fluid film it all
I had a 98 Tacoma, frame recalled and they bought back the truck after 11 years! Bought a used 2005 Tacoma that was mint, and bought a special spray wand to clean the frame... Loved it! They again had a recall for the frame after owning the truck for 5 years (Not an option, had to take the vehicle to the dealer) I was told no 2005 Tacoma had passed their "Test" and I would be on a waiting list for a frame... I did pass their "Test"!! and they sprayed the frame with some crap that was sticky and looked like yellow mud! I was not given the option to have this done... Told the dealer to find me a new Truck because they have prevented me from being able to clean my frame and prevent corrosion. My 2016 Tacoma frame is getting weekly cleaning with the wand I bought and used on the 2005 Tacoma.... only time will tell but as of right now it's mint and I live in the snowbelt where they use a lot of salt.
Fluid film/wool wax/kroil
I own the 98 Toyota Tacoma best shock I ever had in my wife, 30/01/1050 15th I used to go up Into the Woods and camp out of upstate New York. I never had that set up yet, I was awesome, you did a wonderful job man. God bless you bro love you man love you love you loves the way you have patience. I don't have patience the way you do anymore. I'm 61 now. So makes a big difference. When I was young. I was a whipper snapper. I worked at quite a few dealerships in my life. 6 of them actually. Plenty of certifications for the State of New York. But those days are over well. Take care of my friend. Love you can't wait to see won't buy❤❤😊😊😊
I am totally impressed on the knowledge skills and abilities and no help to do such a massive job. I have a Tacoma 2015 double cab I love but if it had to come down to this I would be screwed
Even if you had the knowledge,it wouldn't be work it..this is insane..not worth it..takes WAY to much time
I bought a brand new 2007 Tacoma offroad 4x4 double cab with the 4 .0 V6 . The fuel mileage was absolutly appaling!! That truck drank gas like a big block Chevy. I fluid filmed my frame from day 1 and it held up pretty well
great job! I have been running 5 road wheels, 5 matching tires on my vehicles for many years. The 'donut spares' are junk as far as I'm concerned! Tire rotation is the key to not having an expensive spare tire just riding along and getting old. Here's how I do it...
The 5 Tire Rotation......
1) Spare to Right Rear
2) Right Rear to Right Front
3) Right Front to Left Rear
4) Left Rear to Left Front
5) Left Front to Spare
Been doing this for many years, never had a problem! The big benefit is, if the rotation is done every 5,000 miles, when there is 25,000 miles put on the car there are only 20,000 miles put on the set of 5 tires! Each of the five gets a 5,000 mile 'piggy-back' ride in the spare position. Try it, you'll like it!
You are a great mechanic. A pleasure to see you in action thanks.
Toyota was replacing bad frames. My GF had her Tacoma chassis replaced..free. The dealer actually contacted her to bring it in to get checked, found to be bad and swapped in a new chassis. Hers I think was a '05 or 06. I have a newer ('15) Tacoma and was checked a year ago and was found to be ok. Love the vw ... looks cool!
Back when I had my 99 4x4 Tacoma and had the frame checked they didn't even give me an option to get it fixed. They told me I couldn't drive it. They gave me a loaner car to drive and they paid me one and a half times the value of the truck. I wish I would have kept the vin number so I could look it up because the body and interior were perfect. I'd be willing to bet that they fixed it !
95 to2000 all went to the crusher , saw it first hand
I have a 99 and didn't want to even go close to the dealer. The offer was not good in my opinion. My truck had 200 on it then, I ended up driving it to 430 and still have it. The frame was patched a couple times by a friend. The patch work took about six hours.
I worked at Toyota about 15 years ago, I remember these recalls! I lived in California so wasn't used to rust on newer cars, was absolutely flabbergasted by a 4runner with the flakiest softest totally rusted frame I'd seen on anything newer than 1950 lol
It did spend some time in Germany with the owner on deployment but still 🤯
Man, I did so many of these while working at Toyota. Paid anywhere between 42-60 hours depending on the year or model.
Could you hang the engine and trans from the cab? Imagine wood rails along the fenders. I figure it isn't done because the center of gravity would get all out of whack on the lift.
@@Dancing_Alone_wRentals I've heard of it done that way.
@@Dancing_Alone_wRentals There were a few they tried that but it was just easier to leave it in the frame and yank it as a unit after the cab was off.
They were cake. I had them down to 13hrs drive in, drive out. Two a week plus everything else that came in. Funded my retirement.
Hell yeah dude.
I've back halfed several Toyota's over the years,earlier models mostley. I put them on our frame machine,blocked them up,chained them down with all the wheels off,then used a 2 by 2 piece of steel to make a fixture that located the end of the frame rails by the holes that are on the bottom rail,then i cut the frame in a Z just under the cab,I'd remove the cab mount,weld the other section on once it was fitted on the fixture,reweld the cab mounts over the splice,gusseting the inner rail before i weld the rear section back on,and paint it with POR15.
I did this with my lx470. No shop lift either. It’s a lot of work, but gives you the opportunity to go through everything “while I’m already this far”
girl had an 09 till last year, front crossmember rusted a 2" hole in it under 200K n blew the bottom end out with mint service n no abuse hah, repaired it all but dayum never expected that, that bilstein lift was absolutely gorgeous tho height and looks
Beautifully executed, great content
Thank you Ian
Great Video! I just did a frame repair on one. Its amazing how terrible they rusted in such a short amount of time
As much as I want to keep my 06 Taco, this great video confirms I need to replace it.
I wouldn't have the balls to chop up two frames. I would be afraid it was laser aligned or something at the factory. This guys the best. Been watching him since I was a kid.
Thanks for watching....ypu would actually be amazed at how out of square factory frames are a lot of the time....remember they are building for speed...not for precision
This was done a LOT easier by a couple of guys on another UA-cam video! Good video!
Got a link? Would like to watch it.
I would’ve had to do the same thing to my 2001 access cab Tacoma but I just sold it and bought a gen 3 access cab but the single cabs were bad ass back in the day just glad that you replaced the frame but you should step-by-step of what you did awesome
One of the best content creators with the worst backing sound tracks.🤪
Enjoyed this video and your knowledge and your shop, thank you for sharing. I have an '03 4Runner that has some frame rust issues, had a couple of plates welded in under the passenger side door to take care of the worst and then every year it is scrape/sand/paint. The rust belt is not vehicle friendly!
I did a bunch of these and a couple Tundras when I worked at Toyota. We would keep the engine, transmission and t case in the body. Secure the engine with an engine mount and ratchet strap the trans/tcase in place and pull it all up together off the frame, saved a ton of time. I could usually do one within 20 hours. Warranty paid anywhere between 30-45 hours depending on the model.
Someone else mentioned doing it that way....it was a great suggestion...and if I hadn't already had this engine in and out like five times (and knew how to do it quickly) that is what I thi k I would of done
The frame sees the most oxidation do to stress.
Basic, straightforward.
Nope...
You're amazing taking on that job acting so calm, nice going!
Hiya Ian, Great video, have loved your work for MANY years.
I have one "minor" "complaint" , Every time the music came on i had to turn down my volume to half way and then turn it back up to hear you well, I am watching this on my laptop with just it's in system speakers.
Merry Christmas from Everett, Washington at 12:02 am December 25th.
I second the motion. After a bit I just kept the volume down and watched. Merry second day of Christmas 8:48pm in the east
Ian, really good video full of useful information. One minor correction. The X-Runner was a 5 lug truck so it would be the same as the base frame (mostly), not the prerunner/4x4 one. X-Runner was the only way you could get the 4.0/6 speed in a 5 lug 2nd gen. My daily is a 2010 X and I also have a 2011 4x4 Tacoma.
I believe toyota had a recall on frames for trucks that not many people knew about. I honestly didnt even know about it till a friend told me.
I've busted a bunch of Toyota frames. The recall came out when I only had 200,000 miles....Too many stories of dealers scamming so a friend patched the frame a couple times. Original clutch made it to 430,000 miles and the truck parked itself in a garage. I told the friend I would not drive it anymore...now I search around for 99 Tacoma extra cab frames.....(and a Tundra frame.....and a frame to go under the 1981 4wd)
The frame rust was an issue on frames made by Dana corp between 95 and 2000. Dana corp did not apply the coatings that Toyota specified and paid for.
Some Toyota dealers were great about changing frames, others were terrible. A relative took in his Tacoma and they refused him, even though it had visible holes. Mine was better than his and they gave me a new frame on my 03 Taco. But, that frame only lasted about 12 years before it rusted out and I've had to fix sections as they pop up.
Oh oh @@dc6233 So the replacement frames also had problems? Not good...I had hoped to find a frame for my 1999 from a newer truck that had the replacement.
This doesn't come as good news.
I bought a 2006 Tacoma 2.7L 5speed that had the frame replaced by the dealership in 2017 in the recall for frame rust.
After I bought with a frame in pristine condition, I sprayed it with Cosmoline.
Now it has 211,000 miles on the odometer. No a rusty spot.
And this is one reason I NEVER drive my 1999 Taco from Georgia in Michigan winters. She sits rust free and comfortable in my garage during the Winter. Waiting for scuba, camping season . Great little truck that gets lots of compliments because it looks 5 years old !
Right on
1 have the same vehicle, I also love it. My frame was (2017) replace by dealer, they did a fantastic job. Still have the truck.
You do a great job of steering away from too many "while we are in here" fixes
I drove into my local Toyota dealer about 5 years ago, I had to order a new lug key since I had lost mine, He talked me into a total frame replacement on my 12 Tacoma Sport, it took them 3 months to finish it since parts were on backorder, but it wasn't bad because they gave me a brand new, 2018 at the time, Tacoma to drive until mine was done...... Once I got it back, never had an issue with it....
Nice job. Something I could never do in my driveway. Missed opportunity to paint and protect the whole frame.
frame is already painted from the factory
Im surprised your truck didn't get one right from the dealership, i was the second owner of my 15 Tacoma. They hounded me to bring mine in for a frame inspection without a request from me. They offered to A. Inspect the frame, B. If the frame was bad, replace it for $0 cost. Or if it was not rusty they would coat the inside of the frame with thier product and install rubber plugs in the inspection holes in the frame. C. After this was performed they would warranty the frame from rust through for the life of the truck. This was in 2021. So i brought it in even knowing that my frame was in perfect condition since i performed my own service on the truck and kept an eye on it. Since i am self employed this was my primary work vehicle, it had 172k miles at this point. When i brought it in the sales manager offered to appraise it for trade in value and i agreed to that even though i had no need or wanted to trade it in. I loved the truck and the only thing it needed in 170k miles was front pads and rotors once and a battery once. And of course a bunch of oil changes, tires, wipers and washer fluid. ( And +700lb add a leaf to give proper ride height due to all the tools in the pull out drawers and ladder rack, and pulling trailers at the maximum tow rating of the truck. Bu needless to say when they offered me $17,500, i bought a new TRD off-road raco with all the bells and whistles for $43k. It was an offer didn't expect and one I couldn't refuse even though i had to wait 40 days for thr new truck to arrive, they had my old truck sold the day I went to pick it up after thr frame coating, thy put me in a rental Tacoma at no cost to me for the month waiting for the new truck to come in ( covid supply chain issues). I have nothing bad to say about my new or old Tacoma or the dealership. It won't be my last Toyota for sure
I don't know either...I ran the VIN online and showed no known recalls.. called my dealer and talked to them...they said..nope...drove another dealer and they took one look under the truck and said...good luck...another dealer said that there was no way they would work on a modified truck...
That was one of the best episodes to end the year . Great job!👏👏👏👏
90% of the frame replacements we do get powdercoated for better corrosion protection. We have done a few galvanized frames, a real pain but rust will never be an issue again.
I have a 2005 tacoma that had the frame recall done on it. Got to patch some holes in the body (back corners of the cab, and the tops of rear fenders (I have a cap on it). Planning to do a 2 inch lift (need to replace the four shocks and rear leaf springs). Very little othe work onit. Just hit 200,000 miles on it. North east
Dude you are the frame shorting KING, nice job
Done a few times
Between you and Dirthead Dave, I need a lowrider to go with my big tire rigs. The plumb level is a great way to line up your mounts like that. I've always wanted to build a single cab tacoma with a short 4 door bed, and looking at your teardown and build up makes it seem easier than I was thinking it would be.
Thanks 👍
I did this on my Uncles TD5 Landrover Discovery and it was a nightmare though it does now have a very nice galvanised (and painted) frame which should see the vehicle out for many years to come.
Riveting episode! I have a friend who needs a TJ frame swap and this gives us lots of great tips.
I love watching your shows.
Thanks for the vid. I’m dealing with an 06 tundra right now. Kinda perplexed at what I bought. Was advertised as a new frame, and it kinda looks like it, but the suspension and brake systems were rotten. Like your Tacoma, the body is perfect; still has nice original paint and not a spec of rust. Still need to cut out the lower control arms and buy camber bolts/adjusters. Hoping to grab a sawsall on a post holiday sale. Happy-merry whatever you celebrate!
there was a recall and Toyota paid to swap the frames on tons of trucks, and that is all they replaced
I have an 05 Tundra access cab just siting with a big question mark as to what to do. The passengers front frame area gave up. 56,000 miles on it, deep blue and perfect . But I can't find a frame.
one heck of a job Ian ,you really pick the tough ones .I would say you know that truck inside and out . great entertainment, thanks much .
I would love to see you keep that old frame and do a video just on repairing and saving a frame in that kind of shape
He should simply send it in this condition to Toyota and ask them where they went wrong. Sure they can do better considering the rest of the truck is pretty decent.
There would of been a new frame section in every part of the truck.. meaning basically an entire new frame piece by piece
The fact you did this in like less than a week is insane
I got a 2009 Toyota Tacoma and the frame is perfectly fine so far.
I love these long how to videos 👍
Whoa the UA-cam algorithm gods have suggested you today! I always wondered what happened to you after you were on that other 4x4 TV show. Lost track of you. Glad I found you and that you're back at it.
Been a dream of mine to put the 4.7 in a short wheelbase reg cab!! Amazing job!!
Its so great!!!! And with the stick its even better!!
Most definitely!!
That white body would look sweet sitting on a hot dip galvanized frame. Great video. Thanks
Nice work man. Wow the alignment is actually visibly off. Lol all in all you did an awesome job
I agree with the other guys..definitely enjoy the long format vids
1st let me say merry Christmas to you and your family love the build on the Toyota but when you talk it is low and the back ground is loud you are one of the good builders keep up the fine work
Toyota did a recall on this 20 years ago. My brother in law had one frame swapped for no charge. He had a Prius as a free car for a week. He traded in the truck even after the repair.
Took this one to the dealer...they said, no recall....no luck....on me to fix
My father-in-law had his done by the dealer on recall his tundra. They replaced most of the suspension as well.
Thanks Big Tyme 🖐️
Really enjoyed the latest
Pizza 🍕 Oven Garage!
stealth camping ⛺ ⛺
sounds adventurous
New subscriber.
I'm impressed with your knowledge and video production skills! Being a new UA-cam creator, featuring the car in my profile picture, I totally understand the amount of effort required to make these videos!
Don't you know who he is?? He's been on TV for a looooong time, guess he decided to make a YT channel. The man has done anything and everything...
Didn't know you had your own channel. So impressed you did this Han Solo. Looking forward to the Dif video!
I had three grapefruit-sized holes in the frame of my '09 Taco DC 4x4 Sport Toyota replaced it for free, took them 3 months, they gave me a loaner for the entire time. The frame replacement didn't include new shocks, they said they had to cut the original shocks off.
Ive got a 2wd tacoma no rust but its a 1996. Ive swapped frames on ex cabs before and man what a pain lol. V8 swap is cool
Great stuff, kinda makes you understand the love for trucks, big versatile monsters.
I see one of the top boltjoints loose... good to have the front end check and aligned.
Hard to watch,with the ridiculous choice of music...but your content is always worth it....great job
Thanks. It was fascinating to see how a truck is constructed.
Also, this seemed to be a 50+ hour job for a very skilled tech. Yikes.
Brother I feel your Pain I own a 2003 4 Runner and I have been patching it together for year’s she has over 350,000 miles on her she run’s great so I will keep Patching. 😅
The Australian assembled Army Land Rovers had a hot dipped galvanised chassis. Ended corrosion issues with beach and saltwater estuary crossings. Also, Lanolin is a good penetration spray on surface rust to seal out moisture.
Toyota replaced the frame on my 09 in 2019 for free, even provided a free loaner. I was pleasantly surprised but I had paid for an extended warranty. I bought the truck in for a recall and they wouldn’t let me drive away. They had a bay in the shop that did nothing but frame replacements. So what was the catch? They wanted to sell all kinds of replacement parts while they were in there. I declined most except for the steering rack which looked bad. Still have truck, the new frame still looks brand new, better rustproofing? Who knows
I have a 2000 Tundra and Toyota replaced the frame 6 months ago still can’t believe it.I would love to do a linked 1 ton axle setup seeing the frame is new but don’t have the skill set or the time.
Aren't you outside the time limit? I have a 2005 Tundra with just 56,000 on it. Any suggestions?
Well I took to a dealer 2 years earlier but they turned it down saying it wasn’t bad enough then I noticed a small gas leak under the cab by the drivers area took it to a friend who had a shop and was afraid to change the lines because it was going to get into a lot of money so I reached out to the dealer again and they told me to bring it in again,they had it a few days and called back and said Toyota approved it so I left it and they replaced the frame it cost me a few bucks, I was shocked to say the least being 23 years old with 145 thousand miles on it because the bed had rust holes in the floor and the fender wells were rotted but the cab is in really good shape it ran great love the little V-8 I really don’t have any tips to getting it replaced but if you have holes in the frame and it’s not safe to drive then keep on them. I love the truck even though the bed is shot but it drives like a new one I have a 16 Tundra with 50 thousand on it and I always end up driving the 23 year old beater LOL so good luck.
tHank you @@stevenjabaay2994
Music bursts my head
Great video! I bet Jessie is hanging around your shop with you! Miss her
great video, that is a lot of work. we had a sequoia and tundra get a new frame through toyota dealership under this manufacturer campaign.
No doubt about the amount of work! Toyota gave my 2001 Tundra several cross members at the rear of the frame in 2017. I am going to keep my eyes peeled for a good first generation Tundra frame and refer back to this video for sure!
Great video! Thank you for your hard work and taking me with you.
Enjoyed the info shared in the video, hated the music, muted every time the music played. Why people think that style of music is good is something I'll never understand...
Everything was great, but anyway to keep the music volume the same as the voice?
Awesome! The spare tire and pizza oven are my favorite!
Mine too!
I had to modify my transmission cross member when I converted my prerunner to 4x4. The 4x4 cross member mounts are lower than the 2wd ones
Mine fit...but it might be the fact that mine is Manual Trans...
Ian,
If I had the tools you have, I would have built a custom frame for it instead of making a factory frame work. Since they are a known weak point on the Takoma, that new to you frame wouldn't be worth putting under it. Making your own would have ensured that it won't be an issue in the future.
He addressed this in the video. It is not a hardcore rock crawler and just an adventure truck so a stock frame is fine. He said if it was a more serious rig he would have built his own frame out of square tubing.
Amazing job! Plus filming yourself all the way!!! 🥇
Thank you!! 😁
Wow, impressed in the work, let along the camera work editing and story telling. I wish I could have been there, I learned so much. Thanks to eBay,