C-channel is actually about mid-way or a little foward of mid-way to the rear. Front is boxed. I would have thought, maybe it was still a good set up, because of all the cross members, when you note that the brand spanking new 2005 Hilux truck using an entirely fully boxed frame front to rear and the same suspension as the new Tacoma, it's clear Toyota cheaped out on the USA version.

I wonder how much it will flex...the frame I mean. You can overload an older Toyota all day long and not worry about the frame. I would imagine it's not a good idea to overload the new Tacoma. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />

I think the main reason you see fully boxed on the Hilux and C-channel on the Tacoma is that the new Hilux is supposed to be a 1 ton truck. Just like the older Hiluxes and just like our pre-Tacoma trucks. The Tacoma is and never will be rated for more than 1/2 ton loads. So they were able to save money. Dana, who builds the Tacoma and Tundra frames, probably convinced Toyota they could save money by using the cheaper C-channel construction. I wonder how much of that savings will be passed on to the consumer....ya right. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />