We have a '98 Tacoma 4x4. It has 140,XXX miles on it. I was under the truck and noticed a nice rust crack in the frame. It starts in the middle and runs the entire length down, completely separating the metal on the bottom half. There are also some rust holes as well, but we're mostly concerned about the crack. This has been a daily driver, not offroaded with.









So what do you think? Is this repairable? What would you do? The rest of the truck is in good shape, These three pics are the worst parts of the frame....

Sorry, the last picture is a completely different hole, it's not the crack. ANy feedback?

It's worth the effort to try and get that repaired if the rest of the truck is in good shape. As frame cracks go, that one is not good, but I've seen some worse ones repaired.

I'd try and find a good, experienced welder who's done some in the past. Whether it's filling the crack or overlaying tome reinforcing steel, you should be able to get it road-worthy.

Gawd I hate the rustbelt! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

WOW!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />

Never thought that I'd see a C-channel frame rust like that..

WOW.

arent tacos fully boxed like the earlier trucks?

After you get that repaired you should do some preventive action for the rest of the frame. If you put chassis-saver or some other paint on there after getting it cleaned up it will last you a lot longer. I am guessing you are from the north east somewhere?

Bingo. The truck lived in upper NY for a while and now it's been here in RI for the last year and a half.

Surprisingly, there are many sections of the frame that are not bad at all, and some are even rust free. It's strange that such a large crack can develop while other parts are good.
My g/f has just been so discouraged from the rust that she might just start looking for another taco in better shape. The only that would change is she'd trade the 6 cyl for the 4 banger.
I'm afraid that we won't be able to find a welder that would agree to do this job. I'll search around, but there's alot of responsibility welding someone's frame!

Thank you everyone for the feedback.
We took it to Toyota because the E brake had frozen, and they looked at the frame. They found another crack on the opposite side and a few more holes as well. They said that the truck was structurally unsafe to drive and would require major frame repair, quoted in the thousands.

We'll probably just have an toyota/lexus salvage yard take the truck for around $2000, and search for another toyota!

They also said that the P.O had probably towed a salt water boat, and had the truck on the launch for quite a while in order for this much damage to occur.
Well, live and learn. Time for a beer! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Naw, C-channels

It's C-channel from the arch at the rear wheels to the back.