BajaNomad - Toyota Tacoma Frame Crack

Toyota Tacoma Frame Crack

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Bajaboy - 5-12-2012 at 07:05 PM

So after a few months of metal on metal banging, I took my 2005 Toyota Tacoma into Bob Baker Toyota in Lemon Grove. I can’t say enough about the service department here. They are 100% professional and straight shooters. I initially thought the sound was from some missing bolts on the bumper but after replacing those realized that was not the case.

I went out with the service manager on a test drive to listen to the noise. He said he speak with the technician and get back to me. Well it turns out the frame has a crack in it. The service adviser was dumbfounded and had never seen this. He did suggest there was an issue a while back with cracked frames but it did not involve my truck.

So far, my truck has been in for three recall issues and a number of warranty issues. But based on the wear and tear Baja places on it, I am moderately happy with my Tacoma. The service adviser is going to call Toyota on Tuesday and see what, if anything, they can do for me. He said not to get my hopes up based on the 112k miles I have on it but anything is possible. He also said he thinks a good weld job should save the integrity of the frame.

My question to all you Nomads is what do you think Toyota will do or if they should do anything? Seems to me a frame should last longer but we’ll see.
Either way, it’s all good and we’ll see how it all plays out.

woody with a view - 5-12-2012 at 07:09 PM

bummer. my tundra has a c channel frame rail (weaker than a box frame) and i'd assume yours does too. keep your fingers crossed. maybe they'll take care of you. too bad it doesn't qualify for the frame replacement....

fingers crossed.

sd - 5-12-2012 at 07:12 PM

I would expect Toyota to take care of this unless your truck was involved in an accident. I have 178,000 miles on my 2007 Highlander and it runs like new. Took it in yesterday for an oil change, and it needs nothing.
My original battery was replaced prior to a Baja trip at 130,000 miles, and it was still good.
My next car will be a Toyota, no surprises and dependable!

DavidE - 5-12-2012 at 07:17 PM

Best of luck, how awful.

Where is the crack located? How long is it? I am assuming if it's making noise it is monstrous.

Bajaboy - 5-12-2012 at 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
Best of luck, how awful.

Where is the crack located? How long is it? I am assuming if it's making noise it is monstrous.

Actually the noise isn't so bad but definitely noticeable. The crack looks like "chipped paint" according to the adviser. The good news is that I should be able to save the frame with a weld...hopefully Toyota steps up, though.

comitan - 5-12-2012 at 07:26 PM

If its a C frame they should also weld in a gusset.

edm1 - 5-12-2012 at 07:47 PM

Just because it's a c-frame that it's weaker than box frame. It depends on the tensile strength of the metal used. Look at the medium duty trucks -they have c-frames - and many are rated up to 26k lbs.

rts551 - 5-12-2012 at 08:16 PM

You should have let more air out of the tires.

Bajaboy - 5-12-2012 at 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
You should have let more air out of the tires.

Thanks for the excellent advice :barf:

Ken Cooke - 5-12-2012 at 10:28 PM

Baja can take a toll on any vehicle. For example, my body bushings were completely ground into dust after 7 years of Baja travels and hard 4WD trails.

Question: Did you check your body bushings for body on frame contact? This might be a neglected area that possibly lead to frame failure. While these parts are not Genuine Toyota parts - which may void your warranty, I would consider installing new body bushings like the ones I have pictured here.

Body mount bushing (Before)

Body mount bushing (After)

Bent rim - I could not get tires to balance - wonder why?? :?:

Baja travel is much more punishing on our vehicles than we would like to think.

Personally, I think Toyota will weld your frame, but will probably ask you to sign a liability waiver for future actions due to the compromised nature of the vehicle as a whole. Don't tell them that you ever took the pickup truck off road and/or Baja (if you haven't volunteered that information already).

David K - 5-12-2012 at 10:43 PM

Bummer... but things do wear out after enough use or abuse. I have been hard on my trucks, but I can't break them... only dent the underside or bend a bumper (on the Mision Santa Maria Road)!

My '01 Xtra Cab had 136,000 trouble free miles in under 5 years. The only thing I replaced on it was a water pump at 90,000 miles (it didn't fail, but had a drip).

My '05 Double Cab had 102,000 miles on it in just over 4 years... the rear suspension was too soft (I added Ride Rites and solved the issue)... the brakes were noisy for a bit and I didn't like the ABS not stopping in wet or dirt roads.. and the 'spiral/ clock-spring cable' failed and that made the air bag warning light come on... that was the only failure that truck had.

My '10 Double Cab has only 37,000 miles in 2.5 years... and it is perfect (so far). A drip from the speedometer cable cap when it was new was fixed, and they gave me a loaner car while they kept it overnight to be sure. The ABS brakes on it stop the truck fine in all conditions.

All three were/ are 4WD TRD OFF ROAD TACOMAS.

Ken Cooke - 5-12-2012 at 10:59 PM

David,

If you had kept the '01 Tacoma, I am sure you might have had major repair issues like Baja Boy does.

It might be time for Baja Boy to trade up to a newer vehicle - his Tacoma has already had a number of warranty and recall issues, and after more than a decade, any vehicle can get worn down requiring rebuilding/replacement of critical parts.

rts551 - 5-13-2012 at 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
You should have let more air out of the tires.

Thanks for the excellent advice :barf:

Seriously, is the crack in a non-stress area (like up by the bumper) or in a stress area (by motor mounts or suspension mounts)?

Bajaboy - 5-13-2012 at 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
You should have let more air out of the tires.

Thanks for the excellent advice :barf:

Seriously, is the crack in a non-stress area (like up by the bumper) or in a stress area (by motor mounts or suspension mounts)?

From what I understand it's by the motor mount on the driver's side.

IMPLIED or SECRET WARRANTY

durrelllrobert - 5-13-2012 at 07:24 AM

Implied Warranties
Implied warranties are not written or spoken, but automatically apply when you purchase a car (unless the car is sold "as is"). There are two types of implied warranties: the implied warranty of merchantability and the implied warranty of fitness.

Implied Warranty of Merchantability
The implied warranty of merchantability assures that an automobile will work as expected, given its age and condition. This usually means that the car is in average condition for the price paid and is fit for safe and reliable transportation. It does not guarantee a perfect car.

Implied Warranty of Fitness
The implied warranty of fitness applies when you buy an automobile with a specific purpose in mind. If you make the seller aware of your purpose for the car (for example, to climb your steep driveway) and rely on the seller's judgment to select a suitable car, the implied warranty of fitness guarantees that the car will work for that purpose.

In most states, implied warranties last forever. In a few states, however, the length of the implied warranty is the same as that of any express warranty that comes with the automobile.

Secret Warranties
Many automobile manufacturers have "secret warranty" or "warranty adjustment" programs. Under these programs, the manufacturer will do free repairs on vehicles with persistent problems, even after the warranty expires, in order to avoid a recall and bad press. According to the Center for Auto Safety (www.autosafety.org), at any given time there are approximately 500 secret warranty programs available through automobile manufacturers.

Unfortunately, manufacturers don't advertise these programs. So, a car owner often won't know about the available relief unless he or she complains about a problem and demands that the manufacturer repair it after the warranty has expired. In a few states, including California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wisconsin, manufacturers are required to tell eligible consumers about secret warranty programs -- usually within 90 days of adopting the program.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/car-warranties-basics...

Neal Johns - 5-13-2012 at 07:38 AM

My pre-Tacoma Toyota PU with pop-top camper driven to work by an old lady schoolteacher cracked just behind the front A-Arm. Guess she should not have taken the Pole Line Road shortcut so often.

I did not expect Toyota to do anything and got it welded/plated with no more problems.

Neal

rts551 - 5-13-2012 at 07:41 AM

I would make sure any welding process was done correctly to include possibly a second opinion.

When welding steel a material transformation process takes place (from the heat) that effects the tensile strength around the weld. In other words, if done incorrectly more problems, including catastrophic failure, could occur later.

That is why welders are taught to never weld vertically on a frame unless using a gusset.

I am sure there are some engineers or welders out there that can give you better info. Mine is only from the perspective of a manager in the aircraft maintenance business (and from off-road racing).

Bajaboy - 5-13-2012 at 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
David,

If you had kept the '01 Tacoma, I am sure you might have had major repair issues like Baja Boy does.

It might be time for Baja Boy to trade up to a newer vehicle - his Tacoma has already had a number of warranty and recall issues, and after more than a decade, any vehicle can get worn down requiring rebuilding/replacement of critical parts.

We're in the process of buying another place and thus are holding off on a new car purchase. I'm also holding my breath that maybe, just maybe, one of the new models will get better mpg. But trust me, I've looked at the double cab more than once especially now that the kids are getting bigger. I'm hoping I can wait a bit longer, though. Again this truck has been just okay....not like my 93 Taco which went anywhere.

woody with a view - 5-13-2012 at 08:05 AM

i'm always on the lookout for one of these.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Synaivsh80w

Bob and Susan - 5-13-2012 at 08:13 AM

my question...

did you buy the truck "brand new" or did it have a first owner

woody with a view - 5-13-2012 at 08:20 AM

if he had from new most warrantees were 60k i think, extended platinum was 90k. if he bought the platinum they should cover it no questions. if not, cross your fingers.

BTW, the dealer price is 3 times a local guy so if you need a good welder let me know.

Bajaboy - 5-13-2012 at 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
my question...

did you buy the truck "brand new" or did it have a first owner

It had 7 miles on it when I bought it from the dealer

David K - 5-13-2012 at 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Chris and Sarah were getting pretty uncomfortable by the time they were 14/15 in the small seats of the '01 Xtra Cab (in '05, as a Second Generation Tacoma they became the 'Access Cab' with doors... which I think is what you now have).

In '05, it was natural to step up to a Double Cab... just as comfortable in back as any medium size sedan back seats. The bed was foot shorter (5'), but the Second Gen. Tacos got bigger, so I didn't loose needed bed space by going to the Double Cab.

woody with a view - 5-13-2012 at 10:22 AM

a buddy just got the 2012 Tacoma. haven't seen it yet.

DavidE - 5-13-2012 at 10:29 AM

I can put in two-and-a-half-cents worth of opinion if I may.

The "Masters" of chassis frame welders (if things boil down to welding it yourself) are found as recommended sub-contractors to OEM diesel big rig repair shops like those franchises of Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Freightliner.

It may be worth your time to consult with one of these approved sub-contractors before you do anything at all, even allowing warranty repair to be performed.

Welding a chassis frame is an art form. Even a certified welder may not do things correctly (notice I wrote "may"). A simple consultation with a true master of the art may end up being worth more than any cost or time needed to do this.

Just My Humble Opinion :-)

David K - 5-13-2012 at 10:31 AM

I would go to a professional off road racing shop... like Stewart's RaceWorks in Santee, where they build Trophy Trucks and race buggies. I will ask Josh, as he and his sisters are coming here today for Mother's Day.

DavidE - 5-13-2012 at 10:45 AM

Excellent point David K. More options for señor bajaboy.

David K - 5-13-2012 at 12:36 PM

Josh is here now, and RaceWorks has certified MIG and TIG welders on staff... Josh said the frame weld is not any problem at all (to do it right)... Just the area near the weld has to be clear of anything that could burn if too hot. Zac, I will u2u you the reasonable shop rate so this thread doesn't become an ad.

Skipjack Joe - 5-13-2012 at 12:51 PM

Zac,

Can you post a picture of the crack?

edm1 - 5-13-2012 at 01:44 PM

Many cracks are experienced on the driver side frame caused by the stress passed onto it by both wheels/sides through the steering gearbox which is usually mounted on the LH frame. The gusset advice is what I'd follow, and using the suitable rod for frames (not the strongest/brittle filler) and proper cooldown process. The truck is only a half-ton truck so it's not as critical as an airplane, an 80k# GVWR semi, or a 100k psi proof rifle chamber. I'm not a certified welder but I do my own welds and tend to over-engineer and "put to the test" my rigs and so far haven't had a catastrophic failure . . . yet.

[Edited on 5-13-2012 by edm1]

rts551 - 5-13-2012 at 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1
Many cracks are experienced on the driver side frame caused by the stress passed onto it by both wheels/sides through the steering gearbox which is usually mounted on the LH frame. The gusset advice is what I'd follow, and using the suitable rod for frames (not the strongest/brittle filler) and proper cooldown process. The truck is only a half-ton truck so it's not as critical as an airplane or 80k# GVWR semi. I'm not a certified welder but I do my own welds and tend to over-engineer and abuse my rigs to their limit and so far haven't had a catastrophic failure . . . yet.

[Edited on 5-13-2012 by edm1]

Needs to be done properly rather than risk killing someone. That goes for a big rig, airplane of automobile. Plus may be some disclosure that is going to be required upon selling the vehicle.

Ken Cooke - 5-13-2012 at 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Zac,

Can you post a picture of the crack?

He's checking with his lawyers... :lol:

Skipjack Joe - 5-13-2012 at 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Zac,

Can you post a picture of the crack?

He's checking with his lawyers... :lol:

I thought maybe he misunderstood me and became offended. :lol:

Bajaboy - 5-13-2012 at 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Zac,

Can you post a picture of the crack?

He's checking with his lawyers... :lol:

I thought maybe he misunderstood me and became offended. :lol:

I'll get a picture as soon as I get a chance but don't expect anything too soon. My weeks are crazy chasing around the kids.

Marc - 5-14-2012 at 06:40 AM

Please keep us posted on this.

[Edited on 5-14-2012 by Marc]

durrelllrobert - 5-14-2012 at 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Zac,

Can you post a picture of the crack?

It may be up higher than he thought :lol:

chuckie - 5-14-2012 at 08:17 AM

Welding a cracked frame isnt rocket science, any decent shop can do it....

Sprocket - 5-14-2012 at 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckie
Welding a cracked frame isnt rocket science, any decent shop can do it....

We used to stick weld the frames on all our Fords on the farm. That said ,I think if its a known factory issue they would replace the frame ??

Marc - 5-14-2012 at 05:50 PM

Do you have a grill guard? Is it stressing the frame? Like on washboard roads??

[Edited on 5-15-2012 by Marc]

rts551 - 5-14-2012 at 06:06 PM

What do they have to say over on the Tacoma forum?

Bajaboy - 5-14-2012 at 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
What do they have to say over on the Tacoma forum?

That was my next thought but I have a life...just kidding. I am waiting to hear back from Toyota tomorrow and might post there as well. I'll keep you all posted.

chuckie - 5-14-2012 at 07:46 PM

Its a crack, weld it and move on.....

dtbushpilot - 5-14-2012 at 08:27 PM

I've waited a while to weigh in on this topic, now is as good a time as any:

Having been in the business and repairing many truck frames I will predict that Toyota will certainly NOT replace the truck frame. Come on, really? replace an entire frame on a truck with 112000 miles on it because of a crack? They MIGHT offer some sort of discount coupon for a future oil change or something but let's be realistic. The truck is well out of warranty, it has been driven many miles on bad roads and it has, for all intents and purposes, done a good job for it's owner.

That said, If it were my truck I would ask myself if the truck had lived up to my expectations or not. What do I reasonably expect a truck to do, how much wear and tear should it take before the manufacturer can wash his hands of it and turn it over to me? How much will it cost to have it repaired by a competent repair shop?

I know from experience that repairing a crack in a truck frame isn't rocket science but it does need to be done properly. I think DK's idea of taking it to an off road vehicle shop (like the one he suggested) is an excellent idea. From a "being in the business" standpoint I doubt that you could get it done better at any price and it will probably cost less than you might expect.

My guess is that Toyota won't offer anything (rightfully so), the dealer where Bajaboy bought it might give him a discount coupon for some good will but that would be about it. I think a couple hundred bucks is going to fix the problem and the truck will be ready for another 100,000 miles or so......

Just my dos centavos, good luck with the repair Bajaboy......dt

Bajaboy - 5-14-2012 at 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot
I've waited a while to weigh in on this topic, now is as good a time as any:

Having been in the business and repairing many truck frames I will predict that Toyota will certainly NOT replace the truck frame. Come on, really? replace an entire frame on a truck with 112000 miles on it because of a crack? They MIGHT offer some sort of discount coupon for a future oil change or something but let's be realistic. The truck is well out of warranty, it has been driven many miles on bad roads and it has, for all intents and purposes, done a good job for it's owner.

That said, If it were my truck I would ask myself if the truck had lived up to my expectations or not. What do I reasonably expect a truck to do, how much wear and tear should it take before the manufacturer can wash his hands of it and turn it over to me? How much will it cost to have it repaired by a competent repair shop?

I know from experience that repairing a crack in a truck frame isn't rocket science but it does need to be done properly. I think DK's idea of taking it to an off road vehicle shop (like the one he suggested) is an excellent idea. From a "being in the business" standpoint I doubt that you could get it done better at any price and it will probably cost less than you might expect.

My guess is that Toyota won't offer anything (rightfully so), the dealer where Bajaboy bought it might give him a discount coupon for some good will but that would be about it. I think a couple hundred bucks is going to fix the problem and the truck will be ready for another 100,000 miles or so......

Just my dos centavos, good luck with the repair Bajaboy......dt

I'm not expecting much and hope that is the attitude that I've relayed here. Guano happens and I don't expect Toyota to replace the frame. Do I think they should cover the cost of repair....yes. Do I think it will happen...maybe. As I said earlier, I now had 3-4 warranty repairs and three recall issues. I don't feel that is acceptable especially for a Toyota.

So with all the bad press that Toyota has had in the past few years, we'll see if they step up to the plate. As I said earlier, Bob Baker Toyota service department has been great all along.

dtbushpilot - 5-14-2012 at 08:59 PM

My reply was geared toward the general back and forth of the thread Bajaboy and I meant no disrespect. I don't think you are unreasonable in your expectations and hope that you have a favorable outcome......dt

[Edited on 5-15-2012 by dtbushpilot]

Ken Cooke - 5-14-2012 at 09:28 PM

I think having a race shop like the one David K recommended will be your best chance at getting your Tacoma Baja ready. Good luck and I hope you and your family make it back to Baja soon.

wessongroup - 5-14-2012 at 10:19 PM

Great thread...

Bajaboy - 5-15-2012 at 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
I think having a race shop like the one David K recommended will be your best chance at getting your Tacoma Baja ready. Good luck and I hope you and your family make it back to Baja soon.

My son and I are scheduled to leave a week from Thursday :tumble:

TMW - 5-15-2012 at 09:15 AM

I think you are asking too much if you expect Toyota or even Bob Baker to fix it. You got 112,000 miles on it and they have no ideal where you have been or how you used it. As I understand there are no recalls or service bulletins concerning it. About the best warranty mileage (except for really high end vehicles) in the industry is 100,000 miles and that's on the power train. Toyota replaced the frame on many 1st generation Tacoma's due to rust and I think that is still in effect, but not 2nd generation.

new frame

captkw - 5-15-2012 at 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
I think you are asking too much if you expect Toyota or even Bob Baker to fix it. You got 112,000 miles on it and they have no ideal where you have been or how you used it. As I understand there are no recalls or service bulletins concerning it. About the best warranty mileage (except for really high end vehicles) in the industry is 100,000 miles and that's on the power train. Toyota replaced the frame on many 1st generation Tacoma's due to rust and I think that is still in effect, but not 2nd generation.

Hola,replace the frame !!! you got to be jokeing !! I would have gave you a new truck rather than replace the WHOLE frame !! That a bigtime shop bottleneck of a job,,, BTW japen get's it's rec.metal from the port of oakland and long beach ca. they have no raw resources !! K&T :cool:

TMW - 5-15-2012 at 10:26 AM

I just checked and the frame replacement ended 12/31/11 for the 01-04 Tacoma.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/203692-toyo...

More info at
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/search.php?searchid=5757384

woody with a view - 5-15-2012 at 02:52 PM

BUMMER!!!!

David K - 5-15-2012 at 04:04 PM

Zac has a 2005 Tacoma!

Ken Cooke - 5-15-2012 at 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Zac has a 2005 Tacoma!

David, Do any of the Tacoma guys that you run with report of Frame-related problems? After numerous trips to Baja and hard-pounding 4WD trails throughout the deserts here in the US, I have only damaged the rear crossmember section of the frame on my Jeep.

Not to knock the Toyota brand, but I am wondering if this frame section is under built for the kind of demanding use Baja Nomads require of their vehicles? Because I don't frequent the Toyota Forums or partake in Toyota runs, I don't know much about Toyota reliability with regard to hard off-road use.

David K - 5-15-2012 at 04:36 PM

NO, until I read of Zac's 7 year old Tacoma issue, I have not noticed any discussion of frame cracks on Tacoma World. When Ralph asked about anything being discussed on TW (Tacoma World), I did a search and after reading several pages containing frame and crack... I couldn't pull one out that was a 'frame crack'! I was looking in the Second Gen. forums (2005 + Tacomas)...

Again, to weld closed a crack in a frame is not a big deal per what the professional truck race fabricators say... if that is indeed what is wrong with Zac's Tacoma.

Mexitron - 5-15-2012 at 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Zac has a 2005 Tacoma!

They used to be legendary for durability---my 1992 4x4 4-banger took everything I threw at it. Brooks' 1996 is still doing great. My 2009 has been stellar so far but still only at 40K...my only complaint is the complicated nature of the systems these days, the 1992 Toyota only had 5 fuses!

Ken Cooke - 5-15-2012 at 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

My son and I are scheduled to leave a week from Thursday :tumble:

Are you planning on repairing this pickup, or do you have a backup vehicle? You don't have much time before your next Baja trip.

David K - 5-15-2012 at 04:54 PM

Well, my 2010 has also been stellar... and while it is full of electronics and hydraulic brake booster aided traction systems... the Toyota depenability is still there... and even the U.S. administration couldn't convert buyers to its GM products with the made-up story about uncontrolled acceleration using the very unfortunate incident of a family in a Lexus dealer's loaner car (with extra floor mats on the driver's side, sticking the gas pedal).

Traction Control means power isn't spent on spinning tires, but on the tires that still have traction. The Off Road Tacoma's rear locker and Active Traction Control means the billy goat finally has met its match, in a factory stock 4WD!

2009 Tacoma Brochure, filmed in Baja...

David K - 5-15-2012 at 05:34 PM

... on the road Ken Cooke just posted photos of.

NOTE: BOX FRAME

elgatoloco - 5-15-2012 at 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

My son and I are scheduled to leave a week from Thursday :tumble:

Are you planning on repairing this pickup, or do you have a backup vehicle? You don't have much time before your next Baja trip.

He has a backup - my 1999 F-250 Extended cab 7.3 Powerstroke long bed 4x4 with 273,000 miles. It's the least I can do as payback for when he pulled me out of the sand south of Pta. Eugenio years ago. :saint:

Maybe that's how the frame cracked? :biggrin:

David K - 5-15-2012 at 06:21 PM

Super Duper Matt! :cool:

Bajaboy - 5-15-2012 at 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

My son and I are scheduled to leave a week from Thursday :tumble:

Are you planning on repairing this pickup, or do you have a backup vehicle? You don't have much time before your next Baja trip.

Yep, that's my biggest stress right now. I'm hoping to get my truck in the shop on Saturday.

One thing I'd like to add is that I have not done any serious wheeling in "this" truck. Primarily I have driven on dirt roads and beaches while in Baja. Well, I guess the Vizcaino road probably is worse on a vehicle than Pole Line :lol:

Bajaboy - 5-15-2012 at 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

My son and I are scheduled to leave a week from Thursday :tumble:

Are you planning on repairing this pickup, or do you have a backup vehicle? You don't have much time before your next Baja trip.

Maybe that's how the frame cracked? :biggrin:

Better yet, pack your bags and join us :light:

Did you say, "The Pole Line"???

Ken Cooke - 5-15-2012 at 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Well, I guess the Vizcaino road probably is worse on a vehicle than Pole Line :lol:

Have you changed 3 tires, repaired an oil pan (using JB Weld & a bar of soap), repaired 2 rims, fixed a full-size Chevy IFS steering rack, built a rock bridge - by throwing rocks for 1 1/2 hours (yes, I have it on video), and left your vehicle to the elements due to impassible conditions (hidden Suzuki Samurai).

I guess, the Vizcaino Road is pretty challenging. :lol:

David K - 5-16-2012 at 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Well, I guess the Vizcaino road probably is worse on a vehicle than Pole Line :lol:

That list sounds like "Jeep Thing"!

Ken Cooke - 5-16-2012 at 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Well, I guess the Vizcaino road probably is worse on a vehicle than Pole Line :lol:

That list sounds like "Jeep Thing"!

Oil Pan - Split open on rock - brand-new Jeep Wrangler without Oil Pan Skid plate.
2 rims - Bent due to underinflation - new set of American Racing 15x8" aftermarket wheels - on my new(er) Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
IFS Steering - On Chevy Full-size pickup
Blown BFGoodrich Tire - On Chevy Full-size pickup (patched at shoulder - driven from Laguna Salada to Phoenix direct!)
Blown BFGoodrich Tire - on Jeep YJ Wrangler
Blown BFGoodrich Tire - On Jeep TJ Wrangler
Stuck/Broken Suzuki Samurai - Suzuki Samurai

Cypress - 5-16-2012 at 04:30 PM

Sounds like somebody should have parked their vehicle and walked a tad. :biggrin:

Exercise.

tripledigitken - 5-16-2012 at 04:32 PM

and to think you do that voluntarily...........

:lol:

rts551 - 5-16-2012 at 04:32 PM

Guess I had better look for some frame cracks.

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David K - 5-16-2012 at 04:36 PM

Very nice! CJ-2A?

Super Duper

Skipjack Joe - 5-16-2012 at 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Super Duper Matt! :cool:

The words appear 35 seconds into it.

rts551 - 5-16-2012 at 04:51 PM

Its a JEEP thing.. That was a 43 MB. Stays up in the US now. This is a CJ3A that stays in Baja. Better checjk the frame on it too!~

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David K - 5-16-2012 at 05:19 PM

Right, the MB and CJ-2A had split windshilds, and your MB no longer has the black-out lights, so I guessed it was the civilian Jeep with turn signals.

rts551 - 5-16-2012 at 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Right, the MB and CJ-2A had split windshilds, and your MB no longer has the black-out lights, so I guessed it was the civilian Jeep with turn signals.

There were no civilian MB jeeps.

DavidE - 5-16-2012 at 06:43 PM

When I witnessed a nearly new D8R Caterpillar bulldozer almost get ripped to shreds in the midst of a pile of Mexican basalt, it renewed my opinion that a wise individual will keep in mind a Mexican-Mother-Nature's 's sometimes churlish crankiness.

off road

captkw - 5-16-2012 at 06:46 PM

Ya ,some folk's dont get it !! a fine line between going offroad and off track !!! get a grip !! K&T :lol:

David K - 5-16-2012 at 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Right, the MB and CJ-2A had split windshilds, and your MB no longer has the black-out lights, so I guessed it was the civilian Jeep with turn signals.

There were no civilian MB jeeps.

that is correct... What are you trying to say?

With me, its ALWAYS a Jeep thing!

Ken Cooke - 5-16-2012 at 08:08 PM

daveB - 5-16-2012 at 11:48 PM

The only time I saw a truck actually break in half was a Toyota, right in front of my eyes. There it sat in the alley, held together by the drive shaft. Our neighbour, the good Doctor, had to turn around and approach from the other street to get to his house, but smiling all the way. We were all joining him, happy that the truck had not been in use for a few weeks. Sure, it was an older one, ten or twelve years old, but broken in half? I guessed that all those coke cans just couldn't cut it (or they just did?) The tow truck arrived, winched it onto our back lawn. They returned later in the week and gave our son 400 dollars for it. Still could be used, they said, for hunting on the back roads after some work, the drive train was still good. So good in fact that it momentarily acted in place of the frame to keep it all in one place, I thought. There would be no Toyota truck in my future.

rts551 - 5-17-2012 at 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Right, the MB and CJ-2A had split windshilds, and your MB no longer has the black-out lights, so I guessed it was the civilian Jeep with turn signals.

The early civilian jeeps did not have turn signals either.

David K - 5-17-2012 at 07:49 AM

What was in place of the blackout lights on the early CJs, parking lights?

805gregg - 5-17-2012 at 08:03 AM

You should probably fix it then sell the truck, because everytime your on a bad road you will be tinking about that break. Plus it may crack again and would you risk your loved ones in a flawed truck.

rts551 - 5-17-2012 at 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
What was in place of the blackout lights on the early CJs, parking lights?

yes

David K - 5-17-2012 at 08:16 AM

Ralph, I just did a search to find this poster of all Jeeps since the 1940 pilot models (Bantum, Ford, Willys)...

http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Poster.html

Anyway, in that thread you mentioned having a '43 GPW (Ford), is your Jeep (seen above) that GPW or did you discover it was an MB (Willys) since?

rts551 - 5-17-2012 at 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Ralph, I just did a search to find this poster of all Jeeps since the 1940 pilot models (Bantum, Ford, Willys)...

http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Poster.html

Anyway, in that thread you mentioned having a '43 GPW (Ford), is your Jeep (seen above) that GPW or did you discover it was an MB (Willys) since?

The registraion says GPW. The serial number would indicate its a MB. As with many military jeeps, some parts are stamped with the GPW (letter F) like the frame, and some with the MB. So take your pick.

[Edited on 5-17-2012 by rts551]

rts551 - 5-17-2012 at 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
You should probably fix it then sell the truck, because everytime your on a bad road you will be tinking about that break. Plus it may crack again and would you risk your loved ones in a flawed truck.

OH OH...would you risk someone elses life in a flawed truck?

If fixed correctly it will be stronger than before the crack.

David K - 5-17-2012 at 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

Quote:

The registraion says GPW. The serial number would indicate its a MB. As with many military jeeps, some parts are stamped with the GPW and some with the MB. So take your pick.

That is great...
There are ways to ID it as a Ford GPW vs. Willys-Overland MB. A friend had a GPW and you could see the Ford name in places, like the ID tag and instuments, etc.

Edit, more (from: http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Poster/GPW.html ) :

As Ford built the last of its GP units, it landed a contract to build jeeps to the Willys pattern. Ford designated these vehicles GPW (Government, 80-inch wheelbase, Willys). The front crossmember is a U-channel instead of the Willys tubular unit. The letter F (Ford) is stamped on most small components, and the rear stowage compartment differs from the Willys. To war's end, 277,896 Ford GPWs were built, and they're equally as popular and cherished as the Willys.

[Edited on 5-17-2012 by David K]

edm1 - 5-17-2012 at 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

Quote:

OH OH...would you risk someone elses life in a flawed truck?

If fixed correctly it will be stronger than before the crack.

Risk is NOT an absolute term. Risk management revolves around possibilities, percentage/probability of something occuring. That's what insurance companies rely on. That's why car insurance is cheap compared to airplanes and big rigs. Furthermore, some people have higher appetite for risk than others.

If fixed properly the risk will be much lower. But then "properly" is also a relative term, unless of course you subject the frame to xrays and other forensic inspections, then it's quantitative. As someone said earlier in this thread, it's not rocket science.

[Edited on 5-17-2012 by edm1]

chuckie - 5-17-2012 at 09:53 AM

Hey we are not building a spacecraft here, we are welding a truck frame..thats all..welding a truck frame...I know that 2 of the trucks we have at the ranch have had frames welded..And they get ROUGH use everyday, not just a couple of days a year...We aint lost a cowboy yet....Some days thats not a good thing...

Bajaboy - 5-17-2012 at 12:00 PM

Latest update:

Toyota will not do anything as expected. No worries on this end. I am scheduled to take my truck in for welding on Monday. DK-I did not hear back from SpeedWorks so I went with the referral from my service advisor.

Bottom line, I'll be in Baja with my son next weekend as planned and that is all that really matters to me. Thanks again for all the feedback and suggestions.

Zac

woody with a view - 5-17-2012 at 12:02 PM

happy trails!

DavidE - 5-17-2012 at 01:21 PM

Tip :-)

OSHA white, which is APPLIANCE WHITE. Spray as many coats over a clean surface as it takes to turn the area into something that can be wiped down and inspected at your leisure. Any further cracking will simply scream out for all to see. A trick I learned from my great uncle in Montana. A rancher.

I've had to do this on two vehicles and to me it was a godsend. One went ahead and cracked parallel to the weld, the other held fine. In both cases I knew about it.

rts551 - 5-17-2012 at 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
Latest update:

Toyota will not do anything as expected. No worries on this end. I am scheduled to take my truck in for welding on Monday. DK-I did not hear back from SpeedWorks so I went with the referral from my service advisor.

Bottom line, I'll be in Baja with my son next weekend as planned and that is all that really matters to me. Thanks again for all the feedback and suggestions.

Zac

Glad you are taking it to an expert (you can bet there is a reason the dealer will not do it, like liability). While its not rocket science it could sure be done wrong by a wannabe welder. And do like David says, Paint the area...It wil make any deformities/cracks show up.

Cypress - 5-17-2012 at 02:40 PM

It's no bigee. Bevel the crack with a grinder, weld it together. Your choice, rod or wire. It'll be good to go. :yes:

David K - 5-17-2012 at 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
Latest update:

I am scheduled to take my truck in for welding on Monday. DK-I did not hear back from SpeedWorks so I went with the referral from my service advisor.

Zac

They were waiting for your call... phone call... and it is RaceWorks, Stewart's RaceWorks. Anyway, hope it goes well and it is done correctly. Have a great summer vacation or May vacation!

Ken Cooke - 5-17-2012 at 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by daveB
The only time I saw a truck actually break in half was a Toyota, right in front of my eyes. There it sat in the alley, held together by the drive shaft. Our neighbour, the good Doctor, had to turn around and approach from the other street to get to his house, but smiling all the way. We were all joining him, happy that the truck had not been in use for a few weeks. Sure, it was an older one, ten or twelve years old, but broken in half? I guessed that all those coke cans just couldn't cut it (or they just did?) The tow truck arrived, winched it onto our back lawn. They returned later in the week and gave our son 400 dollars for it. Still could be used, they said, for hunting on the back roads after some work, the drive train was still good. So good in fact that it momentarily acted in place of the frame to keep it all in one place, I thought. There would be no Toyota truck in my future.

I believe this has to do with how 'heavy' the trucks from Japan are engineered. I have heard that the Toyota is the preferred truck of the developing world, but this runs contrary to all that I have heard about 'Legendary Toyota Reliability'. I have seen Rick Pewe's hammered CJ-3 that required a replacement frame, but nothing to this extreme. Where is David K??

David K - 5-17-2012 at 05:06 PM

Right here... and I am still wondering why there are always hoods raised when you see a bunch of Jeeps parked together? :lol:

OK, that was a joke... what do you want Ken?

Spoken like a true Engineer!

Ken Cooke - 5-17-2012 at 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1

Risk is NOT an absolute term. Risk management revolves around possibilities, percentage/probability of something occuring. That's what insurance companies rely on. That's why car insurance is cheap compared to airplanes and big rigs. Furthermore, some people have higher appetite for risk than others.

If fixed properly the risk will be much lower. But then "properly" is also a relative term, unless of course you subject the frame to xrays and other forensic inspections, then it's quantitative. As someone said earlier in this thread, it's not rocket science.

Thanks for the information, Art! :light:

Ken Cooke - 5-17-2012 at 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Right here... and I am still wondering why there are always hoods raised when you see a bunch of Jeeps parked together? :lol:

OK, that was a joke... what do you want Ken?

On-board Air - Jeeps usually plumb their air systems from the engine compartment. :light:

woody with a view - 5-17-2012 at 05:13 PM

baja air system = using the line from the AC compressor to fill a flat!

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