Front Suspension Leaf Spring problems of the 2000 Toyota Tundra

Truck failed annual inspection due to extreme rust of frame and cross members to the point of frame perforation and imminent failure. Frame directly under driver's seat rusted through where it joins the cross member under the transmission. Frame in front of passenger rear tire extremely rusted where it joins the cross member. The inspector stated this was a more imminent concern than the rusted through portion under the driver because it had a good chance of breaking with the next pothole. Leaf springs for drivers rear tire also extremely rusted. Rear differential housing rusted through on the top with oil leaking out. Exhaust heat shields and hangers rusted away completely. There was no mention of the rear cross member over the spare tire or the gas tank straps being an issue. They could be but were not the imminent concern at this point. I had just replaced the radiator/transmission cooler due to rusting through and anti-freeze entering the transmission and transmission fluid in the cooling system. There were other issues that are apparently common with the Tundra - leaking/cracked manifolds, etc. The truck is at the local dealer pending repair. Technician stated it was the worst case of undercarriage rust he had seen.

2000 Toyota Tundra. Consumer writes to express discontent about treatment at a Toyota dealer in regards to repairs the consumer stated the vehicle began making a squeaking noise. The vehicle was inspected and the consumer was informed that the left rear shackle needed to be replaced. When the vehicle was being lifted, the frame broke because it was severely corroded. The consumer then learned that the vehicle had been recalled for frame corrosion. The consumer stated she and her husband were never notified of a recall. The consumer was informed the rear leaf springs, the front lower arms, rear shocks and steering rack needed to be replaced. The consumer believed it was related to the broken frame. But, Toyota refused responsibility of any other repairs.

After hearing the complaints about the 2000 Toyota Tundra, I decided to put my 2000 Tundra up on a lift. Boy what a surprise I have 55 pictures of problem areas that are very concerning. There is a 3" section on the drivers side frame rail by the front of the leaf spring carriage holder that is wavy it is visible in the pics that is how bad it is. Major rust all along the passenger side of the frame rail from front to rear. Before lowering the truck all the way I looked at the top of the front shock holder and was not impressed with the amount of rust that is eaten through at this point.