Frame rust or "rot"?
 

Ive been told that these trucks are known for having issues with frame rust or "rot". Mine deffinatly has it, mainly under the cab and doors on the inside of the frame rails. I used some 3/8''s thick 3x3'' angle to reinforce most of the frame where I was able to get some good weld on it. Ive added a little more weld and steel in a few places since I took these pics. it has deffinatly made it alot stouter than when it had nothing.

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/p...yota4x4024.jpg
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/p...yota4x4023.jpg
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/p...yota4x4025.jpg
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/p...yota4x4013.jpg
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/p...yota4x4008.jpg

I am not a welder, however after having my frame replated this is what I was told. Straight line welds on the frame are not a good idea. They should be more like ^ < >. As the frame metal will inherently weaken around the weld area. What you will see happen is the original frame material is eventually gonna start tearing away from the weld area. The reason for the angled welds is that once the crack starts will will tend to stop near the peaks of the angle and not continue the whole way. This will give you time to repair. I think it's what they call "fishing".

I hope you just had the 3/8" 3"x3" L laying around and needed to make some room.

I never use anything heavier then 3/16" most of the time it is 1/8"'

I hope where you had big gaps unwelded you at least put caulking in there to keep out the worst of the slop.:camp:

I will give you a attaboy for effort any way.

trust me its alot better than before I added the steel angles, there wasnt even a gap between the bed and the cab. I got the steel from work for free. To me this was alot cheaper and easier than doing a frame swap. I really dont plan on doing anything rough with this truck anyways so it should hold up just fine.