The rear of the Tacoma frame is subject to fatigue and failure if excessive weight is mounted to the aft C-channel. For example a heavy bumper, fuel tank, and spare tire mounted to a swing-out tire carrier. All of those items are scheduled for my vehicle, with the rear bumper, high lift jack, and spare tire weighing nearly 250 lbs. The rearward frame section, just before the shock mount, is not boxed as the front 2/3 of the frame is boxed. 2000 and older Tacomas are even more susceptible to frame failure as the frame does not have the additional reinforcement at the first bend (by the shock mount). The 2001 and newer frames are much stronger there, but the repeated flexing of the frame due to the rear bumper combination led me to decide that the frame should be reinforced for safety.
The reinforcement completed by Demello Off-Road covers the major bend at the rear tire wheel well. They add a 1/4″x4 steel plate to the outside of the frame for a total of 33″ of frame section.
This is a good article describing an actual failure of a 2000 Tacoma frame. Read the article from Tankota here.
Demello preps the frame by cleaning the area and grinding a good welding service. The 1/4″ steel plate spans nearly the entire height of the frame section.
The completed rear frame reinforcement
As shown in the picture, the entire rear frame section is not boxed
Driver’s side, forward plate
Rearward plate
Fully welded
Protective paint is applied
Impressions
I noticed the difference in ride quality immediately, which was a surprise. The flexy rear frame member contributes to the heavy axle wrap and bouncing of the Tacoma rear suspension. Now the truck feels like the springs and shocks are controlling the rear axle, as opposed to the frame contributing to the poor ride quality.
The truck should now be able to manage the additional weight of the rear swing-out bumper, auxiliary fuel tank and heavy spare.
Vendor:
Demello Off-Road
Cost:
Frame Reinforcement Installation and Parts: $200 approximately
*Prices are subject to change, and should be verified with the vendor
Weight:
19 lbs. for both sides
% of Available Payload:
0.014%
Installation Time:
2 hours
Difficulty (Easy, Moderate, Difficult):
Moderate- Requires welding, cutting and grinding experience to ensure a nice finish
Specialty Tools Required:
Welder, cutting device (bandsaw, torch, etc.), grinder
