2000 Sierra Frame Cracks

[fbird68]

Hi
I am not to happy these days and I will tell you why.
I bought a 2000 Sierra Reg. cab 8' box 4x4 about three weeks ago.
Here in Manitoba a vehicle has to go through a Government Safety Inspection before you can register/insure it. I bought it from a used car lot with a fresh safety inspection, done by the dealer.
I know that I should have inspected it up on a hoist etc. before I bought it (I am a certified Tech) but I was in a rush and put my trust in the dealer.
First thing noticed, after purchasing and registering it was that the muffler was rotten (shouldn't have passed safety like that). I went half on a better quality muffler than he wanted to put on. Not a big deal.
When I installed the muffler, I found that the frame was cracked from the bottom web, around and almost to the top of the frame, on both sides, about 2 inches in front of the rear spring hangers.
Now I am a little p.o'd. Just went to show it to him yesterday and have not come to a desicion on what is going to be done yet.
GM says that the rear section of the frame needs to be replaced. A body shop I trust and have known for a long time gave me a quote of $4300.00.

That's where I stand right now. I will update as the story unfolds and will post some pics in a couple days for anyone who may be interested.

Richard

[structures]

I wonder what the truck did in its previous life?

[fbird68]

Originally Posted by structures

I wonder what the truck did in its previous life?

Well when I was cleaning it up there were tons of wood chips under the box liner so I am thinking the PO thought it was a 3/4 or 1 ton.


Here are some pictures. It does seem unusually rusty even for around here.

Richard

[structures]

That is a nasty crack and a pretty rusty frame. Although being from Oklahoma I don't know what you guys consider rusty. I did own a car once that originated from Illinois, it was about 15 years old when I picked it up. I'd never seen so much rust!

That guy probably knew it was a 1/2 ton but treated it like a 3/4 ton. You get a load of wood in the back of a 1/2 ton and it bottoms out pretty quick... I've done it. I bet he did it over and over though. Just guessin' though, who knows.

It really is a nice looking truck. What do you plan on using it for? A work truck or just a driver?

[truckdude239]

wow is all i am going to say! i never seen one like that

[fbird68]

Robert. It is mainly a daily driver. Nothing serious. That's why I bought a 1500.

I filed a complaint with Vehicle Standards and Inspections, the dept. that keeps Inspection Stations, dealers etc. honest, to cover my butt and make sure the required repairs are done properly. They perform the safety inspection with a fine tooth comb and all resulting costs involved (tow calls, car rentals repairs etc.) are the dealers responsibility.

Richard

[bwood]

Until recently I didn't know they did inspections like that. One of my instructors son is attending college in Canada (they are originally from there). He bought a VW car in Texas and drove it up there. He had to go through the inspection too. They had the car for a day and found something like 35 issue and would not register it until they are fixed. The car is only 2 years old and was a lease trade with full dealer maintenance records. Some of the items were kinda nit-picky and I couldn't see how they would affect the registration. Things like a drive axle slightly bent, more than 10% tire wear difference across one tire, white bulb in one amber tail light and an amber bulb in the other. If they were this detailed on his, sounds like the dealer you used may be cutting corners or at least rushing it.

[Jacfourteen]

Wow that is scary, glad you caught it! Hope the dealer makes it right.

[68 TT]

My local wrecking yard sells rolling chassis packages out of vehicles that have been wrecked but have not suffered frame damage. They go for way less than the $4300 you were quoted and come with a whole drivetrain too.

You should be able to find a replacement frame locally with far less rust and no damage for a reasonable price.

I worked for a body shop that specialized in insurance rebuilds while I was in college. I did this swap a few times on different vehicles and even on a 70 Chevelle I had. A little involved but not too bad. It will take you all of a weekend to swap over all your parts to another frame.

[truckdude239]

any updates yet on this?

[fbird68]

Update.

The re-inspection revealed the cracks I already found, the rust hole, plus another crack at the middle of the frame and a few thin rusted spots that dented with a light ball peen hammer. There were also a couple other things that he missed which were minor.
It was taken off the road as unsafe and is at the dealer now. He is looking for a frame but isn't having any luck. He mentioned that he may have to order a new one to meet the deadline of the repair which is Jan 23rd. When I talked to him last he asked if I would like to come down to help out with the swap.

Richard

[fbird68]

Originally Posted by 68 TT

My local wrecking yard sells rolling chassis packages out of vehicles that have been wrecked but have not suffered frame damage. They go for way less than the $4300 you were quoted and come with a whole drivetrain too.

You should be able to find a replacement frame locally with far less rust and no damage for a reasonable price.

I worked for a body shop that specialized in insurance rebuilds while I was in college. I did this swap a few times on different vehicles and even on a 70 Chevelle I had. A little involved but not too bad. It will take you all of a weekend to swap over all your parts to another frame.

Hey.
The price quoted was $1200 for a new rear frame section and labour as per "the book".
I don't have a problem with him throwing a used one under it providing it checks out with our local Insurance as being salvageable and is thrown on a frame jig afterwards.
I asked the dealer to take pictures thoughout the process.

Richard

[allengator]

if the frame is that rusty, how is the floor of the body?

[fbird68]

Originally Posted by allengator

if the frame is that rusty, how is the floor of the body?

Hey,
The floor, cab corners, rockers inner and outer are all O.K. So are the bed rails etc. Strangly enough it's just the frame.

Richard

[Jacfourteen]

January 23rd, huh, he better get crackin!

[fbird68]

Originally Posted by Jacfourteen

January 23rd, huh, he better get crackin!

I know! It's gettin close.
Talked to him yesterday and he was waiting to get in to a frame shop to weld and make sure the sections are straight. He ended up replacing the back two sections since he couldn't find a used full frame. I don't blame him not wanting to order a brand new full frame.
He's thinking I may get it back next weekend. I hope so. Not really enjoying driving the 2003 2wd Ford he gave me to drive.
The airfreshener in it says "New Leather" but it should read "Urinal Puck" because thats what it smells like! LOL

Richard

[fbird68]

Update.
I should be getting my truck back tomorrow..finally! It's going back to the governing body tomorrow morning to be re-inspected.
On a side note I had to put a tire on the first F150 the dealer gave me to drive. It was safetied as well. No tread left on it and the side wall was cracked and leaking.
The second one is sitting in my yard with no oil pressure at idle and a wicked knock. He has to tow it back.

Richard

[63chevyll]

Wow thats rusty, glad they took care of it for you.
Posted via Mobile Device