4th gen frame swap, anyone done it? GRAPHIC CONTENT!

Elan750

New member
My beloved 05' has some serious rust going on. I can push a screwdriver through various areas of my frame. Bump stops? nope they rusted away. Tank straps look like they're gonna give. im at about 150k and engine/body is great.

I found a used frame locally for $500 bucks and am toying with the idea of doing a frame swap.Problem is time. Im very limited on time. Has anyone done it? THink I could I do it solo on a three day weekend?

Or just keep patching areas with the welder?

ANd now for some gorey pics...

rust1.jpg

rust2.jpg

rust3.jpg
 
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I know some 3rd gen guys have done it. Three days is up to you though. Gonna be a mix of manpower, skill, and tools. If this is your only mode of transport I'd say no way. This looks like a couple week project for the casual guy. If you are a serious fear head with serious resources then I don't think you'd be asking this question.

I think it's time for a new ride.
 
My beloved 05' has some serious rust going on. I can push a screwdriver through various areas of my frame. Bump stops? nope they rusted away. Tank straps look like they're gonna give. im at about 150k and engine/body is great.

I found a used frame locally for $500 bucks and am toying with the idea of doing a frame swap.Problem is time. Im very limited on time. Has anyone done it? THink I could I do it solo on a three day weekend?

Or just keep patching areas with the welder?

ANd now for some gorey pics...

rust1.jpg

rust2.jpg

rust3.jpg

A clean frame for 500? I'd definitely go for it. Then you could clean all the rust yourself and while your 4runner is out of service rent a vehicle. I would imagine it is a good amount of work but that sort of project could protect your 4runner for years to come.
 
I remember seeing someone posting some pics about a frame swap in, "What did you do to your 4runner today?" thread (maybe it was that thread?). It was probably a month ago, so I'd start clicking through posts in there to find the user.
 
Are you original owner. I only ask because if your 4Runenr is “beloved” how did you let it get to this state?

My 4Runner spent 10 years parked outside in NJ/PA/Chicago and is nearly spotless underneath beacause I washed it regularly in the winter. It has 200k miles on it so it’s not like it sat either....

Just asking...

Regardless, that frame is a safety hazard. Catastrophic failure is imminent.
 
Are you original owner. I only ask because if your 4Runenr is “beloved” how did you let it get to this state?

My 4Runner spent 10 years parked outside in NJ/PA/Chicago and is nearly spotless underneath beacause I washed it regularly in the winter. It has 200k miles on it so it’s not like it sat either....

Just asking...

Regardless, that frame is a safety hazard. Catastrophic failure is imminent.

hah nope, bought it 2 years ago. rust was not great then but its deteriorated rapidly
 
I know some 3rd gen guys have done it. Three days is up to you though. Gonna be a mix of manpower, skill, and tools. If this is your only mode of transport I'd say no way. This looks like a couple week project for the casual guy. If you are a serious fear head with serious resources then I don't think you'd be asking this question.

I think it's time for a new ride.

Yeah I hear ya. Ive got skills and tools(minus a lift), low on manpower. New ride is out for now. Leaning toward patching until I can afford a new ride- prob in the spring. Other problem with frame swap is all the "while its out, I might as well replace...." situations
 
I just screamed out loud at work looking at those pictures... WOW thats rust. For $500 its a good deal on a frame. I imagine it would mainly just finding a lift. If you could rent a shop for a weekend maybe find a buddy or hire a mechanic to help out. I wouldnt drive that truck another mile with the frame in that shape though!
 
This thread is just a sneak peak of what is to keep coming. These 4Runners all rust out like it's their purpose. Phenomenal vehicles, but the nature of the boxed frame means that moisture and sediment can't escape. 5th gen frames are damn near identical, and I don't expect any better longevity.

I'm not a Fluid Film spokesperson, but your only solution is prevention with the use of oily undercoatings. Even used motor oil is effective. Just lube that bish up.
 
This thread is just a sneak peak of what is to keep coming. These 4Runners all rust out like it's their purpose. Phenomenal vehicles, but the nature of the boxed frame means that moisture and sediment can't escape. 5th gen frames are damn near identical, and I don't expect any better longevity.

I'm not a Fluid Film spokesperson, but your only solution is prevention with the use of oily undercoatings. Even used motor oil is effective. Just lube that bish up.

Agreed, Still kills me there was no recall. Will definately try the fluid film. I used some coroseal and bedliner when I bought it, but it didnt last long. Motor oil washes off too fast. I actually tried dipping my skid plate bolts in motor oil when I was out of antisieze and they were dry and rusty when I removed them 2 months later!
 
I have a 4th Gen Frame!

For anyone wanting to replace their frame I have one. Complete with rear end, brake and fuel lines, gas tank, emergency brake cables, exhaust, steering rack, XREAS springs, and even comes with a body. Its a 2004 Sport V6 from Texas. Completely rust free. I need to get rid of it but I hate just selling it for scrap. Bring your tow dolly and get it!
 

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For anyone wanting to replace their frame I have one. Complete with rear end, brake and fuel lines, gas tank, emergency brake cables, exhaust, steering rack, XREAS springs, and even comes with a body. Its a 2004 Sport V6 from Texas. Completely rust free. I need to get rid of it but I hate just selling it for scrap. Bring your tow dolly and get it!

Man I wish you were closer!!!!!
 
Agreed, Still kills me there was no recall. Will definately try the fluid film. I used some coroseal and bedliner when I bought it, but it didnt last long. Motor oil washes off too fast. I actually tried dipping my skid plate bolts in motor oil when I was out of antisieze and they were dry and rusty when I removed them 2 months later!

I can believe there was no recall. Might as well buy back every 4Runner since they can rust if you eat salted peanuts in them. It simply isn’t worth it considering these are around 15 years old. That’s still a good lifespan. Did you use old motor oil? Spray it on and get a layer of dirt on it so that it cakes up. That’s when you know it’s going to last.
 
DAMNNNNNN! I'm from Toronto and we use salt solution like no tomorrow but that looks horrible. Feel like crying when I see that. RUSTPROOF. I get jealous when I see you southerners have clean frames that I can literally eat off of! Here's a picture of my underbody
 

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