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

[miles2smiles]

Thanks for reply,
I was checking on craiglist and there are a few some with gastkit blown and some with body damage.

How can i have car inspected for frame before buying? Can i use a broker or middleman to manage the transaction for a small fee or if someone here can help ? Since car will be shipped to UAE i want to ensure things are in order this time.

Thanks

 

[brandin.sullivan]

Frame swap hardware/accessories

I just purchased an '05 Sport 4X4 with the 4.7 and I am feeling a little duped. The front lower control arm frame mounts are beginning to split from rust and I've been told by several people to just resell the truck vs. attempting a fix. There are other rust problems, but that seems to be the worst of it. After doing some research (mostly through these forums) I decided to look into a frame swap. I also considered replacing the cross member with the mounts but if I do that, I'm assuming I'll have more frame problems in the future. Found a frame for relatively cheap with minimal wear, but my concern at this point is the hardware and other parts associated with the swap.

***Can anyone in this thread give me an idea of what I might have to spend on accessories/hardware after I purchase the new frame?***

I hate to get rid of this thing. The engine, transmission and all other systems are good and the full time 4wd v8 4runners are difficult to find at a good price. Got this one for a steal, obviously now I know why. You can't put a price on a good education learned the hard way haa.

 

[MikeinNH67]

I just purchased an '05 Sport 4X4 with the 4.7 and I am feeling a little duped. The front lower control arm frame mounts are beginning to split from rust and I've been told by several people to just resell the truck vs. attempting a fix. There are other rust problems, but that seems to be the worst of it. After doing some research (mostly through these forums) I decided to look into a frame swap. I also considered replacing the cross member with the mounts but if I do that, I'm assuming I'll have more frame problems in the future. Found a frame for relatively cheap with minimal wear, but my concern at this point is the hardware and other parts associated with the swap.

***Can anyone in this thread give me an idea of what I might have to spend on accessories/hardware after I purchase the new frame?***

I hate to get rid of this thing. The engine, transmission and all other systems are good and the full time 4wd v8 4runners are difficult to find at a good price. Got this one for a steal, obviously now I know why. You can't put a price on a good education learned the hard way haa.

What does the new frame come with? You can count on most of the small bolts breaking like on the skid plates and tank straps. Those tanks straps should be replaced at the same time. Most likely all the brake lines will need to be replaced unless the donor ones are still there and not ruined.

I'm curious as to where you found a good frame for a good price.

 

[brandin.sullivan]

I found one on ebay. Hasn't been confirmed or purchased until I can figure out how much I'm gonna be in this project for.

 

[brandin.sullivan]

The frame I found comes with nothing but frame and crossmembers. I'm assuming I'll have to replace all the suspension components as they're rusted too. I can almost estimate a price on all that, just looking at the incidentals and things I'm not aware of.

 

[05runnerr]

Brandin, did you ever end up doing this project? I'm in a similar boat-- 05 v8 4wd with 100k miles on it in impeccable mechanical condition...but frame is rusted to hell.

 

[brandin.sullivan]

I didn’t end up replacing the frame. After a thorough inspection, I figured out that the lower and upper control arms were shot but the frame was basically solid. There is some rust but it’s not worth the replacement. I replaced all the suspension components and I’ve purchased some por 15, but haven’t applied it yet. I did find a company that sells frame caps and I plan to buy a few at some point. “Safetycap” is the brand and I think the website is autorust.com. They go over the frame and weld into place and the company sells them one piece at a time. They also do a frame restoration that includes the safetycap full installation, but I think it’s like $4000. Might be worth the trip and money though if your frame is that bad.

 

[Ralph Blake]

This has been a long running subject about Toyota and their rusting frames .
Has anyone had Toyota warranty their rusting frames or explain why they use such poor quality steel?
There are many ways Toyota could address this rusting frame problem, why have they just ignored the problem?

 

[rdruss]

This has been a long running subject about Toyota and their rusting frames .
Has anyone had Toyota warranty their rusting frames or explain why they use such poor quality steel?
There are many ways Toyota could address this rusting frame problem, why have they just ignored the problem?

They don't have to, I guess. It would be nice if they would cover 50% or something if a dealer did it, but unless govmnt forces them to because of safety, don't count on it. As for the crappy material, wish I knew, it just flakes off in huge sheets on inside of frame.

 

[Ralph Blake]

They don't have to, I guess. It would be nice if they would cover 50% or something if a dealer did it, but unless govmnt forces them to because of safety, don't count on it. As for the crappy material, wish I knew, it just flakes off in huge sheets on inside of frame.

My guess is the steel is Corten it's called a weathering steel meaning as it rusts it is protecting the base material, i used it when i was working with exhaust silencers for gas turbines.

It's a cheap steel and as for protecting the base material salt will eat right through the layers you see parting away.

You see it used a lot in bridges and many other outside structures, because you don't need to paint the steel.

If Toyota would apply a rust protection coating, it would go a long way in keeping their frames from rusting away in the winter where salt is all over the streets and highways.