4th gen frame swap, anyone done it? GRAPHIC CONTENT!
- Thread starter Elan750
- Start date
mjotrainbrain
New member
I'm just beginning the hunt myself. I think I'll try to make it another year or two, but it may get sketchy, haha. Put "junkyard part search" into Google and check out those first few sites. I spent a couple hours looking around last week and found lots of good looking leads. Looks like they'll be costing somewhere in the $600-$1800 range. Seeing as I'm in Michigan I'm definitely going to have to stomach a hefty shipping fee, but it'll be worth it I think. Probably going to pick one from Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, or Arizona personally.
V8Man
Member
Look at my earlier posts I have what you guys need.
New_2_4runners
New member
I’m currently doing a frame swap. Well worth it in my opinion
mwebster22
Member
Do you still have the parts 4Runner? I may need a rear end if it's a 2WD. Mine has a whine that is getting louder. Please email me at: mwebster2222 at me dot com.
New_2_4runners
New member
All done and couldn’t be happier!
mjotrainbrain
New member
Do you have a thread going over this or some general pointers at all? I've been working up to it for about 6 months and my current plan is to knock it out between my summer and fall classes. Had a couple deals on frames fall through so I'm hoping the one I just emailed on today works out.
New_2_4runners
New member
Yup! Just check out my threads. They're all the different stages of the project. I don't have many posts so you won't have to wade through much.
My threads:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/search.php?searchid=6580202
My posts:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/search.php?searchid=6580200
CookieRoe
Senior Member
dead links. Would love to see what you have done!
be veeerrryyy careful
Not that bad, It will buff out
If you click his name a drop down will appear and select "Find More Posts by..."
That will let you see what he has commented on.
New_2_4runners
New member
Weird. Does this work?
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/gsea...rch&siteurl=www.toyota-4runner.org/usercp.php
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/gsea...rch&siteurl=www.toyota-4runner.org/usercp.php
AuSeeker
Elite Member
Sorta, brings up a regular search page with what appears to be some of your posts.
But a link like these are better, which appear to be like the first ones you posted.....maybe these links timeout after a while (?) but I did check them and they worked at the time I posted them
Edit: Well it does appear the links do timeout, now the links I posted and were working are no longer working links, this shouldn't happen it makes it hard to help others!!
Your posts....
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/search.php?searchid=6581299
Your topics/threads...
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/search.php?searchid=6581301
Last edited:
miles2smiles
New member
Hi
Its an old post but I am in a situation where full-frame replacement is the only option for me I got myself a 2005 4runner from the auction with clean title run and drive 170k on the clock and was really excited to take it for off-roading but the joy was short-lived when I noticed the frame is rusted beyond patching or repair of any sort so I am with a nice looking 4runner that I cant register so I am onto a project and would appreciate if someone here can help
I have a few questions might sound silly so I am sorry in advance
1. Does full-frame replacement mean I will have a different VIN number?
2. What is a good approach to this project?
A. finding a donor car and use its frame and other parts?
B. Getting a full-frame and replace it?
3. If I get a V6 as a doner car will the frame fit onto a V8?
4. Can I swap engine (remove 4.0v6 and Replace it with 4.7V8) without making huge changes to the frame?
Finally, anyone knows or has either of the above options? A donor car or a full-frame? Or knows where can I find it?
Thanks in advance.
Mubz
y=mx+b
New member
I haven't done a frame replacement or anything, but this is what I understand from my research. I have a slightly crusty 4runner, so I looked into it for a bit. Mines not too bad, so I stopped really looking and am focusing efforts on properly coating the frame.
Before getting into this, consider how much time it will involve and if it is actually worth it. Depending on the damage and your state inspection laws, you could probably have it welded up by a professional. If this is not an option, would you rather sell what you have and spend a bit extra on a mod ready vehicle? Or 2-4 weeks swapping the frame on a vehicle with no know history? There are a lot of cheap soccer mom v8s with around 200k miles in the $4-8k range, depending on location. Even if you have to drive pretty far to get something in good condition, gas is cheap.
To the best of my knowledge:
1. Does full-frame replacement mean I will have a different VIN number?
- The vin is stamped in the passenger wheel well of the frame.
- Some states want the title to match the frame, some want it to match the body, and some want both.
- The Vin is stamped in a nice open area, where it could probably be cut out and welded into the new frame if you had to. Of course, do everything to make sure it looked like it wasn't was tampered with. You don't want uncle sam thinking you run a chop shop!
- I haven't swapped a frame, but I would start some research in other threads on frame swap. Theres a good thread on 3rd gen frame swap in driveway without a lift and a few pictures I have seen on 4th gen facebook groups.
- Download the factory service manual from here: Service Manual Download Links. and try to find everything that connects from the body to the frame, like heater core lines, wiring, etc.
- Having all the proper tools upfront will also be helpful, know what you need and get it ahead of time. If you have access to a 2 post lift, that would be ideal.
- If you have the space, a donor car is usually pretty cost effective for a restoration/big project. Especially if you start finding issues that will nickle and dime you at the junkyard. Even something with some minor front-end, side, or rear end crunch without frame damage could work.
- Buying a donor with a good frame will likely cost a pretty penny
- A while ago, I saw in a thread that you could special order from Toyota for 5k, but not sure if that is available anymore.
- East Coast Toyota Restorations in Georgia might have one, I seem to remember someone got one for $1500 from there.
- I believe the v8 has a different transmission crossmember that is farther back. Maybe its bolt on or weld, I can't remember, but could probably relocate it and weld in.
- 2wd and 4wd frames are also the same to my knowledge. Guy used a 2wd frame in one thread I had read.
- I think the consensus is its possible, but likely too much extra work to be justified.
- You would need to swap ECU, TCU maybe, trans crossmember, wiring, likely exhaust, etc. Others can chime in that may know more.
Overall, if you want to swap frames, buy a donor vehicle, swap the engine, and get any more tools needed to make the swap easier, then you would probably be better off buying a used v8 on craigslist/FB marketplace from a family that used it to haul kids and took care of it properly.
miles2smiles
New member
Thanks for detailed response
I am thinking of 2 options
Since i have a v8 with rusty frame but clean body i can find a doner v8 or a V6 with clean frame and fix one and use other for parts.
I have access to a garage who can help with fixing it at a very reasonable rate.
My problem is i am not in US and finding car with clean frame over the internet is bit difficult. And 4runners are not so common in this region.
I got 2005 V8 clean title single owner from boston for $4500 in auction but has rusty frame market value here in this condition will be nothing because it can't be registered with rusty frame.
Either i can say goodbye to $4500 or spend another 2-3k to fix it.
If someone can help here in either finding a doner car or putting me in right direction would help alot.
Thanks
Mubz
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
I am thinking of 2 options
Since i have a v8 with rusty frame but clean body i can find a doner v8 or a V6 with clean frame and fix one and use other for parts.
I have access to a garage who can help with fixing it at a very reasonable rate.
My problem is i am not in US and finding car with clean frame over the internet is bit difficult. And 4runners are not so common in this region.
I got 2005 V8 clean title single owner from boston for $4500 in auction but has rusty frame market value here in this condition will be nothing because it can't be registered with rusty frame.
Either i can say goodbye to $4500 or spend another 2-3k to fix it.
If someone can help here in either finding a doner car or putting me in right direction would help alot.
Thanks
Mubz
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
y=mx+b
New member
Gotcha. Something with enough body damage to total it, but a good frame will probably be your best bet for a good frame. Depending on the severity of rust damage, you may be able to get it welded up. Not sure on the laws for registering a repaired frame in your location, but it might be worth a thought.
miles2smiles
New member
Exactly my thoughts, any idea what is the good starting point for finding a donor car, I would prefer to have a doner car because I know as soon as I start taking the frame apart from rusted car many nuts and bolts will break which will be a nightmare to find or endless trips to junkyards which there aren't many.
V8Man
Member
[MENTION=574214]miles2smiles[/MENTION]
First of welcome to the forum. Fill in your location and half of your conversation along with the criptic "not many in my area" goes away.
The frames for the V8 and V6 are exactly the same except the motor mounting areas that are welded on the frame. The transmisson crossmembers are different, but they bolt on. No difference in 2WD or 4WD. Those parts bolt on too. My suggestion would to get a donor if possible because if your frame is rusted then your tank straps, fuel lines, brake lines......are gone too.
First of welcome to the forum. Fill in your location and half of your conversation along with the criptic "not many in my area" goes away.
The frames for the V8 and V6 are exactly the same except the motor mounting areas that are welded on the frame. The transmisson crossmembers are different, but they bolt on. No difference in 2WD or 4WD. Those parts bolt on too. My suggestion would to get a donor if possible because if your frame is rusted then your tank straps, fuel lines, brake lines......are gone too.
