Advice and Tips on a Part-Out?

[gamefreakgc]

Oh endless knowledge of all things 4Runners, I come before you once again with a question.

I picked up a damaged 4Runner for $700. Has rear-end damage on the quarter panel as well as front damage on the driver's side. Brakes are shot but the engine is very strong and transmission was built right before the wreck. Also has TRD wheels (all mine hehe) and rock sliders.

Do you have any tips on how to do it without wasting too much time with flaky sellers? I will be posting some things on here, smaller items on Ebay and large items (like seats, doors) on *gulp* Craigslist.

For those that have done this before, what sort of process do you use? I want to get as many parts off as I can, but I realize once I remove the wheels, suspension I don't know if it will be secure anymore to keep on jack stands. Plus I have no idea how I'd haul away the frame for scrap metal either.

 

[mckennar]

I want to get as many parts off as I can, but I realize once I remove the wheels, suspension I don't know if it will be secure anymore to keep on jack stands. Plus I have no idea how I'd haul away the frame for scrap metal either.

I'm doing something similar. I picked up some cheap-o harbor freight wheel dollies that I'm planning on setting the frame down on to keep it mobile once the rear axle is off (engine, trans, t-case and front suspension are already out).

There will likely be an approach/departure angle "issue" when the flatbed gets here to but these folks drag mangled cars around for a living. I'm sure they'll think of something.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I'm doing something similar. I picked up some cheap-o harbor freight wheel dollies that I'm planning on setting the frame down on to keep it mobile once the rear axle is off (engine, trans, t-case and front suspension are already out).

There will likely be an approach/departure angle "issue" when the flatbed gets here to but these folks drag mangled cars around for a living. I'm sure they'll think of something.

That's a great idea. I think I will pick up a pair!

 

[nissanh]

Hope you have the title with you. Without this, metal recyclers won't accept the frame to recycle.
Keep the frame on solid wooden/cement blocks on all 4 corners, and if possible in the middle as well. If you have to get the gas tank out, make sure there is enough room between the frame and the ground to pull it out. When it is time to haul it, lower it to HF dollies.

 

[mckennar]

Just be mindful of all the things that hang below the frame - crossmembers, rear control arm stuff, etc. I also pulled my tank/skid.

The HF dollies are pretty low profile, they only give you 2-3" of clearance to work with... so make 100% sure you're done with what you need underneath the frame before doing it. If you need you can put a few stacked 2x4 "shims" on there to give you a few extra inches, but you lose stability rather quickly when you do it so be careful. I had to on another car because as I went to lower it, none of my jacks went down far enough to clear so I had to stack some scrap wood.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Hope you have the title with you. Without this, metal recyclers won't accept the frame to recycle.
Keep the frame on solid wooden/cement blocks on all 4 corners, and if possible in the middle as well. If you have to get the gas tank out, make sure there is enough room between the frame and the ground to pull it out. When it is time to haul it, lower it to HF dollies.

I hope to get the title soon... he had lost it so we filled out a bill of sale and paperless transfer. I'm hoping to apply for a junk title and turn in the plates.