anybody actually buy a new frame??

[daprotege5]

has anybody actually bought a new frame to replace theres???
researching around $3500 seems to be the price, but doesnt really say what parts it includes in that cost... bolts, hardware, etc....

definitely know it would be an extensive job, but with only 140k on the powertrain, wouldnt it be worth to throw some wrenching hours into reviving it??

 

[SurferUK]

Would you be doing the work yourself?

 

[daprotege5]

yes, trying to figure out some options to keeping this thing, was thinking about seeing if they take it as a trade in but shelling out $40k+ for a new one isnt in the budget right now. $3500 doesnt sound to bad if it includes everything needed hardware, bolts, etc. but obviously alot is rusted so could easily see the numbers go up. appreciate any help.

 

[rdruss]

yes, trying to figure out some options to keeping this thing, was thinking about seeing if they take it as a trade in but shelling out $40k+ for a new one isnt in the budget right now. $3500 doesnt sound to bad if it includes everything needed hardware, bolts, etc. but obviously alot is rusted so could easily see the numbers go up. appreciate any help.

I agree with your thinking, putting $10K into a good body and powertrain by replacing the frame seems reasonable to me. It would be a big job for a garage project and would take some planning but would be "fun" and especially satisfying when completed.

 

[Too Stroked]

yes, trying to figure out some options to keeping this thing, was thinking about seeing if they take it as a trade in but shelling out $40k+ for a new one isnt in the budget right now. $3500 doesnt sound to bad if it includes everything needed hardware, bolts, etc. but obviously alot is rusted so could easily see the numbers go up. appreciate any help.

A new frame is just that - just the frame. You would have to order the hardware separately. As you might guess, when you take something that rusty apart, many other things break and / or make sense to replace when you have everything apart.

When Toyota dealers do a frame swap (replacement) on a Tacoma, the frame comes on a pallet all by itself. To do the swap though, there is a whole kit of parts - mostly fasteners - that is also required and makes the technician's life a whole lot easier when putting everything back together. They also replace the lower control arms because if the frame is that rusted out, there's a good chance the LCA's are in similar shape.

 

[SurferUK]

A new frame is just that - just the frame. You would have to order the hardware separately. As you might guess, when you take something that rusty apart, many other things break and / or make sense to replace when you have everything apart.

When Toyota dealers do a frame swap (replacement) on a Tacoma, the frame comes on a pallet all by itself. To do the swap though, there is a whole kit of parts - mostly fasteners - that is also required and makes the technician's life a whole lot easier when putting everything back together. They also replace the lower control arms because if the frame is that rusted out, there's a good chance the LCA's are in similar shape.

With that in mind, whether they are included or not I would price in the frame/body rubbers and maybe suspension too as that might be tired now.

 

[smyles1632]

Given the frame cost and the overall scale of the project, even few hundred $$ on hardware is immaterial, I'd say.

 

[Bluesky 07]

I appreciate your desire to keep your 4Runner; I am beyond grateful to have a clean frame on my '07 Sport.

This time-lapse video showing a dealer replacing a Tacoma frame may be helpful in deciding what you want to do. I wish you the best and hope you'll keep us informed.

 

[aemravan]

^^ thats a great video to get an idea of what it would take.. I saw another one floating around on youtube of a guy doing a T4R frame swap at this house with a few buddies. It's definitely doable but it is quite a bit of work.

4th Gen 4Runner Frame Swap Project Timelapse - YouTube

 

[SurferUK]

I wonder how similar the frame is to the Hilux pick up truck it shares the name with over here. I know that is leaf springs at the rear as you would expect, and we only got 4 cylinder D4-D engines

 

[Keros]

Friend of mine bought a Taco that had the frame swap done as part of the recall. I held the book that was the invoice for the work, $22k CAD. By book, I mean it was 25 pages of Toyota parts. Apparently it took the parts guys 3 or 4 days to figure out and order all the fiddly bits.

I'd speculate that the 4Runner would be a bit more complicated than a taco/hilux pickup simply that the body is one big piece rather than two pieces like the pickups.

Otherwise, I think it'd take the same skill, dedication, and attention to detail to see through.

 

[who done it]

I've purchased a frame used. Scored it for 200 bucks in Raleigh. Fred Anderson Toyota is going to swap it out in the summer after I do some mods and coatings to it. We think it's going to run about 7k for installation with parts.

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

 

[Bluesky 07]

I've purchased a frame used. Scored it for 200 bucks in Raleigh. Fred Anderson Toyota is going to swap it out in the summer after I do some mods and coatings to it. We think it's going to run about 7k for installation with parts.

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

That's a sound investment vs. the cost of a new vehicle or even a used one.

 

[MikeinNH67]

Add brake and fuel lines to the swap as you know those won't come apart nicely. Sounds a bit daunting to make that parts list. Maybe a damaged Southern truck would make things way easier.

 

[daprotege5]

are the v6 and v8 frames the same???

 

[4r-4ever]

that's what i'm thinking too of doing. i know it will be difficult doing it on your own driveway but doable if you have a spare car. i contacted toyota about getting it replaced and was quoted around 15-20k. of course most of it is labor cost.

has anybody actually bought a new frame to replace theres???
researching around $3500 seems to be the price, but doesnt really say what parts it includes in that cost... bolts, hardware, etc....

definitely know it would be an extensive job, but with only 140k on the powertrain, wouldnt it be worth to throw some wrenching hours into reviving it??