New Frame -- Ideas?

[smoltz]

My frame has rusted out on my 3rd gen (97 4WD). The rest of the truck, engine, trans, etc. including the body is in excellent condition. Truck only has 185k on it.

In light of this, I'm curious if anyone has gone down this path and might be able to point me in the right direction for a vendor that can fabricate a new frame or supply a clean used frame or maybe can modify a new tacoma frame to fit the 4R?

I have a shop here that can do the frame swap, but living in New England there are no good candidate frames in the area.

Thoughts, suggestions?

 

[sleepydad]

My frame has rusted out on my 3rd gen (97 4WD). The rest of the truck, engine, trans, etc. including the body is in excellent condition. Truck only has 185k on it.

In light of this, I'm curious if anyone has gone down this path and might be able to point me in the right direction for a vendor that can fabricate a new frame or supply a clean used frame or maybe can modify a new tacoma frame to fit the 4R?

I have a shop here that can do the frame swap, but living in New England there are no good candidate frames in the area.

Thoughts, suggestions?

I have sourced things like crossmembers and rear axle housings from AZ and TX. I’m in MN so salt eats our stuff as well.

I think the problem with frames is it’s so labor intensive to tear it all down to the frame it’s going to be expensive. I’m 100% sure you could get a decent rust free frame it would just be expensive.

Would probably cost the same to get an entire 4runner and tear down yourself.

I know it sucks but I guess it just depends on how much $$ you want to spend.

 

[Desert runner 99]

frame

I have a frame for sale. 1999 4runner automatic transmission, 4x4. Vehicle was in Maryland initially, NY for a year, then in New Mexico for the last 7 years.

https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/pts/d/1999-toyota-4runner-frame/6493289367.html

 

[silver4est]

Where are you located? I think there is a 96 frame in Michigan rust free. They are asking 1500 whole car, I’ll get details and frame condition. It’s not from here though

 

[ToyotaBrah]

TheDurk has done a frame swap. Here's the link to his thread documenting the process: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/223884-frame-rot-end.html

 

[smoltz]

I have a frame for sale. 1999 4runner automatic transmission, 4x4. Vehicle was in Maryland initially, NY for a year, then in New Mexico for the last 7 years.

https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/pts/d/1999-toyota-4runner-frame/6493289367.html

I sent you an email from your Craigslist ad. Very interested.

Where are you located? I think there is a 96 frame in Michigan rust free. They are asking 1500 whole car, I’ll get details and frame condition. It’s not from here though

I’m in New Hampshire. If you have a link or any details feel free to PM me. Thanks! Whole truck works.

TheDurk has done a frame swap. Here's the link to his thread documenting the process: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/223884-frame-rot-end.html

I’ll check it out. My buddy is a Toyota tech and has done countless Taco frame swaps. He’s going to do it for me if I can source a frame.