rear frame comparison 4runner vs tacoma

[blain_gatterdam]

I may have found the solution or at least a way to make my life easier with my 4runner frame repair.

Rear Forward Spring Area, Toyota Tacoma (ART-083-L) - autorust.com

they list this part as fits 96-02 (04?) tacomas where the shackle mount is located. It looks really close to the rear rail of the 4runner, I'm curious ir it would work?

I think the tacos use leaf springs vs the 4runner with springs and the lower control arm. I should be able to just weld on a new LCA mount to the bottom of this piece assuming it is similar dimensions.

Anyone have input or a set of trucks that can compare the two? Most the existing threads pertain to swapping the taco frame under the 4r frame but it is too long. I'm just worried about this section.

thanks!

 

[blain_gatterdam]

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Wow, that's really bad. Thought mine was bad. Just had that area fixed (passenger side) by a welder. That piece looks like it would fit. I would confirm with the manufacturer if no one on here can definitively give you an answer. Good luck!

 

[SweetWaterSurprise]

Nice find on that part

 

[theriddler]

Wow, that's really bad. Thought mine was bad. Just had that area fixed (passenger side) by a welder. That piece looks like it would fit. I would confirm with the manufacturer if no one on here can definitively give you an answer. Good luck!

Same here, just got some plates welded up on a 1999 a couple weeks ago and it was no where near that bad. I agree that the Tacoma piece looks like a fit, at this point what can it hurt. Is there even any good metal to weld that Tacoma piece too? Maybe you can talk them into making you a custom 3 foot section for each side, you may need it!

 

[blain_gatterdam]

I will be very tickled if I can use it to start the repair. The guy emailed me back this afternoon and wanted to get the opinion of the guy who makes them in their shop, sounds like I'll be talking to him tomorrow.

The top 2 inches of frame is solid, I let it go way to long before getting quotes to have it repaired. I'm just happy when it failed (70mph on ramp) I kept control and limped it home. I plan on getting some plates on the pass side before it gets that bad. But we have been contemplating buying a new one because everything is rusted bad under this. The first bolt I took out for the gas tank the strap broke and it fell. Not sure how far I feel like chasing rust under this thing, but a $60 gamble is one ill be happy to take.

the rest is a very nice condition truck, kinda a bummer were even considering it. Worst part is 3rd gen money anymore will buy a nicely driven 03-up v8 model.

 

[02SE]

The first thing that stood out to me is your Sig pic. Just an FYI, parking any vehicle on grass/dirt for extended periods of time, will really speed up the corrosion of any vehicle.

 

[theriddler]

sadly as it is, this is just the start to your problems. as affordable as these runners are now I would be more inclined to find another one on use this one for a parts truck. I can't recall how many bolts I broke on the runner I just fixed a couple weeks ago and it was nowhere near this bad.

if you choose to continue with the repair then here's what I what do (and did on the one I just repaired), get some cardboard and trace the patch panels (using the other side as a reference if necessary). transfer the cardboard templates to a sheet of 3/16" or 1/4" metal plate and go from there. get those welded in place then continue with the bottom plate, once that's done you can focus on the arm mount. it can be done but it's gonna take some serious time and work.

while you're at it I would have someone lightly sand blast the bottom of your runner so you can remove the rest of the rust and give it a good undercoating. good luck!

 

[Doc2012]

Edit:

After re-reading what you said, i read it wrong the first time.

 

[blain_gatterdam]

The real sad part is this was a garaged city truck when we got it at 213k and the frame didn't show any sign on rust. First winter of ownership did it in I guess. Was always parked on gravel during my time with it which isn't any better but the Sig pic was when I first bought my house the gravel was grown over and vacant for 2 years.

My local metal supply house sells 1\4 flat bar as its smallest thickness so I've been reading up on how to even cut it. Sounds like it will be painful but I can use the cutting discs for my angle grinder. If I can't save it I'm not getting another 4r I'll just send it on its way. It'll give me an excuse to pick up a 05-07 LC or v8 05-up 4runner.

I'll go at it this weekend either way. Need to get it to at least move around so I can open up my garage for other stuff.

 

[Scramble]

Holy crap, that's the worst frame rot I've ever seen.