Landis

I have searched and searched and havent found an answer, so hopefully I am not out of place by starting a new thread, If I am feel free to re-direct me and bash me afterwards....
Heres my problem, My 94 reg cab 4x4 frame is toast from the cab back... not salvageable, at least by my standards. But I have found a 87 ext cab 2x4 frame that is only missing the cab that is in great condition, motor and tranny are shot though... the guy only wants a $100 for it.. My question is will the frame from the cab back match up from the 87 with my 94... if the bed mounts dont match up that is ok, gonna fab up a small flat bed for it.

Thanks in advance guys!!!!

dieseleater101

I did a little bit of research on it and as far as I can see they use the same body mounting points. one way to check tho is look at your frame then look at his. Its a DUH way to tell. but the best way to tell for sure

Landis

Yeah, ha , thats my plan when I get a chance to go and take some measurements on the 87 frame, just curious as to the actual frame dimensions, the height and width, and the spacing between the frame rails, and all the rear end components, but like you said, best way would be to start measuring and comparing.
Guess I also should have asked if there is anything in particular I should pay attention to or look out for... maybe some of you guys have already made a similar swap would know of anything

dieseleater101

Ive done weird custom creations. but they were for fun, not exactly form. I cut a s10 in half and brought the rear axle 2 feet forward. If you have the tools and material you can do anything but other then that...im at a loss for this swap.

dieseleater101

Well..actually tomorrow im goin to the junk yard. ill see if i can get a few looks at the frames

Landis

ha, I bet that is wild looking.... I got the tools. And some of the know how, wont learn until I give it a go though I suppose.
That be great man... I am gonna try to make it back out there and take some measurements after work and maybe go from there..

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

If I read this correct!!

You want to splice the used frame onto your frame behind your cab. Before carting this home do the screw driver test. About the only good frames this old will be in the southwest.

Would you also be swapping your complete rear end with suspension parts??

As the gear ratios more then likely would not match up.

Also the E-Brakes are different.

I am sure other brackets and such will need to be made or moved fuel and brake lines . If your lucky you can get the old ones off without breaking

One of the most critical *** things is doing the frame splice the correct way.Either an arrow or a z type meeting of the 2 frames then fish plates most often welded and bolted. These plates should be made as long as practical .

also very important to have it lined up just perfect .

I am not 100% sure but I think there are some differences between 2wd and 4x4 frames I could be wrong!!!

No matter how this goes it will cost you more money and time then you figure on


This can be done but it is a whole lot of work and all sorts of interesting things can pop up . Something you should think about is your going to need help.

Some of the things it is impossible to do your self and trying can only lead to much frustration.

Just trying to swap frames of the same year and model is hard enough let alone splicing one together .

It was me I would use this truck for a parts truck and find one in better shape to drive..

Good luck no matter what you decide.

xxxtreme22r

Rear leaf springs are different as well. I think both length and width. Which leads me to what do you do to fix the spring issue.

yakerat

Good point, the leaf springs on the 87 will be shorter. The 87 will have 43" springs and the 94 will have 47" springs. Chevy 63" spring swap anyone?

Yeah good advice on the fishplates as well. VERY important for overall strength!

fierohink

You hijacked my thread to ask the same questions. I provided detailed pictures from the FSM for you to see. Did you even look?

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...l#post51659693

rattlewagon

The 94 should have 51" springs.


http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/faq/

xxxtreme22r

84-88 spring length 48" front half 20.5" rear half 27.5" width 2.36"

89-95 spring length 51" front half 21.5" rear half 29.5" width 2.36"

http://www.4x4spot.com/misc__spring_information.htm

now another thing is the shackles. I know the below are longer shackles but you can see what I mean.

84-88 shackles look like this:



89-95 look like this: notice the wider frame side of the shackle.

Landis

I didnt aim to hijack your thread..... just after I posted... realized it would be better in a thread of its own... really sorry about that..... and BTW, those diagrams are most helpful, and I thank you so much,

This appears to me more of a job that at first thought to be, and all of your guys info is very helpful... but nearly leaves me back at the drawing bored.....
Believe I should possibly keep my options open....

Landis

I went out and took another look at the 87 frame this evening, and after taking some measurement and all of your guys good advice.. gonna pass and hold out till I find a little bit easier frame to take on..... thanks again.... you guys saved me alot of trouble and cussing

yakerat

Hmm that's strange because I just installed 47" leafs on my 91 2wd and www.rocky-road.com only lists a 43" & 47" for 86-95 4wd Pickups. I just measured my stock spring length from the center of the bolt hole on the front hanger to the center of the bolt on my shackle and it came out to 47", and they fit great. Maybe the website is wrong? The guy on the phone sounded really confident when he said 4wd and 2wd had the same spring lengths?

dieseleater101

I think it could vary on the model for sure. I dont see why manufacturers would change a whole lot of parts for a different model. they just take what they have and change the body for the most part