Easiest way to convert Std. Cab to Ext. Cab?

EWAYota · 08-22-2006, 06:03 PM

I've searched here, with poor results, and Pirate is impossible to search thru. I know this has been done before, just can't get any info on it.

Driving a car with the added interior room is making me realize that added room in my truck would be well appreciated and would have many benefits for myself. So I've been pondering swapping a Ext. cab onto my truck one way or another. Searching thru here, I read that I would have to notch the back of the cab since the frames aren't the same, and fab or buy body mounts for the back of the cab. Also, I would have to bob my bed since the cab is longer, which I have no problem doing.

Would just doing a straight cab swap be the easiest, or my other idea is cutting the back of my cab off and welding the Ext. cab portion of another onto the back. I like the 2nd idea over the first since you don't have to take everything apart and rewire everything.

Just looking for ideas. My body has enjoyed the fact that I can recline my seat and have more leg room for not only me, but for passengers as well, and my knees have been very happy. Plus, I'd rather swap a cab than have to sell one truck and buy another.

So what do you all think? Any links or write-ups or anything would be awesome.

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!

Glenn · 08-22-2006, 06:35 PM

How about buying an extended cab truck? Unless your fab skills are really good, I think that is gonna be a big job to do right.

AxleIke · 08-22-2006, 06:42 PM

yeah, that is a HUGE amount of work, and to make it look right is just that much more. Plus, you'll have to bob the bed to make it fit on the frame right.

Good luck.

EWAYota · 08-22-2006, 07:10 PM

my trucks paid for. i doubt that I will be able to sell my truck and find a ext. cab truck around here that I can get without out of pocket. plus, besides screwing up a easy gasket fix, my truck has a new engine in it. i'd rather keep what i've got and mod it than worry about possibly needing to tear into the engine.

bobbing the bed, no problem. I'd be happy with no bed at all.

I know that the idea of cutting and welding a ext. cab section on would be a big job. I wouldn't do it myself, I'd ask some local shops and see what they would charge, or ask for some favors from some friends with fab skills. What about just doing a cab swap? notching the rear and getting some body mounts?

This is from about the only thread I could find any good info about the subject here on YT:

Quote:

Originally Posted by toy283

There are a couple SWB X-cabs out there. Brian Ellinger at FRORFab has one. You will have to cut the box of course, and possibly notch the new cab. Nothing too difficult really. Get new rear body mounts from the dealer or fab some up yourself.

I think this is the truck mentioned above

I think if I were to do it, just swapping the whole cab would be easiest I would think. Don't really know. I was just looking for other possible ideas (the cutting and welding idea), or write-ups or a point in the right direction to someone who has done it before. I think there was one done on Pirate, I just can't find the thread.

Edit:

Just found some info on that truck:
Ellinger- "It is really a sleeper. Most of the other guys that I wheel with get a lot more attention than me. It has a 22RE turning 39 Swampers on Toyota axles. The lift was kept low with severely cut fenders and hybrid springs based off of Wrangler springs in the front and Mazda springs in the rear. The body is an Xtra Cab on a short wheelbase frame with a double bobbed bed. The truck is a test bed and has most of our products on it, such as our twin stick, crossmember, traction bar, bumpers, wide and vented kit, and full floater kit. It also has dual transfer cases, a Detroit in the rear, and an Air Locker in the front."

Guess I'll try and dig up some info on how to contact him.

MMA_Alex · 08-22-2006, 07:11 PM

I think it would be way easier to sell it, and buy one. I think if you wanted to weld one together it would be difficult to make structurally sound, and look good.

4runnermt · 08-22-2006, 07:17 PM

I think you should take another cab with doors and create a four door truck with a super short box. That would be awesome.

EWAYota · 08-22-2006, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4runnermt

I think you should take another cab with doors and create a four door truck with a super short box. That would be awesome.

I agree that would look awesome and theres actually a write-up on that.

It would be easier to get a extended cab truck, fabrication and time wise, but I'd rather work with my platform and go from there and make it what I want. Its like wanting to put a solid axle under your truck. Why not just sell it and buy one already done or pre 85? I think it would be cool as heck to have a SWB extended cab and I know the quirks of my truck and like it, just want the added room.

**aviator** · 08-22-2006, 09:25 PM

There is another option... I've seen these little "sleeper caps" that go on the top of the bed and connect to the cab with a grommit [you have to remove the back window] they are about 18-24" long and allow you to still use the whole bed area from the rails down.
Or you could do what toyota did for the pre-4runners
[would that be the 4runner's fore runner?

]back in 82-83 permanently mount a cap to the bed remove the rear of the cab and front of the bed and connect the two with a rubber grommit. For more info on this check out the 4runner archive section on the forum.

Cheers Aviator

trythis · 08-23-2006, 04:43 PM

I would buy an extrended cab that has a missing engine, and swap yours into it. The amount of work you are talking about is not going to go fast, and in no way would be free. All the energy you would be putting into that would be better served making the dough to just buy a truck you want. But if you just wanna do it, there is thread somewhere ino the net where a guy turned a 81 or 82 into a extended cab model. LOADS of work and time. You arent married are you?
Maybe you should buy this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-...spagenameZWDVW

mr toytech · 08-23-2006, 05:15 PM

according to the title of the thread i would buy one. now the cheapest would be to build one.

04 Rocko Taco · 08-23-2006, 05:52 PM

If your set on doing it, swap one a new caband bob the bed, or go bedless. Either way keep us updated.

BAZ · 08-23-2006, 07:57 PM

I'm all for getting creative and home-fabbing, etc. but this sounds like waaay too much BS. I would hold out for an ext. cab or 4runner. With the amount of money/time invested you will be happier in the end.

Kinda off topic but how's the gas mileage w/4.10's and 32's? I'm gonna be running the same combination soon. How's the driveabilty??

MMA_Alex · 08-23-2006, 09:07 PM

Um I seem to be the only person in the thread running 32's so ill answer i guess... I get about 24 mpg highway, and I dont even bother calculating city cause I live 2 miles from work so im sure its bad. It drives just fine, but can be kind of a pain on uphill highway stretches (aka you're stuck in 4th).

BAZ · 08-23-2006, 09:14 PM

Nice, yeah I got you and the tread starter mixed up apparently. Thanks for the reply though. I'm guessing you're runnig 4.10's?

Sorry for the hijack BTW.

dwh91102 · 08-23-2006, 10:00 PM

http://pics.rickbeatty.com/cabswap/priddycabswap01 Heres the guy that rolled his taco on guardrail in tellico last year.
Heres a write up on another one
http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum...ad.php?t=14777

trythis · 08-23-2006, 10:49 PM

It's great how that guy is not wearing any safety gear, while sledging a truck body, and worse, several pictures gringing a hole for the gas filler with bare eyes.

MMA_Alex · 08-24-2006, 08:12 AM

yeah im running 4.10's. When I get that cash i may regear, but for now I can deal with it.

Sonofmayhem · 08-24-2006, 09:22 AM

take off your bed and cab, drop in the new cab, flatbed the truck. I believe aviator is talking about a trekker which okitoyota is selling for 1000 bucks.

AxleIke · 08-24-2006, 09:36 AM

Yeah, get another cab, and extended cab, and swap. WAAY easyier than the rest of that. You can do it without taking out your engine or drivetrain, and worst case you have to weld on a couple body mounts. Done and done. Do it in a week.

Find a nice cab, and get it done.

Sonofmayhem · 08-24-2006, 09:47 AM

i wanna make a hilux, 4door. hmmmmmm

Intrepid · 08-24-2006, 10:32 AM

If you had the fab skills to do it yourself, I would say weld on the extra cab and bob the bed or go flatbed. However, if you have the money to pay someone to do that work for you, you have MORE than enough to buy another truck and swap all your parts onto it.

AxleIke · 08-24-2006, 11:56 AM

wouldn't it be less work to swap the cab then all the mods and engine and tranny and everything out of the other truck?

EWAYota · 08-25-2006, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AxleIke

wouldn't it be less work to swap the cab then all the mods and engine and tranny and everything out of the other truck?

My thoughts exactly.

This is all just an idea. I've kicked it around with another buddy of mine who plans on doing the same thing. His idea on the welding a extra cab section on is that unless is done right, there might be some structural strength issues with the cab afterwards. If that was the easiest way to do it and I can have it done professionaly for a decent price, I'd probably just throw a internal roll bar inside and call it good.
If I can find a donor rig for cheap to get the whole cab, I'd do that too, assuming I have the right people to help me accomplish the task.
Either option is still just an idea. If I can find a killer deal on a 1st gen Runner, I'd hop on that if the timing is right.
Another thing I need to research is if I switch cabs, then I need to figure out what I'd do VIN# wise. I don't want to have to do a ton of paper work to accomplish this goal.

**aviator** · 08-25-2006, 08:05 AM

Yeah I was talking about a trekker. I just could'nt remember the name at the time.
Those things are collectors items now.
Aviator

Sonofmayhem · 08-25-2006, 09:14 AM

There is a really nice one or two for sale here in colorado. and then oki's...lol his isnt bad at all.

08-22-2006, 06:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Glenn Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: ELN Posts: 1,651	How about buying an extended cab truck? Unless your fab skills are really good, I think that is gonna be a big job to do right. __________________ -Glenn-

08-22-2006, 06:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
AxleIke Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 4,887	yeah, that is a HUGE amount of work, and to make it look right is just that much more. Plus, you'll have to bob the bed to make it fit on the frame right. Good luck. __________________ 1987 Mutant 4runner\|Slightly Modified\|Lacking general build direction -Lifts and Tires look cool at the Mall, Lockers and Gears look cool on the trail. -Internet Nice Guy

08-22-2006, 09:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
aviator Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada Posts: 7,467	There is another option... I've seen these little "sleeper caps" that go on the top of the bed and connect to the cab with a grommit [you have to remove the back window] they are about 18-24" long and allow you to still use the whole bed area from the rails down. Or you could do what toyota did for the pre-4runners [would that be the 4runner's fore runner? ]back in 82-83 permanently mount a cap to the bed remove the rear of the cab and front of the bed and connect the two with a rubber grommit. For more info on this check out the 4runner archive section on the forum. Cheers Aviator __________________ Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0 K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC tv4184 style black interior conversion started mods to come... header, custom centre console, stereo upgrade tinted windows Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way. Last edited by aviator; 08-22-2006 at 09:26 PM.

08-23-2006, 04:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
trythis Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 644	I would buy an extrended cab that has a missing engine, and swap yours into it. The amount of work you are talking about is not going to go fast, and in no way would be free. All the energy you would be putting into that would be better served making the dough to just buy a truck you want. But if you just wanna do it, there is thread somewhere ino the net where a guy turned a 81 or 82 into a extended cab model. LOADS of work and time. You arent married are you? Maybe you should buy this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-...spagenameZWDVW __________________ 89 DLX xtra cab 4x4 22re Auto with 210,000, 225 75R 15, Stock except, "new" 2000 toyota cd/radio, rear speakers hidden in the back seat, SR5 instrument cluster, factory clock. dead aftermarket cruise and some matching blue door pockets! New timing chain with Engine builders front end rebuild kit. Tokico RT trekmaster shocks <-like them. I found the turtle in my yard, after mowing over it and it was fine! Old toyota trucks are like turtles: slow, steady and durable.

08-23-2006, 05:15 PM	#10 (permalink)
mr toytech Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: kc mo Posts: 532	according to the title of the thread i would buy one. now the cheapest would be to build one. __________________ my truck new my truck now with TRD wheels and exhaust 93 toyota 3.0 manual trans. jeeps are so cute even barbie has one!!!

08-22-2006, 07:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
MMA_Alex Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Downeast, ME/Rochester, NY Posts: 1,421	I think it would be way easier to sell it, and buy one. I think if you wanted to weld one together it would be difficult to make structurally sound, and look good.

08-22-2006, 07:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
4runnermt Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 634	I think you should take another cab with doors and create a four door truck with a super short box. That would be awesome.

08-23-2006, 05:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
04 Rocko Taco Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 4,070	If your set on doing it, swap one a new caband bob the bed, or go bedless. Either way keep us updated. __________________ -Chris Tread Lightly! 04 Double Cab PreRunner. 3.4 - Auto 84 4Runner 4WD. 22R - 5 spd Lifted, Locked, 33x12.50 Disclaimer:My Photobucket is being revamped. If there are broken links, shoot me a PM. Thanks. ~Chris Great Toyota Tech

08-23-2006, 07:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
BAZ Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Killwaukee, Wiscompton. Posts: 465	I'm all for getting creative and home-fabbing, etc. but this sounds like waaay too much BS. I would hold out for an ext. cab or 4runner. With the amount of money/time invested you will be happier in the end. Kinda off topic but how's the gas mileage w/4.10's and 32's? I'm gonna be running the same combination soon. How's the driveabilty?? __________________ R.I.P. 1994 x-cab DLX 4WD 22R-E 5-speed: 31x10.5 Treadwright Green Diamond OTR \| SR-5 Wheels, Cluster, Steering Wheel \| T-Bar Crank/Rear Shackles \| Hella 500 \| No Sway Bar, Mudflaps, Valance \| Dents, Scratches \| 1990 Civic Si -Stock daily driver/gas sipper.

08-23-2006, 09:07 PM	#13 (permalink)
MMA_Alex Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Downeast, ME/Rochester, NY Posts: 1,421	Um I seem to be the only person in the thread running 32's so ill answer i guess... I get about 24 mpg highway, and I dont even bother calculating city cause I live 2 miles from work so im sure its bad. It drives just fine, but can be kind of a pain on uphill highway stretches (aka you're stuck in 4th). Last edited by MMA_Alex; 08-23-2006 at 09:09 PM.

08-23-2006, 09:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
BAZ Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Killwaukee, Wiscompton. Posts: 465	Nice, yeah I got you and the tread starter mixed up apparently. Thanks for the reply though. I'm guessing you're runnig 4.10's? Sorry for the hijack BTW. __________________ R.I.P. 1994 x-cab DLX 4WD 22R-E 5-speed: 31x10.5 Treadwright Green Diamond OTR \| SR-5 Wheels, Cluster, Steering Wheel \| T-Bar Crank/Rear Shackles \| Hella 500 \| No Sway Bar, Mudflaps, Valance \| Dents, Scratches \| 1990 Civic Si -Stock daily driver/gas sipper.

08-23-2006, 10:49 PM	#16 (permalink)
trythis Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 644	It's great how that guy is not wearing any safety gear, while sledging a truck body, and worse, several pictures gringing a hole for the gas filler with bare eyes. __________________ 89 DLX xtra cab 4x4 22re Auto with 210,000, 225 75R 15, Stock except, "new" 2000 toyota cd/radio, rear speakers hidden in the back seat, SR5 instrument cluster, factory clock. dead aftermarket cruise and some matching blue door pockets! New timing chain with Engine builders front end rebuild kit. Tokico RT trekmaster shocks <-like them. I found the turtle in my yard, after mowing over it and it was fine! Old toyota trucks are like turtles: slow, steady and durable.

08-24-2006, 08:12 AM	#17 (permalink)
MMA_Alex Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Downeast, ME/Rochester, NY Posts: 1,421	yeah im running 4.10's. When I get that cash i may regear, but for now I can deal with it.

08-24-2006, 09:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
Sonofmayhem Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Springs, Colorado Posts: 1,700	take off your bed and cab, drop in the new cab, flatbed the truck. I believe aviator is talking about a trekker which okitoyota is selling for 1000 bucks. __________________ 4.3/5.0 Do iT! Last edited by Sonofmayhem; 08-24-2006 at 09:31 AM.

08-24-2006, 09:36 AM	#19 (permalink)
AxleIke Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 4,887	Yeah, get another cab, and extended cab, and swap. WAAY easyier than the rest of that. You can do it without taking out your engine or drivetrain, and worst case you have to weld on a couple body mounts. Done and done. Do it in a week. Find a nice cab, and get it done. __________________ 1987 Mutant 4runner\|Slightly Modified\|Lacking general build direction -Lifts and Tires look cool at the Mall, Lockers and Gears look cool on the trail. -Internet Nice Guy

08-24-2006, 09:47 AM	#20 (permalink)
Sonofmayhem Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Springs, Colorado Posts: 1,700	i wanna make a hilux, 4door. hmmmmmm __________________ 4.3/5.0 Do iT!

08-24-2006, 10:32 AM	#21 (permalink)
Intrepid Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ashburnham, MA Posts: 2,711	If you had the fab skills to do it yourself, I would say weld on the extra cab and bob the bed or go flatbed. However, if you have the money to pay someone to do that work for you, you have MORE than enough to buy another truck and swap all your parts onto it. __________________ www.toyotacrawlers.com '85 4runner: 4.7's, FoxFab sliders, custom bumpers, 1" body lift, F-150 springs rear, lockright, welded third, IFS rear axle, 1.5" wheel spacers, high-steer, rears up front, Longs, 38" SX's on steelies, 12Voltguy dual battery, soft top, BMW seats. NO LONGER lacking an engine. :D :D

08-24-2006, 11:56 AM	#22 (permalink)
AxleIke Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 4,887	wouldn't it be less work to swap the cab then all the mods and engine and tranny and everything out of the other truck? __________________ 1987 Mutant 4runner\|Slightly Modified\|Lacking general build direction -Lifts and Tires look cool at the Mall, Lockers and Gears look cool on the trail. -Internet Nice Guy

08-25-2006, 08:05 AM	#24 (permalink)
aviator Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada Posts: 7,467	Yeah I was talking about a trekker. I just could'nt remember the name at the time. Those things are collectors items now. Aviator __________________ Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0 K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC tv4184 style black interior conversion started mods to come... header, custom centre console, stereo upgrade tinted windows Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.

08-25-2006, 09:14 AM	#25 (permalink)
Sonofmayhem Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Springs, Colorado Posts: 1,700	There is a really nice one or two for sale here in colorado. and then oki's...lol his isnt bad at all. __________________ 4.3/5.0 Do iT!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
single cab and ext. cab doors??	david28	86-95 Trucks & 4Runners	7	04-15-2007 03:36 PM
Towing with 91 std cab. 22RE?	91RN81	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	6	09-11-2005 03:00 PM
86 std. cab w/ carb	cvlighthouse	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	3	10-04-2002 08:32 AM