This is probably a dumb question and I did try searching but I'm apparently not very good at that.

Can any 1979-1985 HIlux cab be interchanged? In other words could you put an '84-'85 Xtra cab on a '81 chassis? At 6'3'' and 240 lbs. I could use the extra room.

Thanks in advance,
SGLTRK

 

Not without a lot of fabricating. the 79-83 frames are different. You could use an 84/85 Extra cab frame if you want the solid axle or 86-88 frame if the IFS will work for you.

 

Thanks Terry. That's what I was afraid of.

SGLTRK

 

you can make it work if you have some fab skills. Definitely no a one day project
You will need to move the rear cab mounts back a bit to align with the longer 2nd gen cab.
i think the tank would also have to be lowered. I have contemplated doing this conversion if I ever rolled my 81..
i wish i could find the thread where someone did this exact conversion (it was on another forum)

 

Hi Dropzone,

When were you Airborne and with what unit?

OK, moving cab mounts would not be too bad. Significant frame alterations are out of my league and in that case it would probably make more sense to get an '84-'85 frame. Were the frames the same from '84-'88?

The fuel tank is no problem as I plan to put a diesel in it and ditch the stock fuel tank. If I could go to an xtra-cab I would go with a fabricated bed with a fuel tank behind the cab.

SGLTRK

 

Yep- I was on a LRSD team in Alaska, C Co. LRSD (ABN) 106MI, 6th ID. 90-94. A lifetime ago

84-85 frames were the same. I am pretty sure the IFS 86-88 frames were different at the front of the frame. I think there might be examples in the Toyota FAQ on pirate 4x4 of the frame differences.

 

Thank again dropzone. Sorry to be so long responding. The DW just got back from taking a handgun class at Front Sight.

If 90-94 was a lifetime ago how do I characterize 69-72? 5th SFG (Abn) 1st. SF. By the way I was born on Ft. Richardson. Small world.

SGLTRK

 

look at my build i have tech for swapping 1st and 2nd gen cabs

 

Thanks Erick. I will do that.

SGLTRK

 

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/toyot...ml#post9518210

 

Good stuff Erick. I'm a ways down the road from doing a cab swap. Just trying to determine feasibility at this point. You info is a big help.

Thanks,
SGLTRK