Does anyone know if the frames are identical? Length (174") and wheelbase (103") are the same, and it would make sense for Toyota to just have built the 4runner on the existing frame anyway. What about the location of the fuel tank? I've located a dead 4Runner to buy for parts and I want to figure out what my options are if I start cannibalizing it or my current truck (1991 shortbed single cab) for parts for the other.

 

I do not know about length but the way I can identify a 4Runner frame and a truck frame is by two post just behind the front seats. A 4runner frame does not have these post. On a pickup, there are two post at the front of the bed.

 

I think the major difference is the bed and cab mounts.

Just what are you looking to salvage ??

One of those things you would have to measure each to be 100% sure.

When the 4Runners went to the coil spring suspension is when things changed in a major way.

 

I may have a line on a dead '87 Runner for cheap. I've been contemplating a 4Runner for a long time since I have two kids now and a regular cab doesn't do me much good. The plan is to take both rigs and build a no-top-no-doors (I'll have a softtop made for it) full cage family wheeler. The thing is my current frame isn't in the best shape but probably can be salvaged. I have no idea what kind of condition the 4Runner frame is in yet, but it's been sitting in a field. I'm hoping that I can just go with whichever frame needs the least amount of work.

 

the frames are the same however the body mounts from the cab back are different as well as the gas tank fill location. if you do the swap grab the 4runner gas tank, it will bolt up and have everything in the right spot, perhaps the fill hose is the only thing different i cant remember. i swapped an 84 runner body on my 88 pickup frame back in high school. it was me and a friend and it went down in a weekend. 2 stupid kids did it so you can too ha ha