I have 2 toyotas, an 85 4runner and an 88 xtra cab pickup.. The pickup has a solid axle and both are efi 22re's.


I know ultimately I want to keep the 4runner as my wheeling machine. So these are my questions for the yotatech community.
Are the body mounts on the frames different? If so, would it be more practical to put the 4runner on the xtra cab's frame or should I start looking into mounting an ifs steering box, and the brackets/mounts for the leaf springs and such on the 4runner's current frame?
The reason I ask is because I'd basically like to be able to swap bodies and sell the truck as a running and moving vehicle.. Without having to undo the work on the pickups frame, then make the 4runner a sweet rig, then try to put all the stock suspension, push pull steering, etc onto my pickups already modified frame?
If there's any info you guys have as far as body swaps that I could very easily be over looking please post I would really appreciate the input!!

 

Thought the 4runner was a short wheel base frame? Tape will confirm that

 

Yea, the 4Runner is on a single-cab shortbed pickup frame... The only difference is the body mounts. Unless you plan on shortening the 88's already SAS'd frame, move body mounts, THEN extend the 4Runner's frame and move the mounts on it (which is WAY too much work to be worth it) it's not gonna fit. The truth is, ANYTHING is possible when you have knowledge/skill, but is it really something you wanna tackle?

 

SAS 4runner and sell truck.

 

So where on the frame do you see the need to shorten and extend frames? Based on what I've been reading on this link http://www.yankeetoys.org/Documents/85Frame.gif the overall difference in lengths is only 9.25". It also looks like from about the "horse collar" crossmember forward, the body mounts are basically the same. I've bobbed the bed on my 88 and also bobbed the frame all the way to the rear shackle mounts. So if I'm not mistaken there will be some height and placement modifications needed to the rear sets of body mounts that support the bed floor??
I also found this link that explains some differences in crossmember heights which mostly deals with the amount of lift applied to the different frames when choosing leaf springs... Nothing to do with body mounts. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=599542
If anyone has experience modifying rear body mounts to accommodate a 4runner rather than a pickup bed please post up.

 

I've been debating on going this route (selling the truck) and maybe putting the better gauge cluster with a tach and oil pressure etc. from it in the 4runner. But the 4runner doesn't need a solid axle swap, it's an 85. But I am considering selling the truck and starting from scratch on the 4runner. It's just tough because I've invested a lot, but I've also came across some smokin' deals while building the pickup. Like the bfg km2s that had seen barely any use for $400.

 

The wheelbase is different, the mounts are different. The four forward-most mounts (rad support and floor pan areas) bolt up. The other 6 mounts (10 total for 4Runner, and.... 12? for pickup) will have to be elevated/shortened, logitudinally AND transversely relocated. Also the fuel tank brackets will need to be extended/shortened and fuel tanks will need to be swapped WITH their prospective cabs/beds.

Basic cab replacement is a week or less ordeal. Dealing with frames from different models is a LOT of work and in the end, a compromise IMHO. Trust me

 

I did this.

Issues include:
- body mounts
- cross members vs body (one or the other has to mod)
- gas tank fitment changes
- extensive body work for the rear wheel arches, or just make big cuts
- greater turning radius (tight trail issues maybe)

Seemed like a good idea at the time; I would not do it again.

 

I'd tear that xtra cab down and use all the goodies off of it, part the rest and build that 4Runner. Nice collection btw!

 

You forgot the most impotent part: LOTS AND LOTS OF MONEY AND A WIFE GIRLFRIEND THAT WILL DEAL WITH YOU MISSING FOR DAYS AT A TIME WITHOUT EVER LEAVING THE HOUSE

 

Eh.... a swap like this isn't that expensive and as for female companionship? Well... that's where the money goes if you're not great with long-term attachment.