I am in the middle of resurrecting my 1988 4Runner and am debating on putting a new frame under it before I drop my 3.4 in.

I am jumping back and forth between the idea of swapping the frame or just repairing mine. I do much like the idea of having an unmolested frame under my truck.

All input and opinions are desired and appreciated.

There are three major flaws with my frame. I have a 100% straight and beautiful frame from a 1989 1st gen 4R I parted out that I want run instead.

1. I have a UCA bolt sheared off in my frame. It has probably been like this the whole time I've owned the truck. I have installed Blazeland Long Travel and definitely know I should have at least that third stock bolt holding the UCA to the frame with the jumping I plan to do be doing. I know it is possible to back the bolt out, but considering the other problems, I would not do it if I go through with the swap.

2. My rear cross member is crunched due to yanking out a stuck Chevy.

3. The rear channels on my frame are bent downward. I assume this was caused by towing heavy loads with the tow package it had on it when I got it. (I have yet another 86 4Runner for parts, and it's channels are bent downward, about has has bad as mine compared to the straight frame, but it never had a tow package.) This poses a problem for me because I am going to be swapping on Chevy 63's here pretty soon and I don't know that that is good situation for the rear hangers. Also, you can see that my body mounts (and lift blocks) do not sit flush on the frame mount because of the bends.

I know these are all little issues and that most everyone might say to just weld in a new and stronger cross member. All explanation aside, I prefer to have my truck look as stock as possible, and this is how I prefer to build it.

And now, for your consideration and comparison, pics:

My front end. (Pictured for the amount of grease left to be cleaned up from my 3.0.)


1989 front end. (Pictured to show how clean it already is.)


My rear cross member.


1989 rear cross member.


My rear channels and body mounts.


1989 rear channels and body mounts.

 

I'd swap... It's not that hard. Then I suggest doing good to the rear end...



Ha no more tweaking the frame

 

Swap frames. Then do that ^^^ + add an IFS truss to it.

Then jump the hell out of it. With no worries!

EDIT: Well...a whole lot less worries atleast. As far as bending the frame rails is concerned. Better beef up your control arm bumpstops too. Or you'll likely be bending those. Might also think about some heavier duty torsion bars. And some heavier duty shocks and shock hoops. And...you get the idea. Lots of other stuff might bend/break. I could go on, but those are the "biggies".