rbr86

I recently purchased an 86 Yota for $800 the cab and bed are in PERFECT condition. theonly thing is some idiot put the cab and bed on a bronco or f150 frame and did a hidious job.
The motor is shot and i want to put it back on a toyota frame with toyota running gear. the truck was originally a two wheel drive but im am goin to put it on a 4wheel drive frame, who wouldnt. I am about to buy a complete 81 4wheel drive with a 22r and with complete drive train. my question is will the 86 cab and bed fit on the81 frame correctly or should i be looking for another frame also. i know the 86 had ifs but i am a 4wheel drive nut and i want a straight axle. i am a welder/fabricator but i want the truck to look as original as possible. so any info would be greatly appriciated. and trust me this isnt my first truck build up i just need some info on the frames.

bigt

anything is possible with enough time and money... your pretty much starting from scratch buy ... i would do a trail gear s.a.s kit and a lift to match the rear end.. 22re 5 spd..
is this gonna be a dd or trail rig only?

rbr86

the 86 i bought for the cab and bed which is on a bronco frame with ford running gear i am getting the complete 81 for the running gear so i will have the axles and all that but i was wondering if the 86 cab would bolt on the 81 frame without alot of mods or if i should find maybe an 84or85 frame with the sa hanger already there . the truck is mainly going to be a street truck with sum offroading on the weekends im not going too wild with it ill probly 36s at the biggest on tires.

Jay351

You will have to fab some new mounts, but since your a welder. It shouldn't be out of your ability.

The 84 and 85 used virtually the same suspension as the 79-83 1st gens. The front axle had a extra full length brace on the 85 but thats about it.

Fab your new mounts, order a lift kit that replaces the front hangers and moves the front axle an inch or so forward.
You say you're an offroad nut, but this truck is gonna see mainly on-road. If this is the case, going with a 86-88 frame and drivetrain might be better. Smoother ride on road...

rbr86

thanks for the help! yes this is going to be mainly a street truck to keep miles off my 06 f150 but i also have a built ranger and a f150 mud racing truck to fill my offroad urges. but there again thanks for the advice!