Hey guys, I'm new here. I've been wheeling and building for 20 years (mostly Suzuki). I've owned a few Toyota's (83, 85, 90) But today I bought a Tacoma.

Not just any Tacoma But a CHEAP Tacoma. My wife thinks I should have left it their, but how could I resist. Black 1999 X-cab V-6 5-spd TRD with 105K miles.

I'm hauling it to the frame shop on Thursday and hope to get my 04 sheet metal lined up and on the way for next week. I'm an x-mechanic and body work is an unnatural thing for me. I can cut weld fill and sand so hopefully with some help I can pull it off.

 

Now would be a great time to bob the bed. J/K, a x-cab with a bobbed bed looks "different" in some people eyes. Keep us posted on the rebuild. You going to modify it or keep it a DD, or better BOTH?

 

When you say "cheap", how cheap do you mean? If you don't mind me being nosey.

 

How cheap...I'm gonna keep that secret as to avoid embarrasing myself. Probally not cheap enough seeing that 99 SR5 4-runner in the thread above for $3K.

I'm aiming at about another 2K to put it back together.

Looks like this truck around here is still bringing 8-10 retail.

I'm aiming for a Dual Sport ~ Daily Driver.

I'm looking for the best lift for the $$$ for 33's.

I've got a few other off road vehicles and a Suzuki comp buggy.

 

Good on ya Whitfield!... Looks like it will be a good project... if you want to try for something really different after you through project 91's 04 front end on go for one of those toyota stepside boxes... that is if you are going for a total replacement instead of a bob... however the sheetmetal for a box side is pretty cheap and available aftermarket from bodyshop suppliers as are the front fenders... I got 2 new fenders for my 94 last year and they cost me around 150cdn each I think...

 

I have a rolled 2000 TRD if you need parts I have a few that may work out for you hers a few pics and short list the e-locker motor wheels back window and ecu are mine for my swap but just about everything else is up for sale
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f11/...-parts-154509/

 

Good call on the step side box there Aviator, I second the idea!!

 

Thanks for the ideia! The step side would be different.

What are the stepside dimensions? I need to fit a full sized 4wd Polaris ATV in the back, this may limit me to the standard bed.

Truck went to the Chiropractor today for an adjustment. Doc said come get it tomorrow but I'm betting more like Tuesday / Wednesday. I sure hope he can work mericales.

 

Body lift and OME Struts still available?

Are you still gonna use the bed?

 

Can't say for sure but it appears to be the same size as the Ranger step side and I've seen some ATVs fitted in those... nice snug fit too... I'd check at a dealer if I were you... but again to do it on the cheap and if it is only the one side dinged up I'd just get the sheet metal replaced on the one you have.

 

The stepside bed covers the wheel wells, so measure between your wheel wells on your current truck, and thats the entire size of a stepside.

Be warned though, they are VERY rare and VERY expensive IF you can find one. And there is not an aftermarket option

 

ghsafkas, I wish I had a stepside...

 

The dimensions on mine are 4'X8' (bed rails). The inside walls are a lot wider then the bed rails. Scuba, I would offer to let you drive mine, BUT, given your track record with yotas..... Put the long necks down and step away from the yota. Gotta stay away from the happy drinks!! I have seen stepside bed skins on e-bay. Don't know if the body lines will match to the cab if you mounted it to the standard bed.

 

Made the 300 mile round trip to Raleigh NC and back this morning. I was their when Certifit opened up at 8am. Got my NEW 2004 crash parts for about 1/2 price from what I was quoted up here. 18 pieces for under $500.

I'll still need to get my upper bumper cover (back ordered), radiator, fan shroud, and AC condenser. I'll probally score these off of Ebay.

My Ebay headlights came in today DOT SAE approved(2) for under $90.

Truck has been at the frame shop since Thursday, but not made it inside yet. The Vehicle in front of me is getting special attention, as opposed to just getting 1/2 a$$ed and pushed out the door. He is a one man shop with a young (just out of school) helper. Everything and everyone gets his personal attention. Things may move a little slower but it is well worth the wait.

Meanwhile I bought a 2.5" spacer lift for the front and a 3" spacer lift for the front. Thinking I'll go with the 3" but it is nice to have options.

 

Sounds good whitfield keep us posted...
My truck was repaired at a one man shop with no helper job took 6 weeks but was well worth it...

 

Still in a holding pattern with the body shop.

Meanwhile I picked up a set of 1.5" over the top strut plate spacers.


Will this little spacer actually give 3" of lift?

 

Yesterday was 3 months ~ Still in the body shop waiting on them to finish pulling the frame. The wait is killing me

Only progress thus far~ Yesterday I bought a good 2wd bed (color matched).

Last month I did manage to get them to paint my 2004 Sheetmetal to match the truck.

 

Hmmmmm... Update

I bought the truck 1 year ago today.

Back in October the body shop said frame was toast. Hard hit up front racked frame to distort rear dimensions + acordian fold at fire wall... Lots of torch work + ripped frame key holes in an effort to straighten, no longer racked but the front is still wadded and the tire will not clear the rocker.

Picked up a replacment frame yesterday...

Gonna do a Frame swap in my driveway by myself, how much fun is that??? Any snags i should watch for. Looks like way way to much wrenching....

 

Got the Tacoma to shake it like a pole dancer ~ Yea babay take it off




This whole work thing is seriously crimping my style! 80 Deg on a Saturday and I've gotta quit at 2pm and get ready for work....
Hopefully more dancing on Tuesday ~ Monday will be moving stuff to the new location 20 mile round trip and fetchign the 5" lift (80 mile round trip).... Today was 2x 20 mile round trip to Redbeards shop to use the lift.
The transportation bill for this project will likely exceede the cost of the parts. I need my own garage...

 

body lift and struts YES
bed thinking of using it as a trailer both sides got a bit of a banging but if you want to roll up here and check it out and pick it apart for things you can use get hold of me and we can talk