markjw

I've done a lot of research, hoping to clear up some confusion.

I have a standard cab, 1998 Tacoma 4x4, 5speed 4cyl. Has bad frame and subframe Rust.

My confusion is mostly about 4runner frame compatibility. Seems I can use a 4runner frame to swap onto a Tacoma, but I don't know which years
I can use.

And can I use any 95-2004 Tacoma frame so long as it's Standard Cab and 4x4?

Is my 98 Tacoma a 4th generation?

I can do this work. But I gotta make certain I'm not dragging home something that's not Gonna work.

Any help here much appreciated.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Are you planning to just swap your cab and bed onto a 4Runner Frame??

Using the 4Runner Suspension??

Using a 4Runner frame could be done but your in for a lot of fabrication

Pieces get welded on off by a little or not square things could go down the road sideways . So to speak.

In truth rebuilding what you have from a fabrication point would be easier.

I would have to do some real time looking and measuring to be real sure.

Never a 4Runner handy when needed

fierohink

If you're good with a welder, you can go this route:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...s-pics-228184/

This was how I saved my '94 for a couple of years before it got totalled.

markjw

Thanks for the replys....

This Tacoma I have has a great drivetrain with only 145k on it. The previous owner quit driving it because of the rusty frame. It's pretty shocking. I'll get some pics pretty soon.

I actually just want to swap everything from this truck that isn't the frame/subframe onto a better, compatible frame.

Thanks for the link to your repair thread, good save and Great work. A little beyond my ability, thou.

I read somewhere that the 4runner frames are better made than Tacoma frames, resisting rust. That was my thinking on using a 4runner frame. Since it's not a direct bolt on, I've lost interest in that idea.

So, my search continues.

Will someone tell me for absolute certain which year range of Tacoma frame is a direct bolt on.

Also, is my truck a 4th gen? Thanks.

Thanks for the help.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Well the difference is the 4Runners were all built in Japan!!

The Tacoma was built in the USA The Frames Built by Dana Corp .

What makes it hard is your truck being in that year range means not a whole lot of donor frames still going to be alive.

I rather doubt buying a new frame from Toyota is within the budget .

Waiting to see pictures .

markjw

URL=http://s166.photobucket.com/user/shedmr/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150214_143453.jpg.html][/URL]

markjw

See what I mean. Shocking.

markjw

I've got a lead on a year 2000 Tacoma frame, standard cab 4x4. What do you guys think, will it work? Any changes between 98-00 ?

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

it will work but it might be as bad as yours in a short time

Just curious where your truck came from.

I never saw a front end that bad.

markjw

My truck came from the Oregon coast. Around the Seaside area. The previous owner, his name is "Clammer Bob". Or maybe it was Clammer John. I guess all that wicked rust is the result of driving up and down the beach every day for years and years, combined with the inherent rust issues of the Tacoma frame. He was driving the truck regularly up until about a month ago. I'd say he's pretty darned lucky.

Yesterday I picked up all the front end stuff a Craigslist guy took off his Tacoma to do a straight axle swap. No rust! I'm gonna go look at that donor frame sometime next week. With any luck, I'll be driving this truck before long.