95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

1999 Tacoma Frame swap

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Old May 4, 2015 | 08:58 AM
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1999 Tacoma Frame swap

Just bought a 99 Tacoma regular cab, 4x2, 4cyl, man trans. It missed the recall for the frame replacment. I need to know which frames will work. Can I use the Prerunner frame?
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Old May 5, 2015 | 06:36 AM
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I'm assuming yours is the 5 lug 2wd. So no the prerunner frame will not work. The prerunner frame is the same as the 4wd frame which is different than your 2wd frame. You need a frame from a 2wd single cab like yours.
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Old May 5, 2015 | 06:54 AM
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Alright, thanks.
That narrows down my search.
I wonder if lift kits or suspension kits exist for this truck. If not, I just bought a pointless little street truck.
Let me know what I can do to this thing guys!!!
Attached Thumbnails 1999 Tacoma Frame swap-image-2078356824.jpg  
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Old May 5, 2015 | 06:59 AM
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Also, what years am I after here? Is it just 98-00, or can I go as far back as 1995?
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Old May 5, 2015 | 12:27 PM
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Spring over axle conversion in the rear and ball joint spacers or long travel in the front. Or a body lift.

'95-'00 should be the same. They quit making the 5-lug 2wd after '00 until the 2nd gen Tacos came out. ('05)
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Old May 5, 2015 | 12:59 PM
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Awesome!
Thanks man.
The search is on to find a good frame!
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Old May 6, 2015 | 12:12 AM
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Red face

Good luck !!

Just how bad is yours is it beyond being fixed ??
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Old May 6, 2015 | 01:02 AM
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Thanks.
Ooh yes, definitely beyond being fixed. It's almost rusted in half. I'll see if I can get some pictures later.
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Old May 6, 2015 | 02:41 PM
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Ouch!
Definitely doing a frame swap!
Attached Thumbnails 1999 Tacoma Frame swap-image-2898397733.jpg   1999 Tacoma Frame swap-image-261125514.jpg   1999 Tacoma Frame swap-image-3031318730.jpg   1999 Tacoma Frame swap-image-3977265230.jpg  
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Old May 8, 2015 | 08:30 AM
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Slim pickins out there. I'm most likely going to have to travel about 300 miles to get a good frame unless someone knows a better way than searching junkyards online to find one.
Grand Rapids, MI
Any help is appreciated!
I'm going to share my build progress here
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Old May 8, 2015 | 09:54 AM
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Red face

Mine was about like that when I fixed mine.

Not for the inexperienced for sure.
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Old May 8, 2015 | 01:27 PM
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I'm interested, but capable of doing a frame swap. Could you share some pictures?
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Old May 8, 2015 | 02:38 PM
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From: I live in New Tripoli Pa out in the woods
Red face

I am not the picture taking type

I guess never having got into the habit in the early seventies I just never think of taking them.

Having been a welder /fabricator for some time these little trucks are easy.

I am sure after the fact 4 years later will not be a big help.

Best of luck finding a frame unless it was put away anywhere North of I 40
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Old May 8, 2015 | 02:47 PM
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No problem.
I love toyotas in general. Very easy to work on.
So, did you just basically strengthen the frame by welding plate along the frame rail? Or did you fabricate your own frame?
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Old May 9, 2015 | 12:53 AM
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From: I live in New Tripoli Pa out in the woods
Red face

Pretty much all new from about the middle of the cab back.

the axle rise was mitered just like the frames are done for the dirt track cars in this neck of the woods.

There is a company that bends rectangle tubing but the name escapes me at this time.

I then used all new spring hangers shock mounts etc

Truth be told the most time consuming part was running the new brake and fuel lines with the copper/nickle tubing to look pretty

Being it is a 4x4 The frames were just a little different.

I did this as a project so did not rush into anything nor let it frustrate me.

To have billed some one for all this time and materials would have been impractical to me at least.

If you have questions feel free to PM me I will answer what I can
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Old May 9, 2015 | 06:27 PM
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Check the link in my signature for the frame repair I did on my 94. It isn't exactly the same, but it's at least oranges to tangerines.
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