Swapping Frames on a 96 Tacoma 4x4

I just purchased a truck that was owned for 16 yrs in New Jersey.Man,,,,is the frame eat out completely from rust.I was just curious how much trouble and cost would it be to swap frames???

 

Really depends on what kinda of deal you got on it. It's not hard to do as long as you have mechanical skills and some tools. Of course a few hands to lift the bed and body

 

A good amount of time and money.. Is welding and repairing the old one an option or is it too far gone? The frame on my 93' was pretty bad, but fixable

 

I have replaced a frame twice on the 2005 access cab tacoma. Trust me it is no easy job to do a frame swap and usually isnt worth it for how much the truck is worth. Doesnt toyota still buy them back? How much is a new frame or one from a wrecking yard i know second gen frames are very very expensive new.

 

^I think the frames were guaranteed for 15 or 16 years from the date of production. So he's SOL on that. Does sound like quite the expensive procedure. Where did you buy the truck from bowhunter?

 

Well that is a bummer. Yea i would almost bet it would be cheaper to get a new truck rather than having a shop replace the frame. your best bet is too see if it is repairable because i think replacing the frame is out of the question unless you do it all your self.

 

I had to fix one area on my 96 when I got it. But I figured on that when I bought it and knew I could fix it myself. I've done a few frame-off restorations on older Toyota's and although it's very doable to perform a frame swap there are several things you need to consider. First you need to get a frame that will work, and if it's a first gen frame you would want to coat it inside and out to make sure you don't wind up in the same boat. You might also need to title the truck with the VIN number of the "new" frame depending on where you live. Or forget it and don't ever plan on selling it or risk some legal issues. Also if the frame is rusty plan on EVERY bolt giving you trouble taking it apart. Also plan on replacing stuff like all the lower A-arm bushings, leaf spring bushings, etc. It can certainly be done but you have to pretty dedicated to do it.

 

I think im gonna hold off on the frame swap,dont have the time or place.I found a great welder who is gonna make it safe to drive.This thing was a accident waiting to happen.