New 2002 2.7 4x4 Base Model No A/c No Tach

Hey Everyone,

Recently picked up a new to me 2002 Tacoma Extended cab 4x4 2.7. Only issue is rust on the frame which I am addressing asap (previous owner never took to dealer for inspection based on online vin lookup). Will be using the Safe-T-Cap solution, as the rust near the leaf spring mount is def still manageable (good metal to weld to). Only bad spot which I am worried about is the very end of the frame where the bumper attaches is shot, and I really want to add a hitch in the near future for bikes etc.

Questions:
Has anyone rebuilt the frame only on the last 4 inches of the rear? Where the frame attaches to the rear mount of the leaf spring is good its just the section where the bumper bolts up to.

This is hard to find results for in search - has anyone added A/C to a 2.7 Tacoma that was not equipped from the factory with a/c and if so, is a Junkyard the best option?

Here are a few pics, tons more and videos to come!



I hate that this rust is on the truck, and knew I would get some requests for pictures. The rust was hidden (sketchy) by the previous owner, but I got a good deal on the truck.

 

Gosh it drives me friggin nuts to hear when people never took thier fuckin truck in to get it inspected/treated for rust. Then people like you end up being sol in the long run!

 

I will trade my A/C stuff for your non-A/C stuff!

 

I didn't know the Tacoma was ever optioned without AC. That's crazy. It was the 90s not the 1800s.

 

Man I always cringe when I see a frame looking like that. There are some guys in the first Gen build section that have done some frame repair with good results though. Let me see if I can find a couple. Welcome to tw by the way!

 

I know right!? The defrost must suck balls big time in those trucks!

 

Not everyone needs/wants A/C

 

Is it even an option anymore? It comes standard in any vehicle now right? Even if you don't need it or want it, there will almost be a situation in where you may want it one day or another. Call me a spoiled millennial but I wouldn't buy a vehicle without it.

 

Ya I hear you. And as far as I know Nissan and Jeep are the only ones allowing you to order a vehicle without A/C. Just one of those things. When it only gets 80F for like 1 monh where you live its not needed. Im also one of the few dinosaurs left who prefers crank windows, rubber flooring, 4x4 on the floor, etc.

 

If you are serious, let me know. Manual doors, manual locks, manual windows, no tach I can get by without, but the A/C will make me love this truck. Too many upper 90's days with 100% humidity in VA. Had a TJ Wrangler back in the day with inoperable A/C and it was fine without a roof and doors!

Yea I hate knowing that the rust is there. What you see is the perforated parts, the rest is still structural. I will drive it in town until I get the gas low enough in the tank and then start the teardown. Already started pb blasting as many bolts as I can. The goal is to make this my main daily driver. I have a Pontiac G8 GT that I love and is a daily but I cringed having to drive it in snow and to the beach etc.

 

Take a look at this build. He rebuilt pretty much his whole frame with good result. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gray223s-98-the-resurrection-rebuild-build.373116/

 

Holy crap that frame is rough. Personally I would have abandoned that ship unless I had owned the truck several years. That give me great hope that mine is easily repairable in comparison haha