Extend 2nd Gen TRD DCSB to DCLB?

has anyone done this, or am I the only one stupid enough to seriously consider it. Here's my dilemma:

I love my truck, I love the color, and importantly, the manual transmission. I've added some creature comforts that I really dig, I know the truck since I bought it new and have been maintaining it since day 1, and I don't really like the 3rd gen trucks yet.

BUT

I need more space so I can sleep more comfortably, fit a bike in it without having to disassemble the damn thing, and I want more storage for longer camping trips and a better on-board kitchen.

My thought: buy a good used bed for ~$2k plus paint, a driveshaft for a few hundred $, and get the frame extended a foot. anyone done it? I feel like if I can get it done for less than $5k it's worth doing.

why shouldn't i do it?

 

I can think of a few other things like brake/ABS lines and fuel tank plumbing that are going to make this job more of a pain in the ass (and expensive) than I think you are currently anticipating. Trade it in and accept the automatic transmission - or build a custom bed on the existing frame.

 

Good point.

Brake lines are easy, fuel lines are easy, but point taken. there are likely a great deal of details I'm not considering.

question stands though- has anyone else been foolish enough to do it? it seems fairly common with the full-size truck guys, i guess i'm hoping theres someone here with some experience that can give me some tips

 

Seriously, If you're really considering this, I'd check with Toyota to see about buying a long wheelbase frame and moving your existing parts onto it. Cutting and welding heat treated steel like a frame is NOT the easiest and safest thing to do, but that's just my opinion.
Wouldn't just searching some place like Car Max for the truck you want, and seeing what the difference in a trade is be a LOT less hassle in the long run??

 

It would be easier and cheaper to get a dclb and put a manual transmission in it.

 

Neat idea. A lot of the go fast guys and crawlers have rebuilt the rear section of the frame because it's not very strong. I'd imagine you could extend it at the same time. It's a fairly major project and cost will be highly dependent on how much fab work you do yourself and how much any given shop charges you.

 

Why not get a bed and extend that and bolt it to your frame. Not as strong on the overhang but might give you an idea of that it would be like before you chop up your truck. A foot isn't a lot so might work with some good bracing.

 

The difference in the bed lengths is in front of the wheel well, so doing that might be tricky...

 

Doesn't have to be if your the one melding it. Talk foot off one bed and weld it onto the one he has. Put some new bracing and gussets. Might work better then cutting up a good truck. Or just fab some metal and build a whole new bed the length you want it.

 

Then the wheel base would be too short. The wheel base is longer on the dclb. The closer the wheels are to the center of the truck the more they will act like a pivot with weight in the back of the truck. It will actually pull weight off the front tires because the weight will be behind the rear tires instead of on them or in front.

 

+1 internets for originality

As much as I prefer driving a manual, if I needed a double cab I'd accept the auto trans. Hell, there are plenty of times when I wish I had an auto.

 

I love my DCSB, but I say if it makes sense for you...Do it..Make sure to do a build thread or post pics here, this is one I want to watch

 

No way this is economically feasible. Thirty three years ago I promised to love and keep my wife and I've kept that promise. I don't make the same promise when buying trucks or guns. It is a hunk of metal and rubber; don't get emotionally attached, trade that sucker for something bigger.

 

I really appreciate all the feedback. i'll likely keep crumpling my legs up while i sleep in the back until either Toyota starts selling green DCLB MT trucks that I like, or I give up on it and buy an F150 with a warranty.

I did send in an inquiry to stretchmytruck.com just to see what they have to say, but I think this exercise will end up being just that.

 

You can paint a DCLB and swap in a manual tranny.

 

I'm 5'7" and there's no way I'm sleeping in a short bed. Eff that.

 

My dream was to own a DCLB + MT. I eventually settled for the auto as having the long bed was my main priority. I think a long bed with manual would give you Tacoma World Hero Status instantly.

 

drop the tailgate on the shortbed and sleep in it that way

easy.

if you have a cap this makes it even better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3IRYRyjIzo

simple cheap and effective and you dont have to hack up your truck.

I sleep in my shortbed all the time, i just leave the tailgate down and call it good. Even the 6ft bed with the tailgate up is too small and im 5'9"

 

Buy a different truck that suits your end use

 

Build your own 5x8 toy hauler using a cargo trailer - sort of a Teardrop camper, but with a taller ceiling and access door on the rear.

- Or, if you are megarich -

http://expeditionportal.com/airstreams-new-and-improved-basecamp-trailer/