Quick frame question

I have a 97 sr5 4x4 xtracab taco and Im trying to purchase a new frame. I found one but its a 2003, the guy says there the same from 95-2004 is this true?

 

nothing? nobody's sure if a 2003 frame is the same as a 97?

 

I think the frames are different. I don't know what is different though. The only reason I believe they are different is because:
There was a buy-back program for model year 95.5-00 because there weren't any frames (or not enough...unsure of the specifics). For 01-04 however, there is a frame replacement program.

I am sure some other folks will chime in soon.

 

Why are you buying another frame?
Rusty???
If so, let Toyota buy your truck and go out and get another truck.

The bill for my frame replacement was over $11,000.
Going to be expensive for you.

If the frames from 2001-2004 would work under the 1995.5-2000 trucks, I think Toyota would be using them and they aren't.

 

No not any rust issues just a 4 inch dent on the passenger rail about a foot back from the front right tire. So nobody believes their identical? I think they have the recall for 95-2000 because of age. I don't believe the frames after that could have a rust problem, get what I'm saying?

 

No... the frames after 2000 do have a rust problem.
That's the reason for the frame replacement program.

 

ok so i'm confused... basically the guy I am talking to telling me that the 95-2004 frames are the same is a liar??? theres no compatibility?

 

The general / overall key dimensions for an XtraCab frame are the same from 1995.5 through 2004. In this very general sense - yes, they're 'compatible'.

However ...

Certain mount and crossmember locations vary with engine and transmission type. Certain suspension attachment points / locations are different between 5-lug and 6-lug models. So it's not the case that just any 1995.5 - 1997 XtraCab frame can be replaced 'as is' by just any 2001 - 2004 frame.

 

He may be stretching the truth to sell you a frame.

Think about it.
Do you think Toyota would be doing a buy-back program (KBB at 150% excellent condition, no matter what shape they are in) if they could just slip another frame under the 1995.5-2000 trucks?

 

no I get what ur saying gusotto. He has a 2003 xtracab. I get the whole rust issue but my frame has no such problem... just a big ass dent....:-/ I apperciate it enolagaia.. so if his is a xtracab and had the same tranny and same size engine it should work?

 

Rust or not they might still buy your truck back because toyota effed up with the rust thing. I have a 2003 which is in right now getting a brand new frame along with a bunch of other stuff on toyota's dime. I'm not even paying for the loaner. I say it's worth a shot.

 

408 never mentions rust... other then to say " NO RUST!!! Drop the rust ~ his truck was crashed and Toyota is not gonna help him.

From my frame swap on my 99 x-cab..

~ The big difference as I understand it is that the 95-97 use shorter rear springs then the 98-2004.

Their were also some minor changes with the front frame tube cap / bumper mounts.

If you can over come the rear spring legnth and the engine and trans are the same as your truck then you can make it work.

1. How much of the passenger side frame rail do you need? (I have one)

2. I have a pair of 99 rear springs too.

*** I could do either for $50 + shipping but the ugly part is I'm in VA and shipping large metal parts across the country is expensive.


*** and as EnolaGaia says they gotta be 6-lug (4wd or pre runner) if yours is 6-lug ~ and frame needs to match engine and tranny combo.

 

If they're both the same truck type (5-lug vs. 6-lug) and cab type (XtraCab) the frame should be compatible. If the very same engine / tranny was used in both trucks, the associated mounts should be the same.

However, you may still need to do some modifications for suspension mounting locations / positions.

In particular, check the rear leaf spring area. 1995.5 - 1997 Tacos have different length leafs than later ones.

 

You guys r the shit! My frame is basically creased right behind the engine, I'll try n take some pictures I'm not sure how to get them on here though... I appriciate evrything I'm going to check it all out today.

 

Alright so dude told me it had a v6 with a auto transmission. I got the 2.7 with a auto tranny. Would it be a pain in the ass to make it work? thanks again

 

You'd have to re-do the motor mounts. I'm not sure about the transmission mounts.

 

yeah seems like my best bet would be to just wait until I find a same year model with same engine and tranny. What a pain in the ass...