02 DC AT Frame Replacement

Hi Everyone...new to the board.

I acquired an 02' DC 4x4 TRD A/T from my father. The frame is rusted up and needs to be replaced. Since I got this truck for pennies and have the means to do a frame swap, I figured it's worth while. There is only 87k original miles on it.

My question is, is there any other Toyota models (tundra, etc.) that have an interchangeable frame that will fit. I'm starting my search for a frame, so knowing if other model frames are feasible will be beneficial.

I've been searching through the forum, but didn't find anything that specifically states this. If I missed the thread please point me in the right direction.

Thanks for any and all help. Let the journey begin.

 

No other frames will be compatible except for 1st gen Tacoma frames. At least not without a lot of fabrication/frankensteining it to work.

unless I'm mistaken, you'll need a donor frame from a double cab, too. Those were only available from 2001 - 2004

Maybe an xtra cab frame would work with some modification? @Empty_Lord

 

Extended Cab will work with moving some mounts around.

OP where do you live ?? Just how bad is your frame .

Another option is a frame splice with a new custom built frame from the center of the cab back if you have the skills.

Southwest USA are your best option for a Good Frame or a Totaled Double Cab that had the frame replaced with no damage to the frame.

 

Moving mounts yes

 

Upstate NY now, but the truck has lived most of its life in Maryland next to the ocean so salt has set it. My cousin is a mechanic and conformed it needs replaced. Truthfully, it may last for a couple more years, but it could also break tomorrow. It hasn’t been driven in 2-3 years so I’m too inclined to risk it. Would rather put a new one on to start and not have to worry about it.

Truthfully, I’d rather not get into splicing/repairing as I live 3 hours from where the truck is and where I’ll be doing the work on it.

 

Any reference threads or something I can read up on to see what exactly moving mounts would entail? If it doesn’t require too much modification I could probably make it work and it seems finding an extended cab frame might be an easier task than a double cab frame.

 

There’s a thread somewhere on the internet that documented it. But it’s been years since I’ve seen it.

 

So I've had another thought on this project.

Since I will be tearing down the truck to replace the frame I'm thinking how much more involved it would be to swap the tranny from auto to manual.

If I were to have a donor truck with a 3.4 manual, is it as simple as just switching tranny onto mine? Essentially, the donor truck should have all the parts I would need correct (wiring harness, etc.)?

 

Besides the normal Auto to 5 speed swap Clutch pedal bracket and brake pedal bracket / Clutch hydraulics / Fly Wheel /bolts pilot bearing clutch kit / rear drive shaft .

Manual Ecm and Engine Harness I can`t remember when both Auto and Manual ECM`s started to use the same 4 plugs in any case it comes down to getting or repinning the 4th plug that is on the cab harness . Sorting the safety switches

Having the EWD for all years involved is about a must.

This is off the top of my head I am sure I forgot a few things.

Finding a Good Frame on a donor Truck might be just as hard unless you can find one the frame as been replaced and taken care of.

Good luck no matter how it works out!!

 

Theoretically, as long as everything is in good condition from the donor truck then all of the stuff you listed should be on that truck or am I over simplifying this? The frame is it’s own beast.

 

For the most You will not know till it is inspected .

Search all the Toyota Forums you might get lucky .

I am sure you know these Trucks never last Long if they end up in a Yard .

Best of Luck!!

 

So I'm still on the hunt for my frame replacement......

I'm almost certain I know the answer to this, but I need you guys to reinforce my thinking.

I have a guy selling a complete 02' ext cab 4x4 manual w/ a rusted out frame. He also has an ext. cab frame/chassis that he was going to swap onto his truck, but has decided to not take on the project anymore. Long story short.....I ran the VINs for both the truck and the frame. The VIN on the truck came back as he described. The VIN on the frame came back as a 96 AT ext. cab 4x4. When I questioned him on that info, he said he knew the frame was from a 96 (says he removed the cab from the original truck) and that it was compatible with the 02. He never told me about the year difference to start, but I'm guessing if he believes they are interchangeable then he may not have seen a need to tell me about it specifically.

He seems pretty confident the frame will fit his 02, which is the same year as my DC that I need to swap a frame on.

I know I have to change back cab and front bed mounts to use an ext cab frame for my DC, but am I correct in my thinking that a 96 frame would need much more fab work than just relocating the mounts?

His confidence is making me question myself on this.

 

Off the top of my head the front frame horns are different rear spring mounting points .

It can be done Though if it is to much work keep looking .

You have inspected everything in person and driven the manual truck enough to know everything is there and works?

 

Have not inspected it yet as it's in Virginia. Only working off of pictures and what the seller is telling me so far.

Truthfully, anything that distance, I'm going to have to work off of some faith....hoping that when I would get there to inspect it I didn't waste my time and gas driving there.

 

Yeah the leaf spring front hangars are in a different spot on the 95.5 - 97 vs 98 - 04. Not the end of the world to relocate them but it is a difference. The 95.5 - 97 had shorter leaf springs

 

Maybe you can find someone close to check things out.

I took a 100 mile trip to check out a 4Runner with a fresh rebuilt engine . The seller and I were very far apart on what fresh meant the engine had been swapped 100,000 miles ago.

Best of luck !!

 

@Broke Okie Ty has exactly what you need but he is on the other side of the country.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/01-dc-chassis-500-for-whats-left.747553/#post-26619575

 

Yup....I'm all ears if you're offering to deliver

 

There are shipping companies that can do it I think you would be looking at about $2,000 to do it

 

I wish shipping was $2k. Quotes from within the past week (CA to NY) are all around $4k, so that's pretty much out of the question.

In other news, I may have stumbled across something closer to home. I have a lead on an 04 Prerunner at a promising price point and from initial pictures, looks to have a solid frame along with many other parts that I could use in my swap. Only thing I'd like some confirmation on is 4x4 vs 4x2 frame differences. What (if any) are the specific differences between the two frames?

Engines are both 3.4, so I'm good on that part.