DIY Frame Replacement

Clean work

 

Hey hot damn that looks great! One day I hope to do the same for mine. So tell me, what are the 5 "must have" tools do get this job done, in your opinion?

I was thinking:

1. an assortment of Mayhew fluted metric bolt extractors
2. sharp drill bits
3. impact gun/driver
4. torch (for heating fasteners)
5. cut-off wheel (or similar)

I know it's a lot of time and effort. I was also thinking a heck of a lot of zip-top plastic bags with labels.

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks! I would say
1) impact wrench
2) 1/2” breaker bar with a full set off metric sockets
3) angle grinder with many cut-off discs
4) factory service manual and the SUPPLEMENTAL TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 2001 - 2004 TACOMA FRAME REPLACEMENT document
5) torque wrench that goes to 200 ft lbs
and patience

 

I’ve heard people say a sawz-all, but they’re pretty worthless compared to a 4” cutoff wheel wheel you’re cutting off bolts

 

Also, be prepared to repair or replace anything metal under the truck. If the frame is gone then most likely your skids, gas tank tray, spare tire carrier etc are shot.

 

Congratulations! The truck looks terrific


How does it drive? Is it what you expected?

Thanks for taking us along the journey

 

Thanks! It’s more or less what I expected, still working out some bugs but I can finally drive it

 

This would have been way harder without all the information I got on here, so thanks to everyone who contributes!

 

Went out of town a bit to test 4wd, no trouble there but my 33s (32.8”) were rubbing a lot - I thought 1.5” in the front plus 1” body lift might clear - so I put on the 32s (31.6”) and now my speedo is off ~4 to 5 mph. Was almost perfect with the 33s.
The 33s are off road max traction and the 32s are highway all season, so I’ll probably get better mpg until I wear them out.

 

Hi, where did you find this photo that details the kit? There are 15 brake tube kits, I think it would be super useful to know what is in each one, but I haven't found a place which details the specific lines in each kit

edit: found a whole technician service guide that had everything: https://www.scribd.com/document/12126044/T-CP-ZTH which can be unlocked for free using:
https://docdownloader.com/

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/attachments/document-pdf.4827693/

 

Massaged the pinch weld, trying the 33s again

 

this reminds me.. i need to order 2 full kits for my swaps coming up before i cant anymore... ugh.