Frame swap 1st gen double cab

Hi all. So the opportunity has come up for me to swap my tacoma onto a different frame as mine is rusting out (you know how it goes). I have been scouring the internet for the past while now and haven't found any real tips or experiences on other people doing this. I've seen a few compilations of people doing speed swaps but I am looking to do it myself and not really sure if this is a stupid idea or if I am just ignorant. I have seen people do the cab lift and leave the engine on the frame and just swap them that way, however I can't find any "how to's" for that method.

Just looking for some people with tips and tricks and experience really to share.

(I know you're all curious so heres my rig, its the white one)
P.S: I included a picture of the parts truck (Green TRD) just so you could know that it is a salvage title with a slight crunch in the drivers side door/floor panel. The owner did say that the frame is untouched however.

 

How bad is your frame? Your existing frame can be fixed.

 

I just had the frame patched last year so it is holding up. The thing is, I want to drive this truck till they take my license away and don't wart to keep having to repair the frame. I also would be taking the engine out of the parts truck to if I chose that route.

 

Any plans for that roof rack on the parts truck?

Best way of swapping frames is having access to a lift or a forklift. You'll want to change most of the suspension bushings and body mount bushings while you're in there. And the timing belt. And all the fluids. Do as much preventative maintenance as possible, as your access to those things will never be better.

 

Planning to lose your license soon??

Unless you moved to a part of the country that you no longer see any winter chemicals.

You have inspected the donor truck ?? Might it just be less work to fix and put the green Truck on the road?

These are great Trucks but 20 year old trucks need lots of tender loving care!!

Protecting your rust free frame is a constant battle ! I would be coating the frame with your protection of choice !

Where the trucks live or lived really plays into any type swap like this broken and rounded hardware. Plan on removing the fuel tank ?

There are so many different options for doing a frame swap it all depends on how many helpers you have and what lifting devices you have handy.

Every Option has pros and cons it depends what you have to work with.

Trying to do this alone is very frustrating .

Best of luck

 

While the frame is apart I would fix some of the stupid issues with the frame. The back right after the shock on the inside have brackets that hold mud in. I'd cut those off and brace it with flat bar. I'd make some holes in the bottom of the frame so it can drain and you can clean the mud out. Have it sand-blasted and coated. Do it once and be done. Like others have said do as much as you can while it's all apart.

 

If you have an empty frame get it galvanized. I come from Land Rovers where galvanized frames and getting parts galvanized is very normal. There is probably a place not too far from you and it's not expensive. Pay by the ton -- might be a few hundred bucks then drive worry free.

 

Update guys. I am going to inspect the truck this weekend and am planning on buying it if its a good purchase. I was thinking about my whole situation and it tuns out that it would more so be a body and transmission swap than a frame swap. Yah sure the frame is included, however I would be taking the engine from the green truck and using it for mine. Only thing is is that the green one is a 2wd TRD (I didn't even know they made those) and mine is a 4wd, so I would need to swap the transmissions... right?

 

Yes. The tailshafts are different between the 2wd and 4wd trucks... any plans for that roof rack?

 

Thanks Jacob. Well about the roof rack, I will most likely be parting out the green truck after the swap so it will be forsale eventually.

 

Did you sell the roof rack?

 

Unfortunately, I did not end up getting the truck as the frame was worse condition than mine. Apologies.