Calling all 5 lug and 6 lug frame connoisseurs.

I am in the process of repairing some major frame rust on a '99 TRD Tacoma.The rust is the worst in the rear. Basically from the front most bed mount all the way to the rear bumper is bad, i.e. the C-channel section. My question is, are the C-channel sections of 5 luggers different than a 6 lugger? I have access to a 5 lugger with a decent frame so if the C-channels are the same I would cut out mine and replace it with the C-channel from the donor 5 lugger. I know for a fact that the two rear most cross members are identical (6 lug vs. 5lug) and I do plan to use those if not the whole C-section. Thanks!

 

I am no expert, but the only difference that I am aware of is the shock mounting points as well as mounting points for the 4wd hardware change for the 4wd and prerunners vs the regular 5 lugs and if you have the 5 lug then you can just ignore any extra mounting points you don't need so keeping that in mind I see no reason why you couldn't swap the entire rear sections of the frames to make things simpler then "maybe" just have to fab new shock mounts.

I say go for it, measure carefully and other then that, metal is metal but I must ask, why not just use the entire frame as-is and cut out and replace weld your frame numbers to it, it seams like a lot less work then cutting and putting the frame together

not sure what you have there but this could be the perfect opportunity to switch over to 6 lugs so you can use the stock mag wheels on it.

 

For clarification the donor truck is a 5 lug 2WD regular cab while my truck is a 6 lug 4WD extended cab. I am trying to eliminate severe rust on my frame. I want to do this by removing and replacing the rear ~1/3 of the frame

UPDATE
I have determined that the donor 1996 5 lugger frame has an extra exhaust mount that the 1999 6 lugger frame does not. Other than that it appears they are the same.


1996 5 LUG FRAME



1999 6 LUG FRAME

 

glad to hear you got confirmation.

I guess the guy who told be the rear shock mounts were positioned differently on prerunners and 4wd was wrong, that's good to know

 

Are you talking about prerunners or 5 luggers? There is a difference.

Your guy may have been referring to how the shocks mount to the axle because the frame mounts appear to be the same.

 

well prerunners and 4wd are identical its the 5 lugs were something would change if there is any difference.

he was saying the 4wd suspension of the 4wd and prerunners cause the rear shocks to mount differently somehow