Changing frame on 99 sr5 tacoma

Was wondering if anybody had an estimate on replacing a whole frame. i recently bought a 99 tacoma that was bagged changed out the front bags for stock coils. but for the back they cut out what you need for the spring leaf connection and also c notched it. so i did research becauae im getting conflicting reports if it will pass recon and i also saw c notches wont pass recon so im wondering if replacing the frame would be worth it or what should i do?

 

go buy leaf spring frame mounts and probably shock mounts. get stock rear leaf springs and measure exactly where the stock mounts go on the frame. hopefully they didnt shorten the frame. hopefully the bed isnt cut open. probably will have to cut off most of the mounts for the bag set up. Id keep in touch with recon, dont tell em too much. That or just make it stock height and no need worry. If you feel compelled, use plastic or rubber matting to hide the c notch in the fenderwell(as long as your bed isnt exposing the frame, they wont bother, unless you were failed for that before.


Swapping frames is a lot of work. Its do able, but would be good to have a whole nother donor truck. You can do it on the weekend as long as you dont have a few clueless people helping you. Wiring changes thru the years. Standard and automatic crossmembers are different.


I would just look for a wrecked 4wd ex cab, slap em right on there. Hook your motor to the trans and find a 98-04 elocker rear end…bango.

 

I just bought it a couple weeks back the bed is cut open im not exactly sure what was done i just know a lot of stuff was cut out.

 

Would you happen to know what years have the same frame as thee 99 sr5 2.4l?

 

95.5-04 but try keep it between 98-00 if can.

May be easier getting recon with a regular bed or atleast find a plastic bedliner. Hard to do without a c notch. maybe you can find someone who will swap it for a 4wd ex cab or something...

 

Yeah I wish i had more time to work on it actually trying to trade or sell at the moment. i actually found a 2000 frame but will see if i even have time to do all of it. thank you very helpful

 

Make shure that frame you buy is straight and has the title. I had inquired with the recon guys in the past about frame swapping a truck and they said they would use the vin on the frame and basically combine titles. No idea how they would change the vin on your cab besides print out a sticker verifying the vinchange and putting it on your door jamb kinda like when they do when you get your 67 and older vehicle re cert as a street rod

 

The state issues stickers or plates with vins on them for home made trailers and boats. Ive seen a motorcycle come thru pmvi with reissued vin and a friend has a recovered truck and running no cab vins but matches the frame.


good to ask them yourself, but sometimes easier to no tell too much. Definitely dont run anything stolen, then theres a chance you can kiss your truck bye and have added on headaches.

 

Call recon and see what they require to pass a c-notch. I know they did start passing them, but there were only certain types.