Keep building? Or switch up

Bought me a good lookin 99 trd several months ago from a Spanish speaking fella behind a bar. Had a prior salvage title from 2001 and made it another 140k so I figured I was ok to pull the trigger!

5speed V6 with working 4x4
Elocker doesn't but owel.
Two months ago I sprayed a big hole through the typical rear frame section at a car wash.

It's been a project ever since....

Bed came off, And started my rust removal.

I ordered new leaf shackles, and the auto rust tech solution and they worked great! My pieces didn't fit as great as they should have IMO but they worked.

I lopped off the muffler and have replaced it with a cherry bomb. (sounds like a weed whip now)
I also managed to get my hands on two frame crossmembers from a member here, all bolts replaced with grade 8 hardware

I have the rear section frame plates waiting for me from low range off road, (love them btw)

Once those are welded up I'll be putting the box back on.

Future plans include off-road bumpers and a mid travel lift. I want uniball UCAs with the 3 inch bilstein lift (front coilovers, rear leaf pack, and shocks)

If anyone has used tube/ arb or Moab style bumpers please let me know.

 

I have used stock bumpers for a first gen

 

Here's some pictures, unfortunately I can't get the exhaust video to load. Any ideas?

 

I appreciate it but I meant steel/ off-road style. Thank you though!

Changes were made to the op

 

Hey guys been a while. I’ve since finished the frame (for now) problem is, I’m having an itch to sell my baby and get into a rust free taco a few years newer. I’d really like a crew cab as the xtra just isn’t enough most days. Thoughts?? I’ve locked down two good jobs and itl be a year before I get back to school. Looking for input!

 

Here’s how she looked last summer just before the bed went back on