The tacoma nut has another basket case. 02 Taco build

well. because one isn't enough, and having one that isn't done isn't enough, i now own a 2002 Tacoma in need of a frame. The goal here is to take the old frame from the 01, fix its issues (was not rust) and swap it under this one, fix its rockers, new tailgate and fix the roof rust. do i need this truck? no. Do i want it? yes.. it will be home to many of my leftovers from the 01. do not expect many updates for a few months. I've got a lot going on for the 01 that I'm waiting on to get it ready to swap over to the new chassis. once that happens, this 02 will begin its swap. till then I'll be acquiring cheap parts to fix er up.

Here she is the day i drove 640 miles round trip to pick her up!

 

You should have tested fate and driven it the 320 miles….

 

Ah, see, I am not one to desire a Darwin Award!

 

Frames in Utah. It’s happening. Found a guy willing to do the run to get the double cab frame and a 96 extended cab frame for the 98 I have too.
But for current progress in the 02, scored some free 265/70r17 falken wildpeaks damn near new. Threw them on some 4runner 17” alloys I got for free too… so traction is sorted on the 02
For now. Just waiting to get the frame here and painted, reseal the whole engine (sans headgaskets) and throw 5100s on with icon AAL and tundra front springs for now.

 

Any link to business?

 

Hmmm? Local guy doing the run. He’s just not working currently with Ford cutting production

 

Well got the wheels and tires mounted up…. Totally killed the battery because I left the dome light on… so yea. Didn’t drive it around the field to see if they run. But eh, they look decent. (Ignore the bed being at a funky angle because frame is now part of the flex)

 

Wow... looks like a great project!

 

This one I won’t be keeping as pretty looking as the 98 and the 01. Plans to do armor, fix the rocker rust and Bedline the lower half and just clean up the paint it has. Bedside has some damage, but luckily it’s where it’ll be chopped off for a high clearance bumper. Runs good and the 4x4 works. The lockers dead though, but I’ve got spare actuators.

 

She rubs a “little” bit


even thought it’s rotted out I’ll probably throw the old tundra shocks in it for a lift just to keep it useable in the field for now

 

battery wouldnt hold a charge. had another used certified car that had the wrong battery installed for the start stop system to function, so had to install the proper battery on it.... so i swapped cores and we're back in business with a severely undersized battery.. buy hey, it starts the truck.

 

it gained another brother today.. no rust.. just got smashed on the left rear.. frames straight. flatbed inbound for this one. Frame for the 02 hopefully spring. was going to have it in December but the guys kid got sick. so later this year.


the 02 also is now running a Ford AGM battery. thanks sales for killing it, and wanting a new one! 2 hr charge and its back to 900CCA

 

nice tundra is it 4x4, gl

 

the tundra is indeed a v8 4x4 work spec truck. kinda rare


it would appear you too are an tacoma/toyota addict... judging by the 95, 97, 01 tacos.. plus a tundra.. hell are you related to me?

 

Might I recommend you attend Toyota Addicts Anonymous?

Nice trucks though!

 

HEY. i have a Mercedes too!


yea.. i have issues. LOL

 

Lol I wish I had your problem of too many Toyotas

 

I’ll take that MR2 off your hands

 

that ones non running. a little rusty. but i've got a 3.5L v6 to shove in it.