1997 Frame Rehab Thread

impressive!

 

That looks so much better there then it did sitting in my yard. I got a gas tank 18gallon if you are still looking.

 

Wow I was not expecting this reading the 1st page of this thread. Great job.

What kind of welder are you using?

 

Oh so close! But I like my welders painted red. Lincoln 180 Dual running. 030". It's plugged into 110v and I'm getting good penetration. I may swap it to 220v for the plate welds just to see how it does. I've done a lot of welding on 3/8" with it wicked up but not on something as thin as this frame.

 

No preheat. It seems that these frames are pretty thin compared to my Rangers.

I can do vertical uphill but always end up with a tall weld from the middle sagging down. I must not move uphill fast enough and it pools.

 

Been away for a few days. Got back in town this evening and had to play in the garage a bit. Flipped the frame over so I can weld the bottom side. Also waiting on another load of parts from Tour991. I need body mounts that are among the parts before I stab this section on for good. Until then I'll get my seams welded and plated.

 

I'm assuming you have prior experience with projects like this? Lookin' good.

 

Looks good you should have the parts in a few days.

 

Kinda. I hung a semi custom rear suspension on the ranger that is covered in the background. It uses s10 springs, custom traction bars and a mopar 8.75" rear. The bed is mini tubbed and the rear is narrowed 15". This project, though it looks pretty big, is actually simple if you have the right tools and the "want to" to make it happen.

 

Tour991 hooked me up again.

 

Final fit.

 

Fish plates on rear section done.

 

My kids made an Instagram page for the truck. They think this is fun and wanted others to see it. It's @otis_the_toyotis

 

Holly Molly, what state are u in,
I have zero rust in Colorado

 

PA.

 

Frame is now in permanently. Just have to finish up some welding.

Now I can start the search for leaf springs and installing new brake lines. My 1997 springs won't fit on the 1998 rear section....I knew that going into this swap but now is the time to address the issue. I'd like to find a clean set of stock springs for now...or even a reasonably priced used aftermarket set. Anyone have something before I post in the classifieds?

 

Time to start cleaning the diff and pull the wheels while I'm looking for springs.

 

Wheelers Off Road in Oregon, they will have springs for your 'Coma.

 

I admire the work you've put in! My buddy has been making strong progress on a frame swap for an '85 yota that he has, so I know the work you must be putting in. Good luck with the springs

 

So freaking hot today.....ugh.