1st gen xtra cab Frame swap from a clean 2000 to an 03

Hey all. Just got in touch with a local scrapyard that has a 2000 extended cab rust free frame, and was hoping to swap it to my 03. Now after getting off the phone with them they said that for some reason the system said the frames weren’t compatible. Just curious if anyone knows why that might be? The 2000 is automatic while my 03 is manual but that apparently wasn’t the reason they were incompatible. Any info would be much appreciated. It isnt often you find something rust free for this time frame so if its something as simple and cutting a few bits and pieces here and there and rewelding I wouldn’t mind giving it ago.
Cheers all

 

Minor difference in the frames. Short answer is it will work. But... The frame horns on the 1998 to 2000 are longer. You can fix that with a grinder. Other things to look at is the motor mounts, they very location between the v6 and the 4-cylinder. The transmission cross member is 3 inches further back on an automatic transmission then the manual.
All things easily fixed.

 

Thanks for replying so quickly. They’re both v6’s
So that should be okay. as for the transmission crossmember how would you go about aligning it for a manual transmission? Sorry if it’s a really simple answer/fix - I’m complete novice when it comes to this stuff but just brave
(stupid) to give it my best shot

 

The welded on mounts would need to be cut off. The frame will need to be cleaned up and new mounts will need to be welded on in the appreciate positions.