2004 rusted frame

Hey everyone!
I haven't been on here in a while since I dumped my turd gen ( do we still call them that?)

Anyways I picked up a very good running 04 extended cab 4x4 but has a severely rusted frame. I got it super cheap and trailered it home. It has around 160k on the clock, everything works great. It's in much better shape, besides the frame, compared to my 01 Prerunner double cab.

Anyways I need some direction on what to do with this. I know I can part it out but seems like a waste of a heck of a truck.
Thanks!






Rust on the trailer from 3 hour ride home .

 

Start looking in the dry western states for a new frame and swap it. Plan a vacation around the trip to get the frame.

 

That is a nice looking truck.

Post some pics of the frame so we can give better advice.

 

looks clean. i'd be hunting a frame down for that bad boy and keeping her on the road. damn things are turning into collectors items

(owner of 3 tacomas.. all of them getting new frames... eventually)

 

Uploaded some frame pics!

 

Yup, new frame time. Where was the truck from? That looks like Vermont rot!

 

I think it's been up north, the owner mentioned something but I'm not sure where. Nice guy!

 

yea that one seems too far gone. but being in Georgia you can find a frame far easier than i can up here in Indiana

 

How stupid would it be to drive around in my woods? Definitely not on the road but I have some fun trails I've made to ease around on and look at some wildlife.

 

That thing is one bump away from collapsing on itself. I’m actually surprised it didn’t crumble on the trailer

 

There was a lot that flaked off on the trailer. I guess I'll keep it parked until I get a plan on what to do.

 

yea i would park and not even put anything in the bed. that mount for the leaf has sunk way into the frame.. probably not actually attached to anything anymore and the top of the frames all thats holding it up still.

 

I put an Atlanta zip code into car-part.com and there were a few possibilities. That one in Macon GA might be worth checking. Looks like it was a rollover.

 

U-boat level.

 

How much you finding frames for in the indy area? Got to start looking for one as well.

 

Nothing locally. Out west or the closest one is in Alabama

 

Do you mind me asking what you're paying? And why you aren't just buying the replacement plates?

 

No prices yet, I haven’t “secured” one yet. Figuring out shipping from Cali to here is the issue.
My 01 is getting a brand new frame I bought from Toyota ~2300, the 02 is getting the 01s old frame (it’s not rotted, other things, long story) and this 98 I’m picking up on the 22nd is the one I’m looking for a new frame for right now.

 

Gotcha gotcha. I know you are FAR more mechanically inclined than I am, just trying to find out how difficult the whole frame swap would actually be.

 

It’s just a bunch of bolts ultimately, if you have access to a lift it’s not hard, just time consuming. @Tour991 has done a frame swap and I do them at work. It’s a DIYable project, just take your time