99 PreRunner Frame Swap

First time poster here, hoping I can get an answer to a question I have.

I own a 1999 Tacoma PreRunner Xtracab 2WD, auto tranny. I have the ubiquitous frame rot issue; purchased the vehicle used and I'm 10 months past the drop dead date for the buy-back from Toyota so I'm looking to swap the frame from another truck.

My specific question is this: which year(s) should I be looking for? A local yard will find one for me, but I wanted to have some information before I submitted a request to them. It was my understanding that I'd probably have to find one from 99-04 but I'm by no means an expert; I have plenty of experience working on Subarus but this is my first Toyota truck and I was hoping some of the gurus on this forum would be able to help.

Cheers and thanks in advance for any advice that is offered.

 

You want 98-04 Xcab Tacomas - Prerunner or 4wd will work.

 

Might be easier to just sell it if that's your issue. And welcome to TW

 

I was considering selling it. I've only got 3k in it and the engine and transmission are in fantastic shape. The body is a bit beat up; it's a Michigan truck and the winters have taken their toll.

Thanks for the help.

 

I will say that when Toyota replaced my frame, the frame itself wasn't the only thing they had to replace. Tech that did most of the ordering for it told me that as they were trying to remove the axles, control arms, LSPV valve, hell even fuel filter brackets and random stuff like that, it was all rusted tight. They ended up having to replace all of that (good for me!!) and the cost was almost double what the frame alone cost them. I mean, it may be worth it to you, but the cost will probably be a surprise to you in the end.

All this and I really didn't think that my old frame was in that bad of shape but looks are deceiving with old steel.

 

Mine is in pretty horrible shape. If I could get close to what I put into it (3k) I'd be fine with it. As I said, the engine and transmission are in fantastic shape, but the frame is pretty wretched. I've considered welding some support in the meantime, but I'll most likely either part it out or look for a buyer in the 2-3k range, perhaps here on the forums.

Thanks again for all the help.