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4xFort Build Thread - previously Frame Swap

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by ZrowGz, Mar 30, 2018.

  1. Mar 30, 2018 at 8:49 PM
    #1
    ZrowGz

    ZrowGz [OP] I'm a n00b.

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    Frame swap is done!

    Haha I think this has basically become my build? Enjoy!

    The first images appear on page 7 for the cleaned frame, the swap starts on page 8!

    -----------------------------------
    Does the 1997 frame and the 1998 frame match? If not, what modifications are needed?
    I know the leaf spring hangers aren’t in the same spot, but that the front is ok. What else wouldn’t line up?
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2019
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  2. Mar 30, 2018 at 9:25 PM
    #2
    BartMaster1234

    BartMaster1234 American Auto Horns

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    There are some slight differences.

    I know the front frame horns are shorter, that's another difference. That's all I know personally.
     
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  3. Mar 30, 2018 at 9:47 PM
    #3
    Sperrunner

    Sperrunner Respect the International Dibs Law

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    Found this for you Some info in here you might need
     
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  4. Mar 30, 2018 at 11:56 PM
    #4
    ZrowGz

    ZrowGz [OP] I'm a n00b.

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    Oh heck yes. This is perfect. Thanks!

    I am able to turn bolts and stuff, but am not great at mechanical things. I’ve been working on improving the skills, but I’m not proficient enough to truly be creative and problem solve when it comes to these things. So, it feels like a huge, crazy project to contemplate undertaking. I saw a video of someone do a tundra without taking the engine or tranny out. Seems much more realistic in terms of my comfort and ability.

    How batshit crazy is this for me to think about doing myself? Will things line up? What all can I expect to need to replace that will break or not be salvageable during the swap. I’m already planning on doing suspension all around. I was planning on swapping in a manual brake prop valve and this seems like an opportune moment to do new hard brake lines throughout. Plus a chance to really go to town on rustproofing the clean frame...
     
  5. Mar 31, 2018 at 1:55 AM
    #5
    Dalandser

    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    I guess you could support the engine and trans in place with stands, but it's almost impossible with the placement of the front cross member and especially if you have 4x4. I imagine it would be safer to remove the engine, trans, and bed and leave the body on stands / planks. It's not going to be a small job. Just removing the engine and trans is a big job in itself. Up to you if you think you're up for it though!
     
  6. Mar 31, 2018 at 3:59 AM
    #6
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    From your post This is something I don`t think your ready for on your own just yet .

    Get some help that knows what there doing.

    Then maybe this is a very long term project done in very small segments

    Having a place where things can be placed and not need to be moved every time someone needs to get in the kitchen from the garage
     
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  7. Mar 31, 2018 at 9:41 AM
    #7
    Seagull233

    Seagull233 Well-Known Member

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    When the dealership does a frame replacement, they leave the engine and trans with the cab. They have a hoist that goes across from fender to fender to hold the engine up, and I assume a sling under the trans.
     
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  8. Mar 31, 2018 at 10:36 AM
    #8
    Dalandser

    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    With a setup like the dealer mechanics have it would be sweet and I'm sure it works for them, but for the average backyard wrencher like this guy sounds like I would think twice about trying that. Sounds like a potential hazard for the safety of the diy'er and the engine for a day or two's time savings. You could replace the timing belt and clutch at the same time if it's a manual.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2018
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  9. Mar 31, 2018 at 11:43 AM
    #9
    Sperrunner

    Sperrunner Respect the International Dibs Law

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    To bad you dont live in norcal i would let you use my garage lol, i got an over head crane set up rated for like 2000 pounds i used to pull engines and trans
     
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  10. Mar 31, 2018 at 11:58 AM
    #10
    ZrowGz

    ZrowGz [OP] I'm a n00b.

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    Yeah, I have an outdoor covered parking spot where I could do it. This video gave me the idea that it’s possible.

    https://youtu.be/Urqq8FbVvb0

    Does it by suspending the engine with a comealong and the trans with a 4x4 cantaievered out so the frame can sneak by. I’d build a frame to support the comealong out of 4x4 and could make that work potentially.

    Yeah having an actual garage would be optimal. But the truck drives fine for now and doesn’t appear to be failing. I work 6 on and have 8 days off so it gives me a solid chance to really put time into it. I have a friend here that has a nice spare parking pad that I could use once the snow melts up in the mountains. So I can always drive it to wherever the work is to be done at least!
     
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  11. Mar 31, 2018 at 12:01 PM
    #11
    Dalandser

    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Removing the engine and trans isn't that hard and you'd probably be kicking yourself once it's time to replace the water pump, timing belt and clutch. You could replace all the coolant hoses too. The exhaust will already be off. It's not a whole lot more work considering the scope of the project. Why stop at a new frame when you could update everything?

    You're planning on doing this on your daily driver? You realize a part or two you didn't expect you'd need could hold you up 3 days or so depending on when you order it.
     
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  12. Mar 31, 2018 at 12:04 PM
    #12
    Sperrunner

    Sperrunner Respect the International Dibs Law

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    You could even box in the new frame while your at it if you got access to a welder lol, seeing how the new frame is already striped and easy to work on you might as well take the advantage to do what ever else you feel like doing to it
     
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  13. Mar 31, 2018 at 12:10 PM
    #13
    ZrowGz

    ZrowGz [OP] I'm a n00b.

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    Haha yeah it’d be ok if it was out of service for a period. I have a backup car. I’m hoping to switch to this as my full on daily driver once I’ve done the things to it that it needs. I’ve already found that second one vital for getting parts as they break lol.

    And yeah, it would be a good opportunity to strengthen areas! I’d also do a full on rust protection painting inside and out.

    The timing belt and water pump were done when the upper half of the engine was rebuilt 20k miles ago. So those are good to go. By the time they’re due again, I’ll tackle that. I mean it has been repeated to the 4.88 and everything else is solid mechanically besides this (if this is even reaching the issue point) and the suspension. The steering rack is starting to leak a little but that’s ok, one of the frames I’m looking at might come with steering pieces too.
     
  14. Mar 31, 2018 at 12:24 PM
    #14
    Sperrunner

    Sperrunner Respect the International Dibs Law

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    I would even spend the money and time upgrade or replacing little things to like fuel lines, boxing frame, run wire sets to where ever incase you plan on running things in the future, etc. because its cheap and easily done,
     
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  15. Mar 31, 2018 at 12:28 PM
    #15
    ZrowGz

    ZrowGz [OP] I'm a n00b.

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    Exactly. Opportune moment to wire in the rear diff e locker, fuel pump, grind and paint everything, eliminate the brake proportioning valve with a manual and replace all of the brake lines, new OME suspension, box/reinforce the frame in all those known weak spots, replace every bolt I take out with a new one, replace all the bushings that get undone or are easily accessed... that’d all be on my list.
     
  16. Mar 31, 2018 at 12:32 PM
    #16
    Sperrunner

    Sperrunner Respect the International Dibs Law

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    First thing i would do if i was in your shoes is park the truck where it will sit while you work on it, then make a list and place it somewhere for you to look at (window always works for me) then prioritize what is mainly needed and whats not. That way you can see what needs to be done and what you have accomplished so far. Then as you think of more you can just add it to the list.
     
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  17. Mar 31, 2018 at 12:37 PM
    #17
    ZrowGz

    ZrowGz [OP] I'm a n00b.

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    Haha love it. I actually have a list growing in my Truck note on my iPhone. Gotta love checking boxes off. Optimally I’d meet someone near SLC that would be willing to loan or rent me a garage space for a week or so. I’d likely be able to rustle up enough hands for the moving of heavy things parts.

    As I was attempting to take off my bed, I noticed that the nut for some of the bolts seems to be welded inside the body. Is it like that all over the place? I’m going to have to find a good step by step how to take all the necessary things off... I’m guessing that won’t be terribly hard though. If I do go this route, I will either be using a 98 or 00 frame. Same motor and trans. Ext cab too, like mine.
     
  18. Mar 31, 2018 at 12:42 PM
    #18
    Sperrunner

    Sperrunner Respect the International Dibs Law

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    Most builds go like this:
    Park car
    Invite best mate over
    Get pizza and beer
    Eat
    Make list on pizza box(pizza box makes for best list)
    Start working
     
  19. Mar 31, 2018 at 12:50 PM
    #19
    Sperrunner

    Sperrunner Respect the International Dibs Law

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    I mean thats how my builds go...
     
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  20. Mar 31, 2018 at 12:53 PM
    #20
    ZrowGz

    ZrowGz [OP] I'm a n00b.

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    Seems like a pretty good way to go about it haha. I recently moved to the area and work stupid weird hours as an icu nurse so I’ve met very few people. One old friend from ages ago lives here, and he said he’s down to help so all set then I guess
     
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