Need some advice on a 98 Tacoma 4x4, 4 col, regular cab

I've owned the vehicle since 2000 and bought it from a friend who does salvage titles when it had 5000 miles on it. Since then it has served me well and i now have 180000 on it but as a lot of you know my frame is becoming swiss cheese. Because of the salvage title I wasn't able to take advantage of the frame replacement. I thought about buying a new frame and switching all over but didn't know if it would be worth the effort. Where are some good places to get started to take on a task like this? I'm a novice at being a mechanic, but enjoy the type of work. I've replaced my starter, transmission, water pump, belts and radiator but that's about as much experience that I have working on the truck. How much would a new frame cost me? Thanks for reading.

 

A new frame may be difficult to get. I say if you can find a good frame and enjoy it then go for it just be prepared for set backs. Meaning broken bolts, having to order parts needed as you go.

If a good frame is nowhere to be found then you have your answer. Get searching.

I did it and got lucky when a guy was parting out a southern truck on Craigslist.

 

Thanks Big House. I'll start looking.

 

http://www.car-part.com/

I love this junkyard search engine. Looks like a frame can be had for under $1000 bucks. If you can replace a transmission you can handle a frame swap. But it's probably not worth the effort unless this truck has high sentimental value, and you also have a dry place to work with lots of jack stands, an engine hoist and air tools.

 

Thanks DJB. That search engine looks awesome. I already found one for 750... The truck was my first vehicle and it's been pretty special to me. I'll have to work out a place to work though. I don't have enough space right now but plan on getting that fixed in the next few months. Thank you again for the info.

 

Grab the good frame while it's available and start collecting parts while your waiting. I call tell u right now your control arm alignment cams/bolts are gonna be stuck as well as the front leaf spring bolts.

You'll probably want to replace the body mounts and steering rack bushings and whatever else while your doing it. eBay and rock auto were my friends. I had a friend with a shop ordering me all kinds of stuff from the dealer.