New 2nd gen Taco owner SLC, UT

Hey guys!
I've been a yotatech and pirate4x4 slut for the last few years with my 3rd gen 4runner. I recently had an 05 Taco fall into my lap, so here I am!

A buddy wrecked his 05 TRD Sport 6 speed, 4.0 and I bought it back from the insurance company (through him)
Crap tires, slid on the water, sideways into a concrete barrier. Bent the axle shaft, shattered the leafs, crunched the bed skin, tailgate, bed end and tail light. a very small (fist size wide, 1/8 in deep) dent to the cab.


I just got it back from Toyota dealership. had them straighten the frame. (brother in law works at the same dealer only Chevy mechanic so got it cheaper) Today I am pulling the axle and mounting new leafs on it once they get here. (Skyjacker 2") I'm also throwing some new shocks I had laying around (no idea what kind, but have the same bolts and 5 inch longer travel)
Picked up a rim, bed end, and odds and ends from a guy north of here, as well as an axle shaft.
Just wire wheeled the frame, prepping for POR15 and some steel reinforcement plating. These frames are junk! BUT we can make it better.

 

Welcome to TW! Sounds like you have your work cut out for you! Keep us updated on your progress.

 

I should have done better to document my progress, but it actually wasn't that bad. I pounded away at the bed skin last night and reinstalled the bed. Everything is fairly straight. The tailgate is actually the worst part since the hinge took some damage. I may just get a new piece... So far, here's how it sits.

 

Hey a local guy. Props because I wouldn't have been able to do that