the Coil bucket swap continues

I realize now that the cut needs to be on the factory weld points. Ignore the red line.
Although a good idea, option 2 may not be possible. There is no overlapping of steel to drill out and place a bolt. I think what you describe is what the 6 lug trucks have. A better plan.

 

I found another mobile welder who has agreed to take on the swap. He is a real stickler for doing things right.(just what I need) Insisting the cut be on the old factory weld points. He will do the cutting and refitting. The only problem is that he wants the motors out of the trucks. I could cut the frame of the donor and bring that entire piece with the bucket still in place with the factory welds. Then I'd only need to pull one motor. The donor has a good 2.4 engine. 151k miles. Same year 2.4 as the good truck, only mine is manual, and the donor is auto. I should probably remove the donor motor and store it in a shed in case I ever need it. Surprisingly no videos of the 2.4 removal that I can find. I hope that's because it is that straight forward. Should I pull the tranny with the engine, or separate them under the truck? Its been decade since I have done this type of work, but I do remember the problem aligning the clutch plate to accept the shaft. Does the bell house cover separate from the engine? What other issues may surface?
I am going to have to step up and increase my stash of tools. I am pretty sure I will need a engine hoist. I have big trees around, but moving 3 wheel trucks about will be challenging. I have a friend who has a wrecker. The kind that picks cars up by the front or the back. I'm not sure of the status, but I will call him to see if he can help.
I may need a sawzall maybe a porta band saw. What about cutting into corners where the wheel of my angle grinder won't go?
At my age and pace this project could take months. But that's okay. I am retired now and have time. I enjoy the work, and its good to have something constructive to do every day.

 

I can`t blame your new welder I would want the engines out as well.

Pulling the engine is pretty straight forward .Depending on your skill level

The thing with a engine hoist many times they don`t have the height needed to pull the engine and transmission

 

I have done a few, but many years ago.
One i was looking at raises 36". But mobility is a bigger concern for me. A truck with 3 wheels doesn't move well.

 

(1251) DIY 1999 Toyota Tacoma 2.4L rebuild - YouTube

(1251) 1996-1999 tacoma engine swap - YouTube