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I'm swapping out the Frame under my T4R...Lots of Work

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by TacoDon, Dec 30, 2017.

  1. Dec 30, 2017 at 8:32 AM
    #1
    TacoDon

    TacoDon [OP] New Member

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    Need to change the shocks and springs under my 2000 Limited. I hear the 1999 4Runner springs are taller and was wondering if the 4WD Taco springs were also taller and would they fit under my 4Runner. The plan is to install Bilstein 5100 Shocks all around with mid settings on the front and use the Taco OEM springs front and rear. Will that work? Should I expect a lift in the rear?
    20171115_172020_resized.jpg 20171115_172233_resized.jpg
    Original frame


    20180102_115441_resized.jpg 20180102_115530_resized.jpg
    Donor Frame
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2018
  2. Jan 4, 2018 at 7:53 AM
    #2
    TacoDon

    TacoDon [OP] New Member

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    Last edited: Jan 7, 2018
    Firstoneman likes this.
  3. Jan 5, 2018 at 2:11 PM
    #3
    TacoDon

    TacoDon [OP] New Member

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    Tomorrow is sand blasting and rust treating the frame. I'll wait until the body is mounted before doing the undercoating
     
  4. Jan 5, 2018 at 2:27 PM
    #4
    COexplorer

    COexplorer New Member

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    That does look like a lot of work. Where do you live that the frame rusted so badly? What are you doing to prevent this one from doing the same? I am doing fluid film on my 4Runner this weekend, but thought that you have likely done a bit of research on rust prevention.
     
  5. Jan 5, 2018 at 4:39 PM
    #5
    TacoDon

    TacoDon [OP] New Member

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    I'm sending it out to a specialist. I'll check with him to see exactly what he uses. I should have some interesting pictures next week. My T4R was originally from the New England area, home of the salt and snow. It now resides in sunny Florida which is where I found the rolled over donor. The rust on mine was so bad you could push a screwdriver through the frame in several places. The shop didn't even want me to drive it off the lot. Now it'll have a new life.
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2018
    COexplorer likes this.
  6. Jan 5, 2018 at 6:43 PM
    #6
    COexplorer

    COexplorer New Member

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    Hope it moves along quickly for you. I am sure it will be nice to be back in the truck.
     
  7. Jan 19, 2018 at 5:16 PM
    #7
    TacoDon

    TacoDon [OP] New Member

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    Prepping the frame got put on hold due to the really cold weather. It's back in the shop today and hopefully they'll start on it Saturday (tomorrow). First step is to sand/soda powder blast the entire frame including all of the steering components. I don't know exactly what he's using as the anti rust coating, when I pick it up I'll find out. I do know the final step at his shop is to paint everything with a marine grade imron (sp?) sealing paint. after that cures for a few days, the body will go back on and then we'll apply a good layer of undercoating.
     
  8. Feb 3, 2018 at 8:45 PM
    #8
    TacoDon

    TacoDon [OP] New Member

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    Frame is ready....20180126_143459.jpg 20180126_143459.jpg

    20180126_143517.jpg
    20180126_143532.jpg
     
  9. Nov 12, 2018 at 1:52 PM
    #9
    Firstoneman

    Firstoneman New Member

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    David
    Mozambique
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    99' Surf 4x4, Auto, 3RZ w/235K+ km, Japanese RHD now rolling in Mozambique!
    UniChip
    I know this is an old thread, wonder if you would tell me how the build went with the shocks and struts specifically? I have a 1999 Surf, which is a Japanese 4Runner, am curious about how the choice of the OME springs worked with the Bilstein 5100s you installed? I'm looking for a smooth road ride and as smooth as possible two-tracking ride. Beyond that, I'd enjoy seeing more about how your complete build went. I don't want a lot of extra lift from the stock setup, a little is ok but I don't want to mod for a "lift" job, am good with stock.

    Hope to hear from you.
    Cheers!
    David
     
  10. Nov 13, 2018 at 4:06 AM
    #10
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

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    Jesus hopefully the owner knew how and did a lot of the work themselves. If not a new vehicle would of been better money spent hate to see that total bill.
     
  11. Nov 14, 2018 at 8:25 AM
    #11
    Large

    Large New Member

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    A rolled runner would practically be free I am thinking
     

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