LF 4th gen 4runner frame swap and price

Hello, I've had my 4runner, and my ever first car for more than a year now... I was tricked when I purchased it and its rusted, I purchased car for 3K, which later I found it had a reason to being that cheap. Welded half of the rear left side for 800$ but all of the frame is rusted.

Here are some of the pictures what I am driving everyday, with my windows rolled down to hear if anything breaks off :










I am inspecting car everyday after drive, and I am seeing slowly but surely cracks get bigger and longer. I am sure it can last year or so but I want to get a new frame and have it installed. I really like the car, its also my first so I would like to keep it. I am willing to put down around 4-5K or so for frame & install.



Any information would be useful. Like how much did it cost, and how long it took if you had it done on yours. I am in NJ, thanks.

 

I am of no help to you, but i'm sorry you're having to go through this.

 

Man that's something i'd never try...swapping frames

 

I am not doing it myself, sadly I don't own a garage, even if I did I don't have that kind of experience. The reason I am thinking this is because well, the car has no other issues whatsoever. Its at 150K miles and isn't eating any oil literally, I am getting 18.4-7 MPG. I purchased car for 3k, which was cheap for obvious reason I found after. I was just wondering if frame costs around 1-2 K and labor costs around 2K, that's 4K total.

I won't be able to buy another 4runner for 4K. I was looking at 5th gen 4runners but I don't see reason to buy one, I am 23 , I don't have wife or kids yet, I don't need truck that big and new, I am fine with old harsh trucks like this one, not interested into comfort etc.


So I got an idea that I can get frame from junkyard maybe, all those hurricanes and floods that mess up cars, there has to be 4runner laying around with good frame with dead engine or whatever, so I can get that frame maybe. I need to look around .

 

How were you tricked when you bought it? Did you not look under it and see how rusty it is?

 

We purchased it online via copart.. We came to US from EU , basically there is no such a thing as chassis/frame rust there, at least in my country. Had no idea we would encounter it here, we only checked for history of the car, engine issues and so on.

 

Here is my 23 Tacoma, I gave away my 4runner... This car is nothing fancy, I wish I never gave away my old rusty 4runner. I kinda want to go back and buy it back, price they took it for was very low, shame on Toyota for abandoning 4runner rust recall like that.

 

That looks like a great Tacoma with lots of potential.

 

You'll be much happier in that tacoma then fixing a rusty 4runner. Enjoy your new ride.

 

Rust is crazy on these things. Already some surface rust , but got rid of it with some sandspaper.




Car was parked and still got it Almost like Toyota frames and rust are eternal lovers.