Looking for a good Frame

Need a frame 2004 tundra double cab sr5. Took the truck in and it’s gonna need a frame. Mechanic doesn’t thing the safety cap system is the best option incase there is nothing to weld to where the pieces would connect. I have looked online at junkyards and of course there are no pics of the frame. Tried calling one and live chats but no help. Not sure if I should repost it for sale but I don’t want to be that guy that gets someone hurt etc.

 

Welcome. This topic is brought up here fairly often. He's an excerpt from the MEGATHREAD

Before you ask in the forum ... "What does it cost for/what's involved with/how could I frame swap..." To start, you need to check the "cab types" section of this post for info on selecting correct frames, frame differences. This is what you can expect work-wise, if DIY. Cost-wise, for DIY, you'll be out of pocket the cost of the frame, any specialty tools, and any parts you break / replace during swap, avg. cost is probably $2k-$3k. That's similar to what you'll pay Toyota replacing the frame under recall. If you have the dealership do it outside of recall, you're looking at minimum $10k-12k and we've seen quotes as high as $17k. If you can find a legit shop capable to swap frames, after labor and everything else, I'd ballpark $6k-$8k. In other words: If you aren't capable of swapping the frame yourself, you're better off just finding another truck.

 

I’m aware of the cost it’s still probably cheaper than buying something else at this point. I crawled underneath the damn thing all up and down saw only a spot or two that I thought could be patched in the middle. Didn’t see the front where it’s bad or the rear. So I got hit for 10k it was the cleanest one Ive seen here in 5 years. 128000 miles. It’s an 04 so there is no recall and no service history to speak of. Timing belt was done at 91000. New coil packs plugs tires just done as well as trans filter change and flush fill.

 

Yeah, I mean, there's more than one company producing frame replacement pieces, but without you posting pics showing the major issues, I'm not sure if anyone can help you.

If you try to resell without disclosing the rust issues, you may be legally liable. It's not about "whether you're that guy", it's about whether someone files civil suit against you and rails your ass. If you do sell, and it's that big of an issue, I'd recommend having the buyer sign off on a contract to release you from liability, that says, "I won't drive this until properly repaired", and "I'm fully aware of the extent the frame is not structurally sound, therefore I will not hold the seller liable for damages"

 

I feel for you man. But this is another perfect example why a PPI is a must. At this point you really need to be honest with yourself about which road to take. Do you sell it at a loss because of the frame rot? Mind you, you're going to have to disclose it now that it's found. Or, do you invest another $3K-$12K and have a solid truck? I dunno...

 

I found an 06 dc sr5 in Florida no rust on the frame and has coil over shocks on all 4 corners.also could use the bed floor as well. Will that set up work with an 04? The body front end is scrap but the frame is rust free. Engine has a spun bearing on cyl 1 could be rebuilt. Transmission is still good etc. will the 06 trans work with the 04 computer/ drivetrain etc. basically just swap the body and engine? I will post pics tomorrow when I crawl back under it again. Just replaced the water bypass housing due to breaking off the temp sensor in which the gauge still doesn’t work. Fml… it’s def drivable for a while

 

Definitely a bad scenario. Sorry to hear.
If you are open to look at different trucks to make certain that the money makes sense, somebody just posted this beauty asking $10k.

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/d/frisco-2006-toyota-tundra-sr5-trd-4x4-v8/7861575602.html

There are more links to trucks today in the lunch table thread. You could quickly be spending as much to repair as just buying a rust free FGT.

 

Nope. 2004 has a 4spd trans, 2005-2006 has a 5spd.

To that point, the 2000-2004 engines are non-VVTi, and aren't interchangeable with the 2005-2006 VVTi engines. There's a lot more going on in the later years, between the secondary air system, VVTi solenoids, and the transmission changes.

All of this is elaborated on in the thread @The Black Mamba was so kind to link you up with earlier, you just need to take the time to read the 'drivetrain' section which covers frame replacements and what you need to watch out for. It would appear you didn't bother to listen to his advice, or didn't fully understand the information. If there's something else we can help you with, to get you to a point of understanding, holler....

 

Attached are some photos. I know they are not the greatest

 

Additional

 

And I did read the whole thing just don’t remember about the 04-06 thing. I didn’t figure the trans would work but thought maybe the frame would swap.

 

04-'06 is the only years they made the 1st gen in Double Cab format. You won't be able to find another Double Cab in 2000-2003 years, at least. I can't recall if the '04 double cabs had the same transmission (thus not sure on the crossmember layout) as the 05-06 though...

 

2004 used the non-vvti and the 4 speed. 2005 and up got the vvti and 5 speed. Unsure if that means different crossmembers or not.

 

This right there would make walk away. I wouldn’t need to see anything else.

 

Them some sketchy booger welds there