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

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?

Original frame



Donor Frame

 

I decided to order the OLDMANEMU ARB® 2881 0"-1.18" OME™ Front Lifted Coil Springs and the ARB® -1.5"-2" OME™ Rear Lifted Coil Springs to go with the new Bilstein® - 0"-2.3" B8 5100 Series Front Struts and Bilstein® 24-249966 - B8 5100 Series Rear Shocks.

I'm starting out with 16" wheels and measurements (ground to lowest fender point) of 33.75" front and 34.25" rear. I'll post the measurements once I install the new toys and my 17" wheels.

 

Tomorrow is sand blasting and rust treating the frame. I'll wait until the body is mounted before doing the undercoating

 

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.

 

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.

 

Hope it moves along quickly for you. I am sure it will be nice to be back in the truck.

 

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.

 

Frame is ready....

 

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

 

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.

 

A rolled runner would practically be free I am thinking