As seen in Toyota Trails!
Various articles written here have been published in TLCA's Toyota Trails magazine and on their website. After roaming around our site, click on the magazines to visit TLCA.
Frame and Sheetmetal
Body and Frame Swap
By Tony K
Time and road salt eventually take their toll on our wagons resulting in the dreaded body or frame swap. But other than lots of bolts, wires and fuel lines it’s really not that hard to do. The main concern is to be safe as you will have a lot of metal up in the air and a chassis rolling around to add to the fun.
Frames and Crossmembers
By Tony K
Essentially there were two frames used under our wagons, early (up to 84) and late (85 on). They were pretty much identical with the exception of how engines, trannies and other components were mounted. But late (88-90) model frames did get an additional crossmember layer at the rear which adds some strength. But do remember that no matter what engine and tranny combo was installed, any year body of the 60 Series will bolt to any year frame, all the body mounts are in the same location. My 82 BJ actually sits on an 89 FJ62 frame.