1st Gen Taco on 80 Series Frame...

[bijanjames]

We have a 04' Tacoma in the family that is in perfect mechanical condition with a rotting frame that Toyota won't do anything about...We also have a 95' factory locked 80 fully built that was totaled by a drunk driver 9 years ago that is now a farm truck. The frame and mechanical's are solid on the 80, but we have beat the crap out of the body. My brother in law, who is very mechanically inclined, wants to combine the two. Tacoma body on an 80 series frame anyone? Its not going to be street legal, but a tow and go truck. Something to take around the country and tackle trails. I've done some research and can't find any info, no surprise. The Tacoma is a quad cab and being a first gen is rather small. I can't for the life of me find a picture of the Taco, but here is the 80. Any helpful info would be appreciated.

 

[Metcalf]

Get out the tape measure!

I wouldn't limit yourself to a trail only rig. Why not make it road worthy?

I'm building a hybrid on an 80 series chassis, but I am using a FJ45-esk body that I am building a significant portion of.



If you are looking at using the complete 80 series chassis with the factory engine/trans/t-case, I would try and get some rough measurements on the length of everything. Off the top of my head, I don't know if the long 80 engine will fit in the Taco nose. The location of the front axle vs the position of the engine in the taco nose will be important also. Honestly, while the quad cab taco seems small, the wheelbase is only 112" on the 80 series vs the 120+ wheelbase of the taco.

Honestly, if it was me, I would just cut up the body on the 80 series to make it what you want. That will be orders of magnitude less work. Not caring about the body could be a fun project. You could chop it up and weld it back together how ever you want.....but it runs and drives now. The fenders could be opened up for more tire and travel. The back could be cut off to lighten things off. It could be a convertible. Whatever.

Cheers. Sounds like a fun project.

 

[vrshack]

I was looking at doing this myself not long ago but decided to mod the cruiser into an extended cab. The measurements are close between my 05 tacoma and my 94 LC, other than wheelbase of course. My thought was to cut the LC body away leaving only the firewall/dash/transmission tunnel/ some floor board and leave it mounted on the frame . Then cut away the firewall/dash/transmission tunnel from the Tacoma and basically set on it on and tie it into the remaining LC firewall/dash/transmission tunnel on the LC frame. Build remaining body mounts and stretch the frame/ rear driveshaft. If you did this the only wiring would be headlights, tail lights, door windows and locks.
Having a tacoma with an LC dash and all of the electrical/ECM already in place and simple.

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[vrshack]

And like Metcalf was saying shedding pounds on the LC does wonders. My truck is pretty much stock as far as drivetrain is concerned but as it is now even with heavy heavy 38s it is a blast to drive. It moves really quick from red lights and up steep grades.

Jeff

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[DaveInDenver]

Get out the tape measure!

Indeed. I bet it could work. A Double Cab on an 80 series chassis would be cool and probably not far off.

I wouldn't limit yourself to a trail only rig. Why not make it road worthy?

This may be the sticking point, since the frame is really what the VIN and title are based on. Since the 80 was totaled that might be a pain. However Colorado does allow salvage and rebuilt titles, so it might not be too tough to get it a license plate.