Frame Swap

bustedframe · May 9th, 2005, 01:06 PM

I wanted to know if anyone has ever done a frame swap on a 1994 (or simliar) Nissan 4X4 king cab. I have a frame that has been patched more than a smoker trying to kick the habit. The body mounts are also starting to rot out as well cab floor from the back wall on the driver's side.

I am into a lot of work and any direction would be appreciated. If anyone has done this kind of work or can help, I can get into more detail and post some pics of this monster of a job.

Wes

**88pathoffroad** · May 9th, 2005, 10:57 PM

I've heard of several people doing it, or having a shop do it, but it generally runs about 2-3 grand to have a shop do it. Not worth it unless you really love your rusty truck.

bustedframe · May 11th, 2005, 08:16 AM

It looks like I will be repairing most of this frame since I can't find a solid replacement. It looks like I will have to patch most of the sides on the frame rails. I have already taken the cross members off and I am welding some new metal to the inside frame rail for the cross member to be welded to. The inside of that frame was too rotten and weak for it to stay there without it bothering me.

If I continue with the patch work, will the frame be structurally sound anymore? Will I have to cut out the rusted and weak metal and then put a patch in it's place, or is just patching right over it OK?

I was thinking about cutting out the all of the inside plate for the whole frame and welding in braces every six inches. That way any sluch, salt, mud, I could just wash outta there.

Anyway, I know that this is a shitty topic, but I would appreciate some direction from anyone, or if you could reference me to a site with some info, that would be awesome.

**88pathoffroad** · May 11th, 2005, 01:09 PM

Boxing a rusty frame works OK but removing the rusted metal is a good idea, that way the rust doesn't continue to eat it's way into whatever's left. You should definitely use something like phosphoric acid or POR-15 to convert all the rust you can find into something sealable. Then weld new steel onto it and it should be good for a nice long time.

bustedframe · May 16th, 2005, 10:04 AM

I have found a 1993 4X2 king cab with a decent frame and wanted to know if that frame is compatible with my 1994 4X4 king cab. I am sure that it is, but I just wanted to check with y'all first. Let me know as soon as you can, cause I would like to go see it today.

Thanks