Topic: 4runner body swap?

[norcal-kid]

hey, i have a 85 4runner thats beat and has no windows so im looking to swap an 87 4runner body onto my frame so i can drive it on the street and have it ready for snow wheelin. what all is involved in this and what needs to be done, and how much time would it take with about 3 or 4 people? also would it be a better option to just swap my motor, tranny, transfer and axles onto the 87 frame and body? thanks

[toyyota]

As far as DMV and CHP go, It would be better to swap your parts onto the 87. The VIN number on the body should match the frame. If both runners are EFI the engine should be cake. You may want the SAS kit for the front axle swap. Have fun...

[norcal-kid [OP]]

Well i was planning on swapping the tags anyways and im not looking to spend any money on extra stuff like the sas kit so im probably just going to go through with the body swap. any help on what needs to be done and such would be great. thanks

[ohioyota]

Its is ten times easier and alot less time consuming to do a SAS than a body swap. And if none of you are the worlds strongest man its gonna take a lift or more than three or four people to lift the body off the frame. Just my 

[norcal-kid [OP]]

thats what i was thinkin that it would be easier but there would be a lot of welding involved and what would i need to do a sas?

[norcal-kid [OP]]

and i would still be swapping all the axles and drivetrain so there is still a lot of grinding and welding vs just the body's switching

[toyyota]

Maybe, its just in Calif., But your not supposed to just switch VIN numbers when ever you want. There is a tag on every removable body part of your truck. The original idea was to prevent vehicle theft and fraud. Good luck, your not the first.

[norcal-kid [OP]]

ok thanks

[Tallchevy]

The VIN number on the body should match the frame.

Vin #'s on Toyota frames are incomplete, they won't match the body vin 

If both runners are EFI the engine should be cake.

Some of the 85 efi stuff is different that the 87. The wiring harness is different & the tps is different. There are some others but those are the main 2 that will give you a problem. Been there done that.

[norcal-kid [OP]]

ok, sounds like im just gonna take the body off my 85 and throw the 87 body on