Just wondering, how much of the '96 - '04 front suspension can be swapped into an earlier model? Just wondering because there is a entire Tacoma front clip for sale on CL, which would bring coils and a rack to the truck. I'm not saying I have the money or time to try it, just wondering if anyone's tried it and what needs to be changed. I assume the frame is different, and I'd bet the track is much wider.

Just a thought, anyone have any insight?

 

adapting the rack into your frame would be the best bet. if you mean for a 79-83, there are probably narrower racks around to use. i never liked the 79-95 having the steering in front of the crossmember, its a hazard zone as low as i make stuff. lol.

 

I've done the adapting a rack, and the problem is the rack has to have it's pivot point inside the pivot point of the control arm to avoid bumpsteer, preferrably at the same point. If it's outside you get tons of toe change when the suspension moves up and down, but only a small amount inside. I'm sure the Tacoma rack has a wider track at the tie rod joint, but it's something to think about. I'd love to measure but the CL guys don't like you to kick the tires so to speak (and I can't blame them, I hate it too!). Don't wanna waste their time.

What I wonder is what the frame width is (from rail to rail), because obviously the easiest way would be to just graft the frame onto the old frame, but if they are off my more than 1/2" you wind up with 45 degree cuts and welds. Might as well steal the whole frame from that Tacoma and bolt your earlier cab and bed to it! I'm sure with a longbed it would be close. Looks like the '96-00 Tacoma had a 103.3" wheelbase, which is only .3" longer than the earlier short beds, and I'd be pretty sure you wouldn't notice the .3" if someone did it. Now what would it look like? Does the frame sit lower or higher on the Tacomas?

Oh god, this got me started thinking... LOL!!!

 

haha. they are much wider trucks. rear end is alot wider. id assume frame is as well. that .3" is nothing. scoot the bed back further or something. i wish there was a narrower rear end from the factory for me to run. i thought about using a celica rear. and use corona front hubs/brakes. then i could run some cool 4 spoke supra rims.

but yeah that is the hardest aspect of finding a rack. thats why its nice that a dakota rack will fit my fullsize dodge almost perfectly. lol

 

i've measured probably 60 different racks at the junkyard, and have yet to find anything that will work properly..

however, a ford pinto rack's pivots are 24.5" apart, and there is a company that sells a 5" narrowed rack putting it at 19.5". the distance between the stock control arms is about 19.25, which makes the narrowed rack nearly perfect! they run about $330 for the narrowed rack. i'm planning on using one on my 73 hilux since the suspension is based off the 84-95 suspension.