If anyone is interested. Here are the first pics of my new project. I am already a ways in. My 4x4 truck needs a new frame and I have a 2wd frame sitting around that is in pretty good shape.

There are several major differences between the solid axle 4x4 standard cab frame and the 2wd standard cab frame.

Starting at the front. Not including smaller bracket differences. The steering boxes mount differently on the push pull solid axle, the ifs, and the 2wd. So off came the steering box mount. I will upgrade to the ifs mounts with frame plates. Next the front sub frame got torched off. The shock mounts are different. They could be left on but they will limit shock length. Moving toward the middle the 2wd trany mount had to be cut off. The 2wd gas tank is smaller and the mounts are closer together. I carefully cut the horse collar out to move it forward to allow the 4x4 gas tank to fit. Here is what I found behind the gas tank.

(I ground the corroded metal away)
I decided to check the strength of the frame directly opposite the gas tank. There weren't any visible holes, but by tapping on the frame I could tell it was thin. Here is what I ground away.

This was were I was at when the snow hit us in MN, 4/25.
Anybody want more build up posts?

what you see is very common

sure, any time I can learn something that may help me out some day is good.
thanks

I'm not too surprised by the frame rusting from the inside out. The gas tank gets crap stuck between it and the frame and rusts it out. The boxed toyota frames get dirt in them that collects there and rust the frame from the inside. This is why my 4wd frame is junk. More posts to come.

I'm very interested to see your progress, especially in the frame repair where it rusted out. I just found myself in the same position when I dropped the tank to replace the fuel pump. I'll be starting my own thread to show what I found <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> Please post your progress!

I did get some progress done. I'll post tomorrow when there is light to take pictures. I patched a few weak spots in the frame. Emptied the frame of squirrel nests and about 1000 walnuts. Cut off the bent up bumper bracket mounts and replaced them with a set off of another frame and drilled out broken bolts. I've been working about 12 to 14 hour days to cover for a friend that got into an accident, but I still have been working on it now and then.

Here are the new bumper mounts welded on. I stuck with the pre ifs style. They are shorter compared to the ifs style.

Shock mounts and brake line mounts removed.

Here is were I cut out a couple of pitted areas and welded patches in.

More pathed areas.

Passenger side hole. I wanted to remove all of the weak area.

Driver side hole. I am fitting the patch panels now.

pics not working

Finally got the pics fixed. Problem was with my internet provider. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />