Cab swap Q's

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Hilux

Hilux

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Apr 2, 2008
Threads
36
Messages
2,165
Location
Nashville Tn.
I might have a cab swap on the horizon. Only, I've never done one, so I need all the info I can on it.

I would like to know, for instance, how much a regular cab weighs.

Here's what I have:

I have an out side concrete pad...with NO overhead. So lifting from above, is out. this is where my 84 Hilux is currently residing.

I have my RTE in the garage up on stands with no front suspension under it, so skidding out the frame will be easy. But once again NO overhead for lifting.

How can I, safely, lift both cabs and support them and also have enough space for me to wheel in my Hilux frame?

:confused:


I have two floor jacks and an engine hoist.

I can crib as I go, but how can I make it wide enough for a axle, hub to hub, be able to pass between the supports?


Will a (1) 6x6 post support the cabs weight, with my engine hoist holding up the core support and fenders?
 
How hard is a cab swap? Anything I should know before hand?
 
I've pulled a few cabs, it's mostly easier than it looks as long as you're careful.

Don't even think of lifting anywhere forward of the base of the windshield, the front core support is not stong enough, you will bend it. Especially if you have the fenders off, and there is anything inside the cab (interior, windshield, doors, etc).

4 people can easily lift a cab (assuming it is totally stripped). 2 people will drop it and hurt themselves. A 6x6 will hold up the entire truck. A couple of 8' 2x4's (on edge) will hold up the cab. Jack it up, slide one under at the rear mounts and another at the mounts at the bottom of the door hinges. When you are sure all the wiring and other stuff is free, lift away. Or crib it up and roll the frame out from under it.
 
KLF said:
I've pulled a few cabs, it's mostly easier than it looks as long as you're careful.
Click to expand...

2nd one to tell me that, THX :cheers:

I've built it up in my mind it's hard.




KLF said:
Don't even think of lifting anywhere forward of the base of the windshield, the front core support is not strong enough, you will bend it. Especially if you have the fenders off, and there is anything inside the cab (interior, windshield, doors, etc).
Click to expand...


fenders on, cabs loaded. Do you think a 6x6 at the mid line of the door, and a hoist holding the front up will do? Until I can crib the rad support? I have spotted what appears to be slots for a chain to be used in the core support to be used for lifting. Is that what they're for?



KLF said:
4 people can easily lift a cab (assuming it is totally stripped). 2 people will drop it and hurt themselves.
Click to expand...


Have to do it the only way I know how....by my self.


KLF said:
A 6x6 will hold up the entire truck. A couple of 8' 2x4's (on edge) will hold up the cab. Jack it up, slide one under at the rear mounts and another at the mounts at the bottom of the door hinges. When you are sure all the wiring and other stuff is free, lift away. Or crib it up and roll the frame out from under it.
Click to expand...



:cheers: THX, KLF
 
Given that the cab is loaded, I wouldn't lift it by the very front. You'll probably collapse the radiator core support, and likely bend the fender supports. Remember that the frame keeps the cab flat, not the other way around.

And there's NO WAY I do this by myself, unless I had a shop lift. You're gonna drop it or hurt yourself. Or both.
 
I'll post some pics of my predicament later....(soon, maybe today)


you really have to see what I've got...trust me...
 
The concrete pad is where I will park my current Hilux for its cab-ectomy. The black truck on jack stands is the cab I want to remove from the frame. I have no way to support it from above and it must be supported by something wider than the front axle of my current Hilux so I can roll the chassis under it.


.
pad.webp
ret truck.webp
 
got a pic?

will 4x4 posts support the cab?
 
Hilux said:
got a pic?

will 4x4 posts support the cab?
Click to expand...
Oh god no I dont even have the poles anymore. I used 3 18 foot steel poles ..like old style natural gas lines...I am sure you have seen them.

I would think that 4x4 posts would support the cab weight. Can you find any long enough? And I would think if you was going to make tri-pod poles out of 4x4's it would be harder to attach them togheter.

just find some poles drill a hole in each one.... and attach a chain and then use a come-along hooked onto the chain and raise the cab.
 
I can't do the one in the shop, bro...
 
cruiser88 said:
Ok..do it outside on the concrete pad?
Click to expand...


lemmy get this straight. YOu want me to bolt an entire front suspension on, just so, I can roll that outside to lift the cab off

:lol: I...don't......THINK SO!!!



2ndGenToyotaFan said:
Get busy. :cheers:
Click to expand...


:lol: Dude, I'm on cruise control right now with going to school...

but :whipcrack: yes sir, I'll get right on that!

:lol:



Seriously, I just got my loan so I hope to be going soon to Lowes for.....

.
supplies.webp
 
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