How to regsiter a vehicle that has been sitting, for a while.

All,

Thank you in advance for any and all help. This question is, actually about my other vehicle. I, also, own a truck(It is a necessity as I coach a couple soccer teams).

The facts: I was given this truck by my work. Basically, the engine is blown and they were just going to give it away. Thus, I had it towed to my house, and the pink slip is now in my name. But, the issue is registering the vehicle. It is an older truck, 1997, and it has not been registered since 2000(because, it was inoperable-though there was not an inoperable registrations completed- and just sitting in a warehouse). Now, the DMV wants to charge me approximately 4,000.00 to register the vehicle (which is of course, $4,000.00 more than I paid for the vehicle, and truly defeats the purpose, as I cannot afford that).

Thus, I am wondering, is there anyway around such an issue?

One of my thoughts is simply this, if I took it to a junkyard, due to the engine, and transmission, could they salvage it and then would that reset the registration fees(because I don't really care if its a salvaged title, I just need something to carry my soccer goals, and kids/players).

Again, I am not knowledgeable about these matters so if anyone can provide help or advice I would be thankful.

Thank you in advance.

Sinc, -g.