Solid Axle Swap BS Thread

@bayareataco

Would you mind posting a parts list for your f/r axle build?

 

Think I am going to start collecting parts to sas my 01 Tacoma 3.4l Prerunner. Want to do a basic leaf setup front and rear. Plan is to use an old toyota pickup or 4runner axle (preferrably 84 85 as they sound like the best years) with the Inchworm Gear PreRunner Adapter Kit. Would like to run a dual transfer case but not sure which one yet (little insight on those would be nice). I have the tools and help to do it myself and make all the brackets and such but am a little lost on all the parts and such i need not related to fabricating.


Is the pickup/4runner axle the same length as the 1st gen tacomas?


Will I need to replace the radiator with a shorter one?


What steering components do I need?


What gearing is recommended (was planning 4.88s?)? Plan is to run 35s since this will still be my dd.


Also looking into getting a locker up front as the rear has the e locker. Was considering an arb but was also looking at doing a detroit. Only reason looking at doing a detroit besides cost would be that without the front locked and not in 4wd, it would just be free spinning and shouldnt catch/auto engage or whatever you want to call it? Or am I missing something when it comes to that?


With leafs, what length shocks do most run and which leafs do most people prefer? (63" chevys seem to be popular? other options?)


To help keep costs down, I dont want to use a kit hence sourcing most the parts other ways. Main expenses would be the axle, gears, locker, and the inchworm adapter. Am I missing anything so far? I have lots more questions but am still reading and researching a lot.
Sorry for all the questions. Still slowly figuring things out haha

 

Responded in bold.

 

Not complete but you get the point. I did get a wholesale price on the axle housings as my friend/the builder is a dealer, so I guess im closer to 7k and axle not 5.


Rear:

Ruff Stuff "crate" 9'' rear housing with armor
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/R1980.html

Strange Nodular 9'' 3rd with ARB and 5.29's
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/WC935ARB.html

Solid drive flanges & full float kit. Less the brakes that came with the RS axle
http://www.solidaxle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=15&idcategory=12
http://www.solidaxle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=54&idcategory=16

RCV full float axles
http://www.rcvperformance.com/full-floater-axle-form.aspx


Front:
Ruff Stuff custom 9" front with armor
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/R1339.html

Strange Nodular 9'' 3rd with ARB and 5.29's
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/WC935ARB.html

Solid spindles and hubs kit less the stub shafts
http://www.solidaxle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=57&idcategory=15

solid knuckles & inner c's. steering arms and caps
http://www.solidaxle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=39&idcategory=8
http://www.solidaxle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=42&idcategory=8
http://www.solidaxle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=41&idcategory=8

Yukon Hardcore locking hubs
http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-15...hub-set-for-dana-60-35-spline-99-04-ford.html

RCV cv axles
http://www.rcvperformance.com/categories-cv-axles.aspx?catID=RCVP_ULT_CV_AXLES_ALT

all the rest of the bearings and seals came from ECGS, as well as kingpins and Reid bronze bushings.

 

@malburg114 Have you seen the trail gear kits? I just got mine and its in the garage, not sure the kit b wouldn't be one of the cheaper routes for you. I know it was for me, but I don't have access to the used parts some of you guys do "down south."

The above from @Redneck92 looks spot on for info.

 

Wow thank you for the quick response. That helped out a lot. My truck being an auto, the radiator would have to be replaced? Or no? I have seen some guys do and some don't.

The leafs up front, yiu said and pre 95 truck. Is that pre 95 toyota trucks or any truck in general?

No plans on posting on pirate... I'll just lurk over there. Thank you again for the help

 

I was considering doing the kit but I have access to a cnc table to cut everything. It'll take a little more time to measure it and draw it all up but will save quite a bit of money. It is a little easier with all the junkyards and people selling on Craigslist. I just have to be patient and wait for the right deal.

 

I think going leafs you have to swap in the shorter one. Adam has a 3 link set up and is running the sock one but it hangs down quite a bit. 86-95 Toyota 4wd is what the springs will come from. Your best bet really is to get the basic TG kit with springs. I'd do research on which springs because done like to get the HD springs and pull a leaf out to lower it some. Plus with the TG kit you get the front sitting hanger and shackle kit which will save fab time. Look at the frenchy build by Addicted, prob the best guide on how to do leafs and keep it low.

 

FROR makes a nice kit for the hangar and shackles as well. If you are looking at pieceing a kit together look at ruff stuff for tabs and stuff like that, and forum for sale boards are your friend. I have saved thousands so far by buying used and jumping on deals.

 

Wish I had a CNC table...

 

Yep, iroks suck too, lots of bad reviews. From what I've seen I haven't been impressed either. Mine were bias, what the hell is radial?? Must be some gay term street riders use

 

Wonder what would be the best non sticky tire? Pitbulls rockers? Sucks they don't make a narrow 40"...

 

From guys I've talked to with Pitbulls they didn't really care for them. Too stiff was the major complaint.

 

Dude I wheel with has bias 42's and he runs 6psi up front and 5 out back and they do awesome. He was doing muddy connector trails and hills at Windrock in 2wd where I had to be in 4x4

 

I think the guy I had talked to had just got them so they were brand new which is why they were stuff as fuck.

 

Well the creepies are in the garage. Dismounting tires is a bitch.. haven't successfully gotten one off yet. Bout to find a machine to throw them on

 

I wheel with 3 guys that have them, they love them, and we all want them!! Basically industructable and once you break them in they are badass until you get to deep mud.

They will most likely be my next set of tires, those or tsl sx's.

 

My only complaint is they don't make a narrow 40" and I'm not dropping down to 37's

 

The SX II are my dream tire, look freaking nasty.

 

If anyone here upgrades rear axle and gets rid of a rear 3rd with 4.88 and arb locker let me know!
Already have 4.88 but i want a locker