2004 as a SAS project (differences first gen years?)

Hey guys, big Toyota offroad fan here...

I currently own an 89 pickup crawler on 40s that has been solid axle swapped, exo caged... . I love it for beat down rock crawling, but it has severely limited cab space and just sucks to drive on the road....

I've always wanted to build a newer SAS truck as sort of a do it all build. Been eyeing a low mileage 04 Tacoma 4x4.... I would probably keep the 3.4 and put the Magnuson supercharger on it to turn 37s or maybe even 40s. I figure that would be pretty reliable and have enough power to get down the road.

Are there any major challenges to solid axle swapping that year in terms of electronics... Obviously the ABS probably has to go, but are there other major stumbling blocks with the electronics.

 

I wouldn't think so. You're pretty much replacing everything with a SAS anyway. I assume you're going to twin stick it with a 5 speed? Or keep the auto trans and stock T-case?

 

I'll probably end up with an atlas 4 speed in it, but maybe a gear driven crawl box in front of the stock case... Probably doing an auto in this one.. Want it to be something the wife can drive...

 

just a little something for her to tool around at the mall and take the kids to school, eh?

 

The good news is that the double cabs are all automatics


I like your truck and I'm excited to see how this new one turns out

 

So far I've found I'll need a t100 oil pan to clear the front axle..

I've seen both driver and passenger side drops done on these (gear driven vs chain driven t-cases I guess). Hoping I can find some good examples to follow. Upper link is always a challenge to find a good spot. I'll probably go with a hybrid style axle Ford 9" centers with d60 king pin knuckles 35 spline. I like the 3rd member style centers.

I have found a truck with low miles but a salvage title. It says it was side swiped in the carfax report.

I'm not too concerned about the salvage title as I will be chopping it up the frame and body some anyway and won't ever be selling it to anyone who wants a stock like truck.

 

Good call on th 60 outers, the turning angle on toyota axles SUCKS!!! I recomend doing the front frame chop, cut it off right where it bends in, no more messing with grinding and you will have some thick steel to weld to.

 

X2 on building the front axle. There is not a great swap option otherwise.

Plus, if you're running the same rear center section you can carry a spare third that can be used in either axle.