Solid Axle Swap BS Thread

My buddy went the Dana 300 route. As you know, the atlas is modeled after that anyway. It worked well for him because he managed to get the Dana 300 and upgrades very cheap. But it can be pricey to build otherwise.

Overall though, I think going straight to the atlas is the the better option. It's a big expense if you go the 4-speed route though, at least 4 grand easily - plus shipping, plus tax, etc., so closer to $4,500 depending on options. I've been happy with the regular 2-speed version with 5.0 gears, and that's with a 5 speed manual. Plenty low for my needs.

Then advance adapters is such a great company to deal with. Another plus is that if you change your mind down the road, the resale value on atlas transfer cases is pretty high. They go fast in the used parts market and people seem to recuperate most of their money. I think it is a good investment.

 

Couple pics with the shocks loaded

 

The bed off look grew on me more than I thought it would.



Had it at Windrock and did some tough trails. Only casualties were the driver side brake line and stick ford tie rod as you can see here.

 

Reg cab SAS is alive! It looks good man.

Those gotta be 42"s, correct? Truck looks great.

Didn't realize those factory ford 1 ton tie rods were that weak. Is that a 2005+ D60??

 

These are 40s. I think the tie rod is pretty strong after what I slammed it on. But I will be going with weld on high steer arms next. And yes 2005+ D60.

 

Fulv

Full width like a fat bottom girl. You running sterling axle in the rear? Radius arms in the front? Looks good but the cops would give me hell if i ran it full width.

 

Yep sterling rear. Why would cops give you hell? Something about mud flaps?

 

They look like 42”s on my screen!

It must have been a heck of a beating on that tie rod then

How did you fit that axle in there? Those 2005+ D60s are so massive. When I bought my kingpin, it was lying next to a 2005+ on the ground. The kingpin looked tiny by comparison LOL.

 

Ha ha yep. Im married to one she would give me a ticket jk she couldnt catch me. The county cops arent bad its the the stateys and the city pd.
It looks real good. I like the sterlings, good axle, did you get the one with the factory locker?
I went 14 bolt, sometimes wish it was a sterling

 

This kit does a good job keeping it low and making room. This thing is huge for sure.

 

Mine doesn't have factory locker. I went 5.38s and Detroit for the rear with an Eaton elocker front.

 

What path are you guys taking to source an IFS steering box these days? Is there a preferred online junkyard with cheap boxes, then rebuild/drill/tap for hydro? Any thoughts on the new trail gear power flow box (https://trail-gear.com/steering/trail-gear-power-flow-steering-box.html)...pricey at ~$550

 

Using something other than ifs box. Use a jeep tj/lj steering box and put it inside the frame or use a jk box and go outside. Stronger and more plentiful

 

I actually have a steering box from TG, but it is one of the regular IFS boxes drilled/tap for hydro assist. They used to sell those, bought it 5 or 6 years ago I think. This is the first time I ever see this "power flow" version.

 

The power flow is just a regular box drilled and tapped.

 

I'll look into these boxes, hadn't heard of this option before.

 

Any issues with it? I've heard reviews of excessive play from TG boxes, but i'm pretty out of touch with their quality these days.

 

Anything’s an option. Just have to drill and sleeve the frame for what you want.

Toyota ifs boxes are notorious for leaking and overall weak compared to the bigger newer boxes out.

my 89 Toyota with an ifs box leaks and it’s on factory tires

 

I had one and it made it maybe 2 years of wheeling and then I couldn’t get the sector shaft seal to stop leaking.

 

Oh well lol. I don’t remember it being called that when I bought it. Maybe it was? Dunno..

Mine leaked pretty bad when I got it from TG. Got replaced under warranty and the second one has been ok.