Tacoma SAS Part One: Dana 44 Rebuild

Now I could work on removing the third memeber with both axle shafts out.

Started by removing the drive shaft from the flange.





Once the bolts are off, I used a rod to push the drive shaft back and it seperated from the flange.





Then I zipped off the nuts holding the third member. Some of the studs came off along with the nut.





Ta-da

 

Rear axle off. Removed brake lines and began cleaning it up.



Figured I would do a stud eliminator kit while I was at it.
Just went to a local fastener supply shop and picked up the 10mm - 1.25mm hex nuts and bolts including lock washers (10 each).





The head of a 1/4" socket wrench fits


Had my buddy weld the studs in place from the backside. I don't think it was necessary but just an added insurance.

 

Also cleaned up the 60" Chevy springs.

 

Lookin good man! I was gonna ask about the heads on those bolts since I was lookin at doin something similar with an elocker axle I'm building up. There's no clearance issues with that bolt head being so thick? I know the stud eliminator kit has bolts that have a more flush head on them.

 

There doesn't seem to be any clearance issue. The only stud eliminator kits I could find had 8mm nuts and bolts. I needed 10mm for my axle, so I had to go this route. It's been done before.

 

Cool thanks man can't wait to see more progress on your build.

 

To get a little more lift out of those chevy springs, I had them arced 2 more inches using a large press.



The overload leafs could also give me about another 1" of lift so I cut them down enough that they wouldn't get hung up on anything while on the trail.

 

Rear differential with new 5.29 gears and TrueTrac limited slip case.

National Drivetrain.com

5.29 Ring and Pinion (Motive Gears) $207.99
Master Install Kit $230.00
TrueTrac Limited Slip Case $403

 

My buddies and I got the rear springs mounted and the axle underneath the truck. I also installed the new parts for the e-brake and drum brakes.

Sorry for the lack of pictures. We got most of this done in one night and my phone died quickly in the cold garage.

Before we cut off the stock springs we wanted to make sure the center point of the new springs would stay in the same place. So we took a laser and marked on the frame where the original springs sat at the center pin.

After the stock springs were cut off, I put the hangers and the shackles on the chevy springs and we set them up underneath the truck and tacked them in place.. measuring constantly.

Front spring hangers from Budbuilt.



Shackle hangers from WFO Concepts. Shackles custom made (3/8" x 2" x 7" steel flat bar)






Put 4 degree shims under the leaf packs.





New brake lines and brake hose.
24" Brake hose from Front Range Off Road



New e-brake bell crank.



Fixed up the drum brakes. New springs and brake pads.



Third member back in place.



Rear axle sitting under it's own weight.

 

updates?

really like your build. Filled with pics.

 

Any update? Part 2??

 

Looking good, front done yet?

 

How far foward did you end up mounting the chevy springs? And much of a lift did they give you? Getting ready to do mine and just want to make sure i have all the right measurments.

 

Oh you will like the 5.29's.
^^ Like he said, how much lift did you end up with using the Chevy springs? Also, why are the leaf shackles so long?
Just curious.

 

I need to know this as well.. The PO of my truck did it and I don't think he mounted them far enough forward as the axle isn't in the middle of the wheel well. I've already bought all the parts to cut off and redo it but wanna make sure I know what I'm doing lol

 

^^ good post, I'd like to know as well.

At one point, with the OEM leafs, I extended the driver side shackle 1" to make up for the 'taco lean' as the leafs were sagging. I also had the AAL kit installed. While going through the whoops at the sand dam, I bottomed out, broke the entire spring pack, blew one shock and broke the eye of the other.

Checking things closer, the tire got into the front of the fender flare and cracked it, the passenger side was fine.

So... my point is get the tire positioned as close to OEM as possible.

I may be going this route soon too, dunno.

 

Well started on my Chevy swap a on Wednesday. Got a little side tracked yesterday and didn't work on them today but will post up the specs in my build if you guys are interested. Thanks

 

Just stumbled across this thread. Lolve what your doing! Any updates?

 

Just saw this thread. Was the most detailed sas ever...then POOF...gone!