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Straight axle

Discussion in 'Solid Axle Suspension' started by Devin19, Oct 19, 2017.

  1. Oct 19, 2017 at 9:48 AM
    #1
    Devin19

    Devin19 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Alright so I have a 97 tacoma Xtra cab 3.4l 4x4. I'm trying to figure out if it would be easier/cheaper or even possible to use the front axle of an 80's model toyota pickup and it's steering setup to SAS the IFS on my tacoma. If anyone has prices or pictures of this setup or similar it would be greatly appreciated. I know that SAS are expensive but just trying to get an idea. Thanks!!
     
  2. Oct 20, 2017 at 10:17 AM
    #2
    slander

    slander Honorary Crawl Boi

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    Easier and cheaper than what? Why do you want an SAS truck?
     
  3. Oct 20, 2017 at 10:39 AM
    #3
    DaveInDenver

    DaveInDenver Not Actually in Denver

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    I believe if you want to use a front axle from a 79-85 truck you'd need to flip the knuckles and spring perches. The 79-95 trucks have the differential on the right side, Tacomas have the front diff on the left. Most I think use the Dana 44 axles from old Jeeps unless they build something custom.

    I do believe you use the steering box from a IFS 86-95 truck, though. You would have to remove the rack-and-pinion from your Tacoma either way.
     
  4. Oct 20, 2017 at 10:40 AM
    #4
    Devin19

    Devin19 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    well I was hoping that if I SAS using an 80s model toyota and steering setup it would be cheaper than using other straight axles. I'm really not sure if it will be or not so I'm just trying to get some info. I'm mainly trying to get a taller stance, like an extra 4- 6 inches taller. I like the regular IFS lifts too but I know that any suspension lift over 3 inches is pretty expensive. Just looking at my options. I use my truck on trails a lot so trying to get some more clearance/flex. All info will help! I know that SAS's are expensive just seeing if there are any cheaper routes
     
  5. Oct 20, 2017 at 10:41 AM
    #5
    Devin19

    Devin19 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the info if it's easier than using the toyota pickup axle then I'll look into the dana 44
     
  6. Oct 20, 2017 at 10:44 AM
    #6
    DaveInDenver

    DaveInDenver Not Actually in Denver

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    Search, it's been discussed in depth a lot around here. It's not going to be easy or cheap. I think the turnkey option is a 1980s Dana 44, from Wagoneers I think. They are the right width and right drop. People do use Toyota axles but they're not bolt-on.
     
  7. Oct 20, 2017 at 10:44 AM
    #7
    Toyoland66

    Toyoland66 Well-Known Member

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    Not exactly that simple but basically yes. You may want to consider starting with a FJ60 axle instead, they are 59" WMS instead of the 55" or whatever a minitruck axle is. I think the stock tacoma WMS is 61". You can make up the extra couple inches by running IFS hubs and the tacoma brakes with the FROR kit, or buy a widening sleeve and custom length short side inner axle, aka LC wizard.

    Or you can build something with a custom housing using either minitruck or FJ80 knuckles and axles, and either 8" or 9.5" diff.

    Or you can use a superduty super D60 from a 05+ superduty and swap in a matching rear axle with 8x170 lug pattern, I would consider this based on how much easier these axles are to source compared to the toyota stuff.
     
    DaveInDenver[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Oct 20, 2017 at 10:45 AM
    #8
    Toyoland66

    Toyoland66 Well-Known Member

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    Easier than what? SAS are not exactly easy.
     
  9. Oct 20, 2017 at 10:51 AM
    #9
    Devin19

    Devin19 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I was thinking that using an older toyota axle would be easier as far as better fitment/ less fabrication since it was from a toyota, I didn't realize the widths were different though. I definitely understand that the SAS isn't easy lol just though that since the axle would be from a early toyota pickup it would be less work. Thanks for the info though!!!
     
  10. Oct 20, 2017 at 10:58 AM
    #10
    DaveInDenver

    DaveInDenver Not Actually in Denver

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    The 79-85 axles aren't the easiest option by a long shot, even for an SAS on a 86-95 truck they required 1.5" wheel spacers and the axle on Tacoma are wider by another 1.5".

    Toyota Rear Axle Widths:
    55" wide, '79-85 trucks/4runners
    55.1" wide, '60-83 FJ40
    57.9" wide, '81-87 FJ60
    58.5" wide, '86-95 trucks/4runners
    60" wide, '95.5-up Tacomas/4runners
    62.2" wide, '91-92 FJ80
    63" wide, '93-97 FZJ80
    66.75" wide, '93-98 T100 trucks
     
  11. Oct 20, 2017 at 11:54 AM
    #11
    slander

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    I would not even mess around with flipping anything and swap a pax drive tcase into it. I flipped an axle for my SAS and would not do it again. Was it hard, no, but it's much easier to swap tcases.
     
    malburg114 likes this.
  12. Oct 21, 2017 at 7:26 PM
    #12
    1999RegCab

    1999RegCab Well-Known Member

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    People don't do a SAS because they want to "lift the truck" or a "taller stance" (unless they are building a show truck). There are many ways (read, cheaper) to achieve "lift" with IFS. Just get a quality suspension package with coilovers and cut some sheet metal and you will be money ahead with your IFS.

    If you think that an IFS lift over 3" is expensive, then prepare to have a heart attack with a SAS :eek: Even if you do it with an older toyota axle, it is a gigantic expense.
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2017
    Tacolover92 and THROTTLE231 like this.
  13. Oct 22, 2017 at 5:18 AM
    #13
    THROTTLE231

    THROTTLE231 Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: Oct 22, 2017
    Tacolover92 likes this.
  14. Oct 22, 2017 at 11:27 AM
    #14
    malburg114

    malburg114 Well-Known Member

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    Did my sas with an 83 minitruck axle. Used FROR Tacoma brake swap and 1.25" spacers. I think its a good width for non hardcore trails. Just swapped to a pre Tacoma transfer case to make it passenger drop. Search. Lots of info on here and pirate.
     
  15. Oct 23, 2017 at 6:41 AM
    #15
    Toyoland66

    Toyoland66 Well-Known Member

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    It’s doable, but adding all the width outboard of the knuckle puts more stress on the trunnion and wheel bearings.
     

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