3rd Gen 4Runner - Linked FJ80

Have a lot of grinding to do

 

You'll be breathing and tasting metal for days.....

 

I just finished cleaning up my axle and after the first 5 minutes I went for the respirator. 3 hours later and I’m so happy to not be blowing out black snot.

 

Black snot rockets are in full effect today

 

Pitman arm removal and cleaning frame rails are equal levels of fun

 

Drag link heim is still 3/8” lower than the panhard heim (with pitman not fully torqued), probly gonna notch the frame a tad.

 

What about tilting the plate and box more down? You have to consider fittings placement if you are running a ram.

Lock to lock don't bind with the diff cover? TR is very close. Are you mounting the drag heim above or below the arm? Will probably bind if it's under the arm depending on droop, might have to add .25~.50" spacer.

 

Good point, I’ll take a look at fitting placement. Tie rod doesn’t hit the diff cover, but is close. Drag heim will be above the steering arm to keep it inline with the axle side panhard heim.

I can probably straighten the box and mount it higher, which should provide a bit more clearance…but to get it level with the frame side panhard heim I’ll need to notch (unless being off 1/2” is close enough).

 

Moved the box higher, further fwd, and less angled. 1/2” height diff between pitman heim and panhard frame heim, close enough.

 

Seems like this will work, open to suggestions. Will be bracing over the engine, hoops down to tubes off the vertical face of the frame.

 

Another baby step

 

Diffs are happening

 

Local builder does good work. And of course, a full float fj80 rear just listed locally for $350.

 

Had to remake the driver’s shock mount, passenger mount done, steering stops in. Will add braces down to the frame and over the engine. Time to make the front permanent.

 

With 4" of up-travel, frame is sitting at 25" on 37's. Would take a lot more work to get additional up-travel...this will do.

 

Slowly plugging away. Lowers made, axle welded up, scored an addicted front for $650.

 

Steering box mount sleeved, hoops braced, axle together for hopefully the final time.

 

Mine’s similar. I’m about 4.5” up on a 24.5” frame height. But I moved the motor up, notched my oil pan, and built an entire new front frame section. If I run a bent panhard, did some slight notching of the frame, and move my axle slide link mounts down an inch or so I could pull 5.5-6….

 

I probably should have done all of that, can’t wait to see yours done!

 

I’m a bit behind you. Shooting for a mid may first drive