01 4 door 1 ton SAS

Finally getting around to building my Hammers Taxi so I figured I'd post something worthwhile than just a bunch of bolt on mods. Truck started out as a prerunner that I soon converted to OEM 4wd IFS with manual hubs and J-shift t-case. One thing led to another and a pair of 1 tons fell in my lap. Since my last truck, I felt 1 tons would be the end all/be all of axle mods to the truck so here we go!

2001 Double cab Taco Prerunner converted to 4wd
87 F350 D60 front axle, 5.38's, ARB, Chevy outers, 35 spline throughout, Yukon hardcore hubs
14 bolt rear, 5.38's, ARB, disc brakes
14" Fox coilovers up front with a 3 link and 4 Wheel Underground lower link mounts
Chevy rear springs for now but already have some parts to link the rear.
39" BFG KR's on 17" steels, now 40" Nitto Trail Grapplers
Full PSC hydro assist

Currently-

 

I started last weekend (4-5-14), a week before planned. My buddies tempted me into starting early so I got the rear on tires since it was easy enough (Chevy springs). Had to cap off the rear brake lines to flip the truck around so I could start work on the front end. Basically left it last Sunday with the truck on jack stands with the IFS ready to come out.

 

Catching up to this weekend, I started yesterday (4-12-14) by cutting the frame off with the IFS attached Then I swapped oil pans and motor mounts and started mocking up the new frame. I got both built last night and were ready for fully welding this morning. Woke up early and got started on that. Once I was satisfied with the welds, I tacked the frame sections in place and rolled the D60 under her to get an idea of where it would sit nicely. Chopped out a few odds and ends with the plasma and called it a day. I'm taking vacation from the 21-25 of this month to get a bunch of work done. I've been working 10-12 hour days on this thing by myself, for the most part, so I should be able to knock out a bunch of work.

 

Hit me with a follow on Instagram (@_bdreynolds_) if you want to see pictures AS I build otherwise I'll update this thread at the end of each work day or when I get to my computer (working on the truck 35 miles from home).

Few other pics I have. My stock rear driveshaft bolted up to the 14 bolt without a hitch. Might be too long, might be too short, I'll know once it's sitting on all 4 tires and I have an opportunity to lift it to full droop.

Bought a new welder for the project, so far so good

 

I got a few things done today. Started on motor mounts then core support mounts. Not sure how the mount got all tweaked, oh well. Doesn't look like I got much done but I'm BEAT. More work tomorrow getting the Trail Gear skid plate out and the mounts cut off. I was going to work on fish plates for the frame today but decided to make them out of 1/8". Anything thicker is overkill.

Test fit a tire to get an idea of where I want the front axle to sit. Can't do much else without having links in place

 

Those welds...

Looking good! I would just move the axle as far forward as you can without hitting the headlights at full bump/lock. Aiming for a particular wheelbase?

 

finally a build page. anything you wanna sell lol

 

I'm kind of trying to avoid pushing the axle WAY far forward because I don't want it to be a limo. I'm thinking somewhere in the 126-127" range on the wheelbase is fine for now until I link the rear and pull it forward more. If I set the wheelbase at 126.5", that's 3" forward of stock. Speaking of which, anyone know what the stock wheelbase is on these trucks??

 

123".

I'm shooting for 123"-120" for mine.

 

Pretty sure you have everything I have for sale. Well, not really for sale because my friend said he wants everything but he's kinda slacking. At a certain point I just need to say fuck it and sell it to other people.

 

I knew wikipedia was wrong! They said 121.9 or something. But there is no way my rear axle went backwards from stock, it went forward if anything. I'm going to stick with 126 or so. At least the links are all adjustable so I can push it a little forward if I need to.

 

Yeah I love how adjustable links are. Nothing wrong with 126! As long as you can get a good turn radius, long wheelbases win the day IMO. Less tippy than jeeps and can reach those taller obstacles.

Got any pics of the 4WU brackets?

 

No pics yet. Supposedly Brian shipped them out today I need to prep the frame for those still. And I agree on the wheelbase thing. I love it, climbs like a beast, unlike Jeeps!

 

Not much to report for today. Put the PSC pump in and moved some shit around in the engine bay to make room for the steering reservoir and ARB compressor. Relocated the cruise control unit to the firewall which turned out pretty damn slick. Got the Trail Gear t-case skid removed and I plan to chop the brackets off the frame tomorrow. I should have drilled holes in the frame to mount it Cutting and grinding brackets off is the worst thing to deal with! Chopped up the stock t-case mount and made my own with a couple bushings. I will weld the tabs to a piece of 2x3 box tubing and make a crossmember out of it with more bushings at the frame. I will likely build round tube skid plates off the crossmember to protect the tranny pan and transfer case. Should work out real nice

 

I've always used the wiki answer for that one lol. Have I been lied to this whole time?

 

just demolished the sub button

 

I dunno, go outside and measure your trucks wheelbase