First Post: Solid Axle and Engine Swap

Ok, so here's the rundown.

Current Condition:
2001 Tacoma SR5 4x4
2.7L 4 banger (300k+ mileage)
5 spd tranny
3" suspension lift

Alright, here goes the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The good, look at the mileage I have
The bad, engine is starting to give a little trouble, nothing serious tho.
The ugly, time to replace:
- front struts
- passenger knuckle
- brake rotors
- brake pads
- timing belt
- rear shocks
- all bushings
- coil springs
- all ball joints
- tires
- both cv axles


All this being said, I have gone the route of getting another daily driver (82 c10 step side). Well, now it's time to show my baby the love and care she deserves and turn her into the beast she deserves to be. I have acquired a few things over the last few years I would like to incorporate into this build:
-Dana 44 front axle
-Ford 5.0L 302ci engine
-Borg-Warner T18 manual 4spd tranny

My plan is to do the sas and engine swap, 6" suspension lift, 2" body lift (not a fan, but required for most v8 conversions), 37" tires, and various other mods.

I know the toyota engines are amazing, and I know a lot of people here will have negative things to say about my decisions.

What I am requesting is useful links and information that will help me in my endeavors.
Also, does the 4 banger come with the 21 or 23 spline transfer case?
Thank y'all in advance for your help.

 

awaiting the SAC gurus...but I am sure they will say the same thing, either upgrade the shafts in that 44 or sell the thing now and just get a 60, especially with that ford motor.

at 300k, if you dont really want to go and do a full rebuild, and you know the ford engine is solid, hell go for it man!


as for links, will have to be more specific on what you want. im assuming you are doing a basic leaf sprung front end? are you keeping the factory rear axle? What are you thinking for gears?

Check out the Solid axle section on the forum, and start perusing pirate 4x4, that place is a gold mine

 

Agree with mark. Find a d60 especially with the big v8.

And ya, leafs or 3 link?

 

What's wrong with a SBC?

 

Sbc = short block chevy?
Also, I plan on running a leaf spring setup. I've never done much climbing.
The only reason I said d44 is because I have one on hand. I would love to run a d60.
I'm planning on running the stock transfer case BUT I'm not 100% positive what the best adapter is

 

Small block chevy? It would be cheaper than the Ford motor to build and what not

 

Chevys are cheaper to build, and my personal favorite. However, Sbc require more modification than the ford, and I already have the ford motor lol

 

oh well that's fair I suppose

 

It sounds like it will be a build to watch. But i would think twice about the chain t case behind the 5.0 and the D44 if you plan on driving the 5.0 like it should.

 

I'm going to post full progress. I just started redoing the interior. I'll post pictures of that as soon as I get a chance.