The beginning, 4Runner SAS

very sexy!!!

 

Got a small job done, painted and rebuilt my calipers.

Does anyone know about square front driveshafts? Seems like a simple concept, I'm going to look into building one. The only down side I can see is vibration at speed. I don't think I've ever needed to go very fast in 4 wheel drive.

GH

 

Thanks.

 

They are cheap to make, strong and effective. However they can make noise (rattle) and are hard to balance. But if it's in the front, it won't matter much at all.

 

Got a shock hoop burnt in today. Installed a new starter too, been having issues for a while. This was the easiest time to change it with nothing in the way. Didn't even take 10 minutes.

 

Pretty much dodged rain all day to get that little bit done.

 

These are almost ready to go back on. New o-rings will be here on Monday. I ended up using my IFS locking hubs because they are in better shape than the solid axle ones. To make them work I installed a chromo gear with the right spline count from Bobby Long's.

Oh, I ended up not powder coating them. The cheapest place locally was 50 bucks. If the paint doesn't hold up I'll get a powder coating set up from Harbor Frieght and powder coat them myself.

 

I've got a square front d/s. It works, but its kinda loud.

 

Loud just when 4x4 is engaged right? My main reasons for the square shaft, I like to build stuff, it's really strong and at some point I'm going to swap to a 5 speed with dual cases. So I don't want to lay out the cash for a good front shaft only to have to change it out when I go dual.

GH

 

if you plant to change it down the road then you should hold off on having one built.

Although if you plan to use it for a few years like that you might want to fork up the money. Its not too expensive to have them lengthened or shortened.. a shop near me charges right around $100

 

It clicks when the hubs are locked, when you are in 4wd it's more of a clanking, when you're turning under articulation it clanks. You and the people around you can hear it. I catch hell all the time about it when I go wheeling. Dosent really bother me. Eventually I will get one from tg or somewhere.

 

My rear kit came in yesterday. Doing the Trail-Gear 4 inch kit. I figured with all the crap I keep in the back between camping gear, high lift jack and plans for a tire swingout it should match the 3 inch front springs.

I can't say enough about Frontier 4x4, free shipping on orders over 3bills. That and great customer service keeps me coming back.

GH

 

Drove it around the block today! No shocks and all! The front end is 95% done.

Should be able to start the rear next weekend.

GH

 

Rear suspension, we gone.



Axle mostly prepped and painted. Just have to grind the leaf hangers flush. I have one axle seal leaking, so I'm going to order new Marlin seals.

 

It was way to hot out for this, but the rear is mostly done.

Life is good, beer in hand and happy!



Front shock pic:

 

things a beast man...looks real good

 

It actually moves under its own power again! I drove it up to 65mph, no weird wobbles or shakes and most importantly all the suspension remained attached to the Runner!

I still have about 20 small things to button up before the SAS and rear suspension is actually done. All easy stuff that shouldn't take too long. I am back to waiting on parts for one of the small jobs, Marlin sent me front axle seals instead of the rear ones I ordered. Not a big deal I'm actually too tired to work on it anymore today anyway.

GH

 

Hell yeah man it's looking freaking good!!! Time for some flex shots!

 

Looking good man!

 

Just went through the whole build, great job and great looking rig!