Underdog777's '88 4x4 build

Bump. That's right. This bitch is getting updated too tonight.

 

Took this old bastard out to stretch it's legs yesterday. Pacman4runner tagged along and we decided to head out to Calico to get a better feel for the area. My main goals for that day were to climb up something stupid steep, 3 wheel, and flex some nuts. Here's what we got.




Three wheel'n attempt.



Something stupid steep.



Flex'n nuts. I kept attempting big ass boulders and realized that my tires are garbage and I'm still IFS. So I had to find the rock you see pictured below.



This was the highlight of the day. While Pacman4runner was getting poised for a 3 wheel'n shot I had noticed that his spring had come off it's perch. It wound up completely falling out and getting wedged between the wheel and the bump stop on top of the axle housing. With a hammer and a "fuck it whatever works" attitude it was fixed.





All in all a good day. The 88 did outstanding given a shot out steering system, two demolished CV axles, bent shackles, one bent shock, and street tires. Everything that was thrown at it was handled with the same amount of experience that is holding it together. Pure Toyota ruggedness. Thanks for watching

 

Every time I decide on a color to paint this thing I realize I have a friend with the same color truck. I came to a realization that I have no originality so I'm painting it black.

 

Where did you get your steering wheel?

 

So I picked up an 85 front axle yesterday...no big deal

 

If anyone actually reads this build thread, I need some advice. I'm pretty dead set on going with TG's 4'' sas kit which will actually yield 5'' of lift. With that much ride height, would I be making a mistake to run 5.29 gears on a 27 spline axle to spin 35's with an engine producing 100 some hp? Should I go with a smaller lift to keep it 4.88's and 33's? Thanks.

 

Dude.. you know i read this! lol. Honestly.. I have no Idea man. 5.29 seems a bit much for that motor.. maybe Im wrong. I think you would be happier with 33's. More power, better fuel economy, less stress on the motor, cheaper tires/replacement tires.

That's my useless bit of advice.

 

Sold my '87 last year. I was running 35X12.50R15 with the 22re and 4.88's, I had a total of 8'' of lift in front and 8.5'' in the rear. The truck pushed the 35's well with the 4.88's and I was getting 22MPG and had decent power. I am from colorado and it was a bitch to drive up the mountains on the highway, but no power problems in 4low. A little in 4High though. 5.29 may be a good choice, just keep in mind where and how you drive.

 

I'll keep that into perspective when it comes time to pull the trigger. The truck won't be used for much street driving. Only to get to trails and back so fuel economy is not a big deal in retrospect but more of having the control I need in first gear in 4lo.

 

Sub'd. I'm in the middle of solid axle swapping my pickup too. If you are worried about 4lo not giving you enough power or control, have you looked into a dual tcase set up?

 

Eventually yeah a dual t case will be set up. For now I gotta rebuild the axle and fix the Tacoma.

 

Picked up bed liner today. What for you ask? To cover the entire truck in it. Also, axle rebuild parts will be ordered shortly. Stay tuned.

 

dear god.. your painting It again.. lol

 

Idk is smearing bed liner all over it really painting it?

 

Finally something worth reading in this build thread! I just placed an order with All Pro for knuckle rebuild kit, knuckle studs, brake rotors, and brake lines! So stoked since this marks the start of rebuilding the '85 axle. I am torn right now between Trail Gear and All Pro for Hy-steering. If I got with TG I can use the TB eliminator kit with their hy-steer. If I go All Pro I keep the TB but AP has the advantage in time proven equipment. Both come with lifetime warranty, and forged parts. I'll need some input on that decision. Thanks for watching.

 

Trail Gear, neve had a problem with my steering. Also the gearing issue, if you plan to offroad I recommend the 5.29's with 35's, my dad has that setup with 4.7 gears in the case, and it does very well offroad, could also be the front arb and rear locker. I've got 33's on 4.10 gears right now with 4.7 gears and need to upgrade to 4.88's.

 

Get the trail gear. Trunions are fucking garbage.

 

Killer. That's a no brainer then. I have decided to go the route of 5.29's. I am a little hesitant to run a Detroit true trac up front. Should I just be going with a strait Detroit locker?

 

If you have it in the budget do a selectable up front, that way you can still steer when you need to. With a locker up front you'll want to do hydro steer probably too.

 

You bring up a very valid point. A selectable locker is not in my budget. Hydro steering is out of my reach as well right now. Would I be ok with standard steering and a true trac?