Xj axle

As someone who owns both a Tacoma with IFS and a Jeep XJ with solid axle Dana 30 low pinion, I find this entire dumpster fire thread quite amusing. Happy perpetual Friday posts everyone.

OP - If you didn't install that shitty drop bracket lift yet then return it immediately because they suck donkey balls. If you did already install it then hey stick with your IFS and buy some 33's and call it a day. If you have to come here and ask about solid axle swaps and have zero idea of what they cost or the work it takes to make them work you should defintiely just stick with the IFS you already have because doing a SAS going in blind is going to make you bankrupt. But if that is your life goal I suggest to read, read, read, read some more, do some math in excel spreadsheet, read more, learn how to weld & fabricate, read more, and then give it a shot. There are dudes who have been doing things like this for decades that wouldn't attempt it because honestly it's kind of silly given your situation and already gave you advice in other posts. I think you should listen to them. Stick with the IFS.

 

Wait, there's money and labor involved with a solid axle?

I honestly thought it was paid for by blood, sweat, and cursing?

 

That's the largest part of the payment. lol

 

Makes sense

 

This was my understanding too - at least IFS can have more clearance under the diff pumpkin. I guess the LCA could still get hung up on something, but it seems like it’s be easier to avoid that. IFS can actually be superior if money is no object, but SASing is usually more cost effective than a LT and beefing up every single IFS component.
https://youtu.be/w2uCP-NkhEk?si=FOERtehfsFCBNKTB

 

Go look through the SAS BS thread and some other SAS builds on this forum and others. I’m sure you could find answers to most of your questions. If it’s just gonna be a ranch truck or trail rig, you could probably get away with a redneck swap, but if not, you’re gonna want someone who knows what they’re doing to set up all the geometry. I’d plan on spending at least 10-15k with the help of a fab shop. There are those who swear they can do a SAS for 5k, but I wouldn’t trust that those are done right.

I’d just stick with the IFS though. You don’t need huge lifts and tires on these trucks if you know how to pick your lines. 31s are fine as long as you’re not planning on running Fordyce or something.