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Just started my SAS. Got on Craigslist and found an old 4runner with good axles. Detroit lockers in front and rear, 4.56 gears, and longfield axles. Called him up and picked up both of those and he threw in a third front axle for parts since one of the longfields was busted. So three axles, two lockers, and two axles with 4.56's for $750. Not bad. If anyone needs the spare front axle minus the short shaft and hub let me know.
The spare front and good rear:
And the good front:
Came with Warn hubs instead of the standard Aisin. No idea how they perform but I think they look cool anyways.
So now to find out how bad the damage is with the busted axle and begin the prep...
Removed the axle and it definitely exploded...
First of all...these are not longfields. The issue is some damage was done to the inside of the knuckle. I am worried that it will affect the inner axle seal and/or the knuckle bearings. I did some research and most people say just run it, so for now I will continue.
This is looking down into the inside of the knuckle
and the inner axle seal
Is the axle crap at this point or will it not matter once I rebuild it? I have the spare but I would like to use this axle if it is working bc the locker and gears are installed in this one.
Got the diff apart and there is dirt all over the place. I guess I will take the time to service the diff as well with new bearings etc. Also going to bring everything in for a good hot tanking.
3" TG SAS kit ordered!!! Went with Yotamasters as they are having a 10% off sale and got the whole kit + inner axle seals + shipping for only $1288. Pretty good!
Removed the rear diff from the axle I bought. I figured it was easier to just transfer the 3rd to my existing axle than have to do a full swap. Ordered the Yukon diff rebuild kit and hope to get that done this week after work so I can be ready to finish up the front axle by this weekend.
Progress is slow when waiting on parts to get here...
SAS kit came in. Basically waiting on the diff rebuild at this point. Debating on if I should take it in or do it myself. Sounds complicated and I do not want to have to rip it out bc I didnt do it right the first time. Local shop quoted me $195 per diff. Decisions, decisions...
Now I am faced with another decision...chevy 63's or a rear lift kit from Allpro/TG. I find a lot of mixed opinions on the chevys. Mostly people complaining about departure angles, scraping on rocks etc. Yeah they are cheap but thats not a good enough excuse for me. I also dont want to have to run lift blocks and I have a feeling I will need to with the chevys and the 3" TG ifs eliminator up front.
I am leaning towards the All pro/TG kit in the rear right now even though it will up the cost by a couple hundred.
Went ahead and took my diffs in to JeepHut in Jasper, GA. I was surprised to find they have a Toyota guy working up there. He has a SAS'ed 4runner. I thought I would catch ˟˟˟˟ from the Heep drivers! They are going to install the Yukon overhaul kit in both and make sure they are good to go. I just didnt want to take the chance on screwing it up on my DD and it would have cost me about as much in tools as it would have to just take it in so i made up my mind to have it done by a pro.
Also went ahead and ordered the 3" TG rear lift, again from Yotamasters! Those guys have the best prices I can find anywhere and 10% off right now. Saved me $250 so far. I also got two axle breather kits and a body bushing kit so I can get rid of this POS body lift the previous owner put on it.
D-day is scheduled for memorial day weekend. SO PUMPED!!!!
Good news...I got access to a torch!!! I went ahead and got a 1 3/4 hole saw anyways and will probably use a combination of the two. I ordered two hole saws so if I can avoid the torch I will, but its good to know I have it if I need it.
Also, I think I have read every single SAS thread on the internet. I have every step memorized so I hope I am ready. Maybe overkill but you cant be too prepared. The axle should be done this weekend if I can pick the diffs up tomorrow.
How are my welds lookin? Bad i know, but for the truss I think it will work well enough. I am having a pro doing the frame welding.
The steering was scratched to hell from shipping. Decided to paint it orange. A little mall crawlerish but it wont last long once this baby hits the rocks and will look cool til then. I filled in the TG logo on the truss too to give it an extra touch.
Bad news...birfield from the donor axle is trashed. I have one left from two axles. If this is any reflection of the durability of stock birfields I will be getting longs asap. Guess I will pull the last birfield from the long shaft of donor axle tomorrow and hopefully it is in decent shape.
But i did get my diff breather kit and poly body mounts in today so i can trash that body lift. Rear lift parts on their way. Shop says diffs will be ready tomorrow, both rebuilt with Yukon overhaul kit.
Just ordered my longs from Yotamasters. Total price was $588 shipped. Got the gun drilled 30 splines! Pretty excited about it but they wont be here by this weekend so I will have to do the swap with no axle shafts and wait til next week to finally get the truck together.
Can you guys think of any issues with not having axle shafts for the swap? I can still put the housing under the vehicle and weld everything up, just maybe not test flex til longs come in?
04-26-2015, 08:29 AM
