What? It doesn't even run, paperwork has hardly been signed, and I'm doing axles already?!

Yes, there's a reason: my intent with this vehicle is to remove the bed and build my own camper enclosure in the back. The position of the wheels needs to be finalized before I start building. Otherwise I will waste valuable floorspace if I build it to narrow 1st-gen axle width and then install a later, wider axle.

I would want to swap to a 86-95 rear axle for bigger brakes and more track width (more stability). Remember, this is going to have 500-1000 pounds of permanent cargo over the rear. I would think that the 3" difference in width vs. the stock front axle is going to be negligible. But alternately, I would want to swap to a Tacoma axle for even bigger brakes (I assume) and native fitment of the E-locker and 3.58 gears. Now... a 5" difference track width? Is that going to matter? Isn't it the same as a typical dually as far as handling goes? What's handling matter, anyway; this is a solid-axle truck, not a double-wishboned sportscar.

For that matter, what are my options for keeping SAS but having more front track width? I would rather not run spacers. I know there are Landcruiser front axles, but they're way bigger, and I would guess quite a bit heavier?

 

I have an 86 rear axle under my truck with 1.5" front spacers to match the rear width. If you decide to do the vented rotor swap with larger calipers on the front you are going to have to run spacers anyways in the front so why not just make it match. If you could find a complete elocker rear axle then the tacoma might be the way to go if you want that much width in the back...

I modified the 86 axle to accept an elocker 4.30 third and it was a fairly easy mod.

 

I didn't know I had to run spacers with bigger front brakes. I *was* thinking about upgrading those, though it's something I can do later.

Did you run the stock axle width with the wider rear at any point? If so, did you notice or care about the increased understeer?

The only time I've used spacers/hub adapters was on a BMW, and it was a disaster that turned me off to the whole idea. But that's a fussy machine in general, with the suspension especially, and I'm getting out of playing with fancy toys like that

I've read rumors/suggestions/opinions, but not facts, that Taco spring spacing is different (I can't weld an axle housing so if that's true, no Tacoma axle for me). But looking at photos of that axle, they seem awfully close - just about 3/4" more distance between the hub flange and the spring, compared to the 86-95.

 

I would recommend the vented rotor upgrade for the front brakes, especially since you are adding weight to the truck. It is a really common upgrade. Search and you will find a lot of info on it. Here is one writeup on it-
http://www.reno4x4.com/forum/showthr...models-Toyotas

I never ran the wider rear with the stock front, did everything at once. The most common setup is what I have, IFS rear and 1.5" front spacers. The front actually measures 1" wider than the rear and I think it might be this way stock? Maybe measure your truck to see? Lots of people run the spacers with HUGE tires and don't have any issues. Marlin Crawler, All Pro, or Trail Gear are good sites for the spacers and vented front rotors.

I haven't read about the Tacoma rear axle spring perch spacing, but if it is different then just go with the 86-95 since it bolts up. Modifying the rear axle housing is a matter of a little cutting with a grinder, then drilling and tapping a few more holes. This is all you need for parts-
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index...er-gasket.html
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index...e-housing.html

This is a good link and has some elocker install links on it-
http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/

Also, if you decide to try the Tacoma axle make sure you get one that has a factory locker(8" diff) because the non-lockers have an 8.4" diff.

 

Look into doing the rear disk brake install, that would certainly help, considering youre turning it into a camper.

 

Rear disc will kick butt over the bigger rear 86-95 axle brakes.
Thousands of people run 86-95 rear ends with 1.5" spacers up front.

Edit: where are you gonna find 3.42 or 3.58 gears for the front end? Why such high gears? You are talking about all the extra weight you are going to be carrying but you seem to be going the wrong way gear wise. The thing is gonna be a turd on any kind of hill..

 

Oh, rear disks too? Haven't looked into that, but yes, I like the idea. Would axle choice matter for that, or is the same conversion going to bolt up to a 79-85, 86-95, or Taco rear?

3.42 came in early 8" that will swap with the stock R&P. Otherwise, Taco e-locker in the front as well as rear.

Diesel swap, no plans for bigger tires.

 

By the way, I measured my axle and the axle of a 4x4 Tacoma on the property. Both have 2 3/8" wide leafsprings, and critically, both have right about 37" between the inner edges of the spring leaves. The Tacoma axle has just over 6" from the brake dust shield to the inner side of the outer U-bolts. The '81 has just over 3.5". I don't see any reason the Taco axle wouldn't fit. Do you?

 

that was my first thought!

 

nope.
but i don't agree with your gear theory...even with a diesel.
where did you find the info that there were 3.42 were available in 79-85 Mini trucks?

 

I remember reading somewhere that 2WD 88-95 V6 had 3.42, and I assume that must be an 8". A lightly turned-up TDI or barely-turned up OM617 (I'm still not decided on which) make as much torque and at lower revs than a 3VZ, so if 3.42 is good enough there, it'll be good enough for me, is my thinking. If I really find myself needing to pull stumps at some point, well, seems to me that's what low range is for.

 

most 2WD's were 7.5" rear ends...

 

Even the V6 ones? What about this here and others like it?

Well, if there's no 8" 3.42 or 3.58, I'll use the same Taco locker in the front as back.