I Have seen awsome threads on SAS build-ups. I have a 1995 4runner and want to do a SAS. Im not to mechaniclly inclined as far a welding ect. How would i go about doing putting a axle up front, obviously i would need some help. How much would it cost? I would be willing to help and learn but Im 16 and want to know all that i can. thanks

 

I would start with the search button. Then read read read. There are so many SAS threads to browse through.

 

PM WaskillyWabbit and ask him... (Just kidding, don't do that)

Seriously, why do you need an SAS? Are you wheeling your IFS so hard that you are consistantly breaking stuff? Do you you have at least 3K to spend? Do you know someone who will do the majority of the work (LOTS of welding and fabrication). Do you have a shop to do it? Do you have the time to do it? I don't mean to rain on your parade, but if you ask anyone who has done an SAS, they will tell you that it is very involved, very expensive, and very time consuming. It is worth it out on the trails, but you better make sure that you are ready for the commitment of an SAS. If you're dead set on one, good luck, but I would recommend that you keep searching and reading.

 

basebll,

please check your pm.

bob

 

Since you are living in AZ, you should hit up Steve (Sonoran Steel). He is based out of Tempe and did the welding for my '91 4Runner SAS, which would be very similiar to your vehicle. He is pretty swamped, but would be worth asking.

I had Steve weld on the SAS hanger with the IFS still in place. I then drove the vehicle a while until I had some time. Then, I cut off the IFS with a grinder and bolted up the axle, springs, steering... etc.

Cost would vary, depends on what other mods you want (or need) to do. Marlin, Trail Gear and All-Pro all carry SAS kits and parts that make things much easier.

Since I also live in AZ, I'd be happy to let you see my 4Runner and what type of project you are looking to take on.

 

For round numbers, $3000 seems to be the going rate if you do all the fab work yourself which it sounds like you can't. If you want to go larger than 35's, you can multiply that number by at least 2X.

But I second Tacoclimber's post - why do you want to SAS? Because everyone on the 'web says you have to? IFS, lockers, and armor will get you just about ANYWHERE you want to take a fullbodied/daily driver rig.

If you are wanting to get into 'wheeling, here's what I would recommend for the order to do mods in:
Rock sliders (rocker panel protection)
Heavyduty skid plates
Bumpers
33x10.50's when the tires you have wear out
4.88's and lockers
Get tons of experience off road, and you'll know where you need to go from there:
Crawler
SAS
Buggy, etc

 

if you dont know what it costs, or whats involved, then you:

a) dont need it

b) wouldnt know what to do with it if you had it

c) are wasting your time & money.

d) havent used this link that answeres everything you ever want to know about swapping a 2nd gen 4 runner

e) havent wheeled your current setup enough to realize that you need to swap.

that said...is your runner currently modded? have you wheeled it? if so..how many trips? if its bone stock, and you want to swap it, you're wasting your money. sell it and buy one already swapped. otherwise..start off with some protection & recovery points. sliders. front & rear tow hooks. recovery strap. then go out n wheel it. you may find that you'll then want bigger tires. do that next. go wheel again. if you feel you're limited by your ifs setup, then think about doing a swap.

if you want to go from zero to hero (meaning jumping right in & wheeling level 5 trails) then buy an already built truck.

good luck!

 

i second you doubledown!, when i first got my 90 4runner (my first car), before i even took it offroad i wanted to do an SAS, then i started wheelin, i got lots of experience and learned what the truck could and couldnt do, then after beating the living heck out of the IFS, and knowing now what i could have done with more flex in the front end, i now am in the process of rebuilding an '85 soild front axle to throw under the front and btw if u shop around / wait and look 4 the parts needed to do an SAS it wont run you 3K, i bought the COMPLETE axle for $80 from the Junkyard and gathered misc. SAS parts over the summer and only spent about $400, i figure i only need a few more things (brake lines, shocks, wheel spacers,etc) and i'll only end up spending about $1000 on the whole project, still not cheap but better than 3K.... so save up some green and wheel it till it breaks my friend....hope that helps

 

Yea I agree with doubledown its a bit much for you. your looking at dropping $3-4 easy if you want it done right and looking good your looking at $5k for example getting a trd rear axle so you have a locker. If you want lift so with a susp. lift stay IFS and if you just want the hight bc u think its cool then stick to body lift.

 

I *tried* to save money by peiceing my SAS together wiht used parts from craigslist... i started out doing good. got the axle for 250, the High-steer, front hanger kit, 63" chevys, and leaf conversion for 550. but then all the little pices started to nickle and dime me to death. it would have been cheaper to drop 1100 on a TG kit and buy just the rear spring conversion. I also did the work myself / had a buddy help. (he welded and Torched, i did the wrenching, and GRINDING)

i agree wiht everyone else. you need to wheel IFS to truely appreicate the difference a SFA makes.

 

Same thing happened to me. I probably saved $200 by piecing it together..whoopie

Buy a kit, and axle, and some grinders. You will need a good welder, and someone who knows how to use it.

 

When did you learn to read?

X10

 

You're just jealous that I don't need bifocals AND a magnifying glass...