So, I'm looking to do a SAS in the near future and would like to know a few things. I've done some research but have not turned up much info.

What I'd like to know

What should I look for? ie; hub to hub, with brakes, leafs, t-case, etc
Condition? What to look for
How much should I expect to pay? What is reasonable?

Helpful info that I should know? Suggestions and comments.

Thanks in advance.

 

Try and find one thats complete hub to hub and with brakes if possible, unless you want to swap over to vented rotors and V6 calipers. Most solid axles go for around 300 dollars, and once you find one and bring it home you will want to tear it all down and clean it up and fully rebuild it.

 

Thanks for the info. What is required to swap my V6 calipers over? Any link to somewhere that has tear down and rebuild info? Also, should I look for one with steering components or is it going to make a difference?

 

To use your V6 calipers you need to swap the rotors for the vented style. You can get the rotors from marlin crawler or daves offroad, or several other places. If you have a lift you will want to swap out the original steering for a Hi Steer set up, and if you do a little searching here you will find all the info you need about it. Also do a search for rebuilding a solid front axle, its not hard to do.

 

Sounds like you have more research to do.

The only changes I would make from Myyota's post is that SFA prices seem to vary widely around the country. I've seen from $150 to $450. Here in AZ it seems to be about $250-300.

IFS calipers will bolt right up to the mounting points on an SFA. (both 4cyl and V6 calipers. You will need different rotors though. The rotors for FJ 40's and 60's will do the job.

You will want to put on crossover steering in which case the steering components are immaterial.

 

what type of leafs is up to you and you can keep all your stock equipment

 

are these prices complete with the third in them .

 

check www.car-part.com for a solid axle. its basically a nationwide database of junkyards.

 

In my case, yes.

 

depends on the yard rma. check that site and call around.

 

In the area were i live a complete solid front axle goes for around 200-300 dollars on average.

 

thanks ..

to the op where are you located , i can put you in contact with a friend that has quit a few of them different years .he wont ship so you have to be local .

hell trade you two 8 inch 4;10 thirds for one axle complete less the third .

the axles are just missing the third but have everything else on them.

he takes the 8inch thirds to Guatemala, he took 300 of them last year.

 

Thanks for all the great info everyone. I will definitely keep researching. I'm in Tucson and have been searching around and have found about 3 so far. Cheapest I have found is $200 with everything. Axle, brakes, leafs and steering components. Is it safe to say that if I do find one that is a good deal to just go ahead and buy it even while I'm still researching?

 

Tucson is a great place for find the solid fronts. Since Last july, I've looked multiple times on CL and have found numerous. Just watch out, some people throw some junky looking fronts up and want 400+ just because its a toyota axle.

 

That's not a bad idea. If you know you are going to eventually swap and you have the $ and storage space, why not. Even if you change your mind later, you can just sell and at the very least break even. Maybe even make a couple bucks.

Right now with the economy in the crapper you might actually swing a good deal. Those with money to spend are in the drivers seat right now. I wouldn't hesitate to negotiate with anyone that is selling. All they can do is say no.

Make sure you get the housing, the inner axles/birfields, knuckles, brakes, hubs, and diff. The leaves and steering are not as important as you are likely going to want something different anyways.

 

Thanks!!! You bring up very many valid points.

Money and space are definitely not an issue. I've got a line on one in Tucson that I'll nab if the dude ever calls me back.

Thanks for all the help, everyone.