Is it seriously that big of a deal in terms of strength between the years? I know the 83 has a shorter factory truss than the 84 and 85 years, but as long as its "straight" with zero defects I dont see any harm in using an 83 vs an 84/85 axle... am I right? Will I be setting myself up for failure by getting an 83 axle? or should I just wait and get an 84/85...? As long as I weld on an axle truss, and differential armor it should be just as secure/strong as any other axle, correct?

Just want to be 100% before I make my decision since I know someone who is selling a complete hub to hub 83 axle. I dont want it to be a mind set knowing that I have an 83 axle instead of an 84/85, if anyone catches my drift

Thanks for any information.

 

Ya know man, Brian (wab) posted something on this same question for someone awhile back. I only recall there being 1 draw back and he stated "that's why I only use 84/85 axels". I can't for the life of me remember what it was though...let me troll a min and see if I can find it..

not a clue, can't find it, maybe wab will stop by and let us know...

 

If he'll stop by and lemme know what the difference is besides the trussing, that'd be great... if he doesn't i'll message him on FB or something after the holidays.

 

Ok, found it, appears that it will NOT affect what your doing. I remembered incorrectly, he was actually talking about 80 axle. So I assume that your 83 will be fine with the trussing. The only differance like you said that I know of is the 84-85 is a bit longer, however the 83 is a bit longer than the 81-82.

here is the thread I was thinking of, again which is irrelevant but I'm posting it anyway!

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120...apping-245481/

 

:wabbit2:

 

alrighty, so no problems with the 83? just make sure its straight and what not?

 

Depending on your budget and plans, using a new housing with new parts sure is nice.
Only old parts you'd need is wheel hubs. Everything else is made new.

83 will be fine.

:wabbit2:

 

Like said, just truss it. **knuckle gusset kit too

Do the V6 caliper and FJ vented rotors. If you have the old rotors and calipers use those to convert your rear to disc brakes.

Might check out FROR, think he has a Tacoma front brake upgrade for SA's.
**mentioning brakes because the stock early brake suck big time

 

Alrighty, sounds good guys.

As much as I want to do rock assault axles with front & rear electric lockers... that just seems a bit too much for what I wanna do with the truck. but maybe someday, who knows.

Anyways, I got pictures of the axle and spoke with the owner for about 30 minutes. It doesn't look too bad, its what i would expect from something from 83. Obviously it needs to be gone through, new gaskets, and seals, rebuild the hubs. ( might send those off to you, Brian ) etc etc... Here's the axle:









The only thing im cautious about is the fact he had this under an FJ40... can anyone verify for me that this is infact an 83 axle?

 

yes it is if it was one from a landcruiser it would be MUCH beefier and have i think 3 inch wide spring perchs , gusset the hell outta that thing and 4x4 the hell outta that forest

 

i wouldnt use rear discs either, always fail filling with mud and dirt, i would find a 90-95 rear end not sure of years i got mine from a 95, undo the 4 bolts holding the axle in and change with the bigger drums , and order the 1 inch brake master off trailgear, this setup is near a must running 33-35inch tires the bigger V6 caliper upgrade is very nice as well, the cheapest i found them is from napa for calipers and trail gear for vented rotors

 

Meh, I'd rather pass on a LC axle. Anyone able to verify for sure that this is infact a solid axle from an 83 truck?

 

i replied with a yes it is that is NOT landcruiser

 

the only difference i can see is the longer steering arm to fit the landcruisers

 

Oh ok, thanks. I didn't see that you posted twice. yeah for 250 bucks, i'd say this is a pretty good deal. it just needs to be gone through and rebuilt. As long as its complete, i dont mind.

Yeah i dont really care for the steering. since the J arms and the steering arms aren't usable if I go highsteer anyways.

 

Umm I'm no guru, but where's the gusset!? The one under my 83 has a long gusset on the bottom side. Unless my eyes are failing me I don't see any gusset in your pics.....

 

lock the hubs and spin it see if there isnt a broken axle in there or something along those lines

 

thats what i was looking for... wheres the gusset at?

 

look on trail-gear.com they have axle and knuckle gussets they work well, my first axle i bent immediatly with the 350 in the truck i replaced it and gusseted it and it has been fine since

 

That is a 79-80 mini truck axle.
Hard to upgrade the brakes on that...