Cargun

Not-boxed could be an advantage. I've never seen a mini-truck frame break due to abuse, but I've seen dozens of them rust from the inside out after crap fills up the inside of the boxed section.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=456498

Front of the 2wd frames are shaped like SFA frames, might be better for <3" suspension lifts with high steer.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=327958

2wd frame looks boxed, but the tranny crossmember is different. Maybe the 70's 2wd trucks were C-channel frames.

Lysmachia

If you want both F&R axles all set up, 5.29 gears with 30 spline chromoly longfields in front, upgraded studs, All Pro high steer arms, outer knuckle gussets - and both axle housings gusseted to the hilt with custom diff skids. FJ 80 brakes, and vented rotors. V6 Calipers, spider trax wheel spacers. There set is here in Colorado. I have no idea what you would do about shipping, but if you are interested call Eston at All Phase (Their number is three 0 three 678, 7413)

The front axle is from an 85, the rear is from a 93 V6. They were built to work together on the same truck.

Cargun

I hate it when my axles don't get along.

Any idea what lockers are in them?

TORTIS

iTrader: (1)

freight would kill me

TORTIS

iTrader: (1)

i looked at the 85 today, it is a no go. $4500 and it was rough. the guy was running 37's, and i wish i would have taken my camera so i could show you the rear drive shaft. it was lifted 7", and i just don't see how the damn thing even turned. the body was rusty, kinda like somebody started sanding for paint and got to bare metal and does not prime it, that kind of rust.

there is an 88 regular cab a guy has cut the IFS out, and welded the rear hangers on and has the brackets for the front hangers ready to be welded on. he has the front axle and springs, and 5 new rims with new swampers. he is willing to trailer to my house from 4 hours away for $2350, oh, and the motor has a fresh rebuild, but that i will take with a grain of salt. he is emailing pics tonight.

as everybody knows, this is my first SAS. i am scared of buying a project that is already started. i am going to have to take his word on the condition of the diffs, trans, and t-case and motor for that matter. the front diff has 4.11's. i was going to install 4.88's anyway, so that point is kinda mute.

so what do ya think? buy or pass? the price is right, and with new tires and rims, that saves me some money. tell me what you think and don't sugar coat it.

Cargun

Buying vehicles other people have done work on can be good or bad. The good is you usually end up paying nothing for the work/parts they've put into the vehicle. Sometimes they're even cheaper than a bone stock truck would be. The bad is just as you stated... you have no clue how good they did stuff, where they cut corners, if they had an eye for detail/quality, etc. There are a lot of people who's work is absolutely worthless and will need to be redone. The good thing is cutting off IFS junk is low on the difficulty scale and rear shackle mounts are easy to fix if he screwed them up. Engine... eh, who knows. Assume it's got 30k miles worth of life left in it.

Without seeing pics I'd say you can do better if you hold out for something else. But how long are you willing to wait? I think 88 pickups were all EFI, but I know they had carbs available as late as 87, so watch out for those. Just say no to carbs.

TORTIS

iTrader: (1)

ok. i found another 85 reg cab. it has a little rust on the bed and tail gate. 117,000 miles, one owner, 5 spd. no efi. 1500, one dollar bills. driving down saturday to look at, and if it checks out, dolly it home. the owner traded it in on a new truck. salesman said the truck does not leak, purrs like a kitten, and is very clean. he is sending pics tomorrow. this is my thinking. 75-90w oil in the engine, and 140w in the rear diff, trans, and t-case. front diff is empty because it flows out as fast as you pour it in. stop leak in the radiator. 10 pounds of bondo on the body. bed is totally rust out. hmmmmm, hope i am wrong. tired of looking...........

colsoncj

Hopefully your wrong and it all checks out!

Cargun

I test drove a Toyota at a GMC dealer that didn't appear to have any oil in the rear differential.

Djlarroc

How the heck did I miss this thread??? So you decided not to do the Jeep anymore?

TORTIS

iTrader: (1)

why don't you just throw me under the bus no, gonna stick with the toys. i know toys, but don't know dick about the heeps.

TORTIS

iTrader: (1)

i think God has this really nice truck for me, but he is gonna wait till i am on my death bed before i get it.

the last truck i looked at was a rust bucket. the frame was swiss cheese. can you believe i was dealing with a honest car salesman. oh well. yep the search is on.

Djlarroc

Damn tortis, that sucks!!! I told you, you shoulda bought that 85 Runner I found here for $500. You know I woulda took care of it for you and you know you want to come up to CO soon!

colsoncj

sorry it didnt pan out man... dont worry keep looking. Check all the local classifieds regularly and look on a local craigslist if you have one.

TORTIS

iTrader: (1)

looking 24\7. i have dallas, houston, texarkana, tyler, little rock, and shreveport craiglist bookmarked. i am talking to a fellow now about an 85 truck w/o a/c and a bad 2nd gear in the transmission, no rust, runs fine, efi. what do ya think $2200 worth it.

Lysmachia

either e-lockers or ARB. If I know eston they are selectable.

colsoncj

any updates?

found this on a local 4wheelin board... I think its actually closer to LA though..

For Sale 1985 Toyota pickup, new 3 inch Skyjacker lift, fuel injected, extended cab, runs good. $3000.00

1-318-355-0783 cdf21978@hotmail.com

David

Lysmachia

Found out. Detroit in the front, spooled in the rear but I called him yesterday and he has to hold onto them now for a few months. Sorry guys. They are now on hold

dirtoyboy

I have solid axles out the wazoo if anyone is looking