98 Tacoma Solid axle swap question
 

I have been toying with the idea of a solid axle swap on my 98 Tacoma. I have 2 axles already out of a 78 f-150 that are in pretty decent shape. The only thing is the front axle is a radius arm set up. I know from what i have read this swap isn't done to often or at least i can't find to much on the conversion. Has anyone done or know some one that has done this conversion and may have some pictures of it. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

All you have to do is cut off the radius arm brackets and weld new spring perches on.

It probably had coils too, so cut those off, make sure you have shock mounts that'll work for you.

This is pretty basic stuff. Find a picture of a leaf sprung front axle, and start asking yourself what everything is. Read read read. Read SAS buildup threads and compare leaf sprung to coilover linked suspension.

If I remember right you would need to run radius arms since you can't cut off those cast brackets. I think 77 1/2 is when it changed. I heard of people grinding the cast down and using it as a spring perch but I don't know if I would trust that. You could run longer radius arms from James Duff or another Bronco suspension company or lengthen some stock ones by 12" and run them to the frame or a crossmember and put in a panhard bar and coil buckets. Unless you were wanting a full width axle I would retube it with a shorter long side and respline the long side shaft and run leafs.

You could set it up similar to this.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=540546

That is exactly what i am wanting to do. Now is there any companies that make that crossmember? Or am i going to have to fab it myself?

You are going to have to fab that yourself. Only ones put out by companies would be for Fords. Maybe if you use one made for a Ranger you could make it work. These might work with some adaptation or you could copy it. If you didn't want to fab it yourself you could probably even call them up and ask if they can custom make something with your measurements. You might even be able to make their coil/shock mount work.
http://www.jamesduff.com/broncoII/radiusarms.html

Another place to look for radius arms and springs
http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/categor...ion_System_4in

Hey thanks man that is a big help. I think the frame on a ranger is very close to a tacoma maybe only a couple inches off so it wouldn't be nothing to make it work. Thanks again.

Can I have one of the axles? They D60s or what ?? Check TTORA.com, Theres plenty of swaped tacos...:dj:

The one that i won't be using on this swap is a d44 out of a 78 f250 but i am probably going to use it on my other toy it's an 86 yota. Sorry but if you need help finding one i would do what i can i think i picked mine up for $150 or something like that.

The ranger frames are narrower then yota frames i did a taco solid axle a little while back before the companys started making parts them make it easier. I used a wagoneer axle andused chevy front 6 inch soft ride springs. everything worked out great the steering was a little tricky i had to change the oil pan on the engine and stuff like that but not to bad. My buddy has the truck now and it is his every day driver on 38 tsl.