If I could afford a Diamond axle this thread would not exist. For arguments sake lets say I have the following offered for free:
85 4runner front axle 55"
FJ 60/62 front axle 58"
FJ 80 high pinion front

I like the FJ60/62 with the high pinion for my first option with high-steer. The reason being is its already matching for inches with the rear axle width. I understand the width does not exactly have to match. But the closer the better.

The 85 front axle would need spacers in order to clear springs and meet the 58".

This vehicle is a expedition rig of sorts that will need more than moderate offroad abilities for my needs.

Thanks for the input. Looking forward to hearing from the guru's.
Krusty

 

If you wish to avoid spacers, then the FJ 60 will work.

You may run into caster problems withe the FJ60, no so much with the mini truck.

Also, Not sure what you mean with regards to the FJ60/62 w/the high pinion?

If you mean to put a FJ80 front HP third into an FJ60 Front housing, it likely won't work. FJ60 housings run a 9.25" ring gear, and FJ80 fronts are 8". It is pretty likely that the opening would be too big. However, you should check it out.

Let us know.

 

Your name is AxleIke and I'm supposed to let you know ? Nice. Not looking to hang myself on this one.

Its just an idea. Yeah, I was looking at exactly what you said. FJ60/62 with an FJ80 HP installed. I knew the FJ/60/62 was a 9.5, but obviously didn't figure on the FJ80.

I am concerned about the 85 front axle with spacers since alot of time in the rig will be easy to moderate trails and highway miles. With spacers I'm not sure that'll be a great idea without checking the lugnuts every single stop, every single trip, every single time........

Thanks for the response Ike
Krusty

 

Spacers have been used by a ton of wheelers without problems. I don't think you should be real concerned there.

If that still worries you. Look into sky-manufacturings widening kit. It still uses a spacer but not a wheel spacer.

www.sky-manufacturing.com

If you can find an axle from an 80 series then that would also be a good choice. I believe I read somewhere that is is the same width as the ifs rear.

 

do the 85. there are kit's, it'll be a direct swap, and most sas kits come with the spacers. i run spacers on all corners. not a problem and if it were a problem then i doubt major manufactures would include them in the kit.

if this rig will be for moderate trail use and highway miles, then why sas it. ifs is fine.

 

LOL.

No, I meant let us know what you decide to go with.

Obviously the spacers are the only way to do it without going to a custom axle size if you wish to use the minitruck stuff.

Have you considered going to the FJ80 front, with a later model Taco Rear and putting spacers in the back?

This would push you wider (more stability), and obviously put the spacers on the non steering axle.

The other thing you can do is go domestic. Get 44's front and rear from the junk yard. Not as cheap as free, but still pretty decent.

 

Why not Dana 60's front and rear ? By the time this threat dies you'll have me buying Diamond and making this thing a buggy..............

holla

 

Simplest would be the 85.. lots of kits.. gobs and gobs of them around.. gobs of rebuild kits ect available for them. FJ axles are sweet but they are hard to find parts for.

 

Whoa there, just pointing out other options was all.