So, I've thought about maybe next year doing a SAS. I'm not hardcore into the off road thing, but feeling the difference in articulation when the rear is going over something versus the front...well it's pretty nice.

Anyway...I've done automotive fabrication for many years...mostly road race cars, custom forced induction, custom manifolds, engine management tuning...blah blah blah. Point is, I can handle the procedure I just really don't know the in's and outs of the parts needed and what not just yet.

So...I'm scanning some local forums and I come across a guy selling an 85 Toyota front axle. I have to assume these are probably not the strongest axles out there, but surely for a DD SAS they can't be too bad right? Guy has it for 150 bucks obo....is this a good deal? My truck is an 88 5spd SR5 on 35's. I assume I'd like to do 5.29's and maybe go to 38's...well, this is all up in the air. My core question is, is that a good price, and a good budget axle to do SAS? Any compatibility issues I'll run into? My basic goal is to achieve a VERY budget friendly SAS.

 

Alright, so having more time today, I read around some more. I found that there's that wabfab kit for that axle, and that the 84-85 axles are the best. So, 150 bucks sounds fair in my book...might as well grab it.

I see you get lift springs with the wab kit, but then it says you need a special driveshaft and lift for the rear.

If you get like 4 or 5 inchers fronts, then do you use blocks in the rear or do you just get marlin (I think I recall that name from somewhere) springs in the rear...like 4 or 5 inchers as well?

Where do you get this special driveshaft with the long yoke or whatever so it doesn't come out when flex'd?

 

1. you will need a longer splined shaft in front to handle the articulation of the solid axle. In the rear, you may need to lengthen it for proper fit.

2. I don't recommend blocks. get the matching springs for the rear, or better yeat go with the 56" springs for more rear flex.

3. Check with Brian (AKA Wabfab) he will set you straight and he is a great guy to deal with.

 

You can get EVERYTHING you need from WabFab.

You will need front driveshaft mods...Rear shafts are sort of dependent on the truck. You may need it, you may not.

150 is a good price for an axle. You aren't getting a steal, but you are getting a good deal.

 

For a 1st gen 4Runner...I can hook you up with whatever you need.

$150 for an 85 SFA is a good price if it is hub to hub.

 

fixed

check out the following websites

www.marlincrawler.com
www.pirate4x4.com/forum (dont ask questions like this there, they flame like crazy, but then again, its only the internet) rather check out their FAQ in the toyota section


heres a link to their faq.
http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=459180

If you are a reasonable competent welder/handy man, you can put you own kit together, thats what I'm doing.

its common to use the rear springs with like 3 or 4 leaves added in the front, and use the 63" chevy spring in the rear. search those two things, you'll learn more that way.

You'll need a longer DS(driveshaft) with more slip. Often you need to either clearance the joints or get a DS made that will work.

Search "High steer" also

good luck.