So I acquired a solid front axle out of an older pickup, not sure what year but it has the blue ASCO hubs. I'm going to be putting this under my 1993 pickup at some point. So I'm just wonder where I should start with prepping the axle. I'm also trying to decide what to so with the blue hubs, my choices are; keeping them blue, powder coat them red like asins or just getting solid axle asins hubs. And is there any sort of tie rod upgrade? That thing feels flimsy as hell when I put any sort of weight on it. tell me what you think and give me some guidance, thanks. If you want some more pictures, I can take more.

 

best advice is to start by searching and reading up in order to educate yourself on Toyota solid axle swaps and parts related to a solid axle.

 

I just purchased my front axle about a month ago. My first step was to gut the axle and see if any parts needed to be replaced. I also sandblasted my axle to remove rust and give it a new paint job ($50ish). Take everything apart.....everything. The locking hubs, the wheel hubs, the knuckles, the birfields, the third member from the axle housing, and everything in-between. You will need to remove as much old grease and rust as possible. I will try to send you pics and show you what I mean.

 

Thanks, I've looked through toyospearo's SAS thread a few times and was thinking about gutting it out and going thought it. That would also make it easier to handle by myself. Had to wrap a chain around a tree to pull it out of the back of my ram

 

lol seriously...thing is heavy!!! Down to the axle housing with third member, its light enough to pick up and move around yourself. Some brackets on the axle you won't be needing anymore. Just start removing everything then your ready to build it back with new and clean parts

 

I will post pics updated pics when I get back to my house so you can see the full gut and sandblasted axle.

 

And another question, how in the world do I get these rotors off, I got the calipers off but they won't budge even with a hammer

 

Do you have the hub off the spindle? I know on my 83 axles I have, I used a hammer and drift punch to knock all the wheel studs out of the hub, then there were 2 bolts holding the rotor on. There's another style, but I don't recall the year or difference, really, so post a pic and someone who knows more may be able to help you if that's the style you have.

 

Have you removed the whole hub assembly? Removed the 54mm nuts and such? Unfortunately on these old axles the rotor doesn't just slide off like on the newer cars, its a real PITA.

 

Yeah I didn't realize you had to have the hubs off first, I got it now

 

Haven't really gotten much done, but here's what I'm trying to decide. Do I repaint the hubs back to the original ASCO blue or change them to the aisin red, which would match the truck as well

 

If you have a welder i would wield some diff amour and some axle trusses and gussets you can buy them or make them your self after you sandblast your axle. i would also get a new inner seal, idk what its called but there's a good video n you tube on how to replace one. other than that just new bearings and brake pads and clean everything up you can. new oil and new grease. heres a link for the seal

 

Yeah, I'm going to get the wabfab/trailgear kit and some marlin seals, all new brakes and all that good stuff

 

awesome and and other than that just follow other peoples build or have a friend help you that has done one before. its going to be a sick rig bro

 

when you weld the armor on your axle, stitch weld it, ie: do an inch or so in one spot and then move to another section. this will help prevent warping the axle housing.

 

Not much new lately, got the housing stripped out and waiting on a 54mm socket so I can take the hubs down here's some pics of what I have now, I'm trying to find an affordable sandblasting cabinet any ideas on where to look as far as northern tool or harbor freight?

 

Sandblast? I dunno....It doesn't look that bad, I'd just degrease it w/ some Purple Power or Simple Green, spray Ospho on it to etch the metal and convert the rust, wire wheel & sandpaper it after 24hrs, do whatever welding you wanna do.... and throw some paint on it.

 

Yeah, it actually cleaned up pretty well with some baking soda, I took the knuckle/hub assembly off the "quick" way by unbolting them on the backside and now I'm waiting on my 54mm socket to show up so I can take them apart and clean them up. I'm thinking they may need something a little stronger

 

Try that Purple Power cleaner, you can get it at Home Depot. Use gloves because it will eat your skin up and try not to breathe the spray fumes, it will make your throat sore and itchy if you do. Spray Oven cleaner is another way, my friend calls it "hot tank in a can".

 

I just got a jug of purple power, still grinding down the where the shock mounts were. I'm going to get the knuckle ball gusset kit along with the other armor and hopefully have it on soon-ish. I'm probably going to start my actual SAS thread soon. But as of now I'd be surprised to start the chopping by next summer