Has anyone out there ever attempted to use Landcruiser axels on a runner? I do understand that I'm gonna have to work out 2 major issues.

1st, steering. I'm not sure if I can keep the stock 2nd gen. box, but I have modified an fj 40 to Saginaw in the past and think I could do the same to a 4runner, if necessary (call that plan "B").

2nd, driveshafts. In 2 parts, the stock ujoints probably won't translate, but even if they did, the wheel base is 1.5 ft longer, so custom shafts are inevitable.

Other than that, what have I missed? (I'm sure there's a lot, eh?) Look forward to everyone's expertise and I will post progress as it occurs.

Thanks!

 

http://www.pirate4x4.com

 

Poor choice IMO with much better options.

 

Few points:

One.

The wheelbase is whatever you want it to be. You can put the front axle wherever you want. You will still need a long spline shaft as your IFS shaft is going to come apart when the front axle flexes. However, Wheel Base is irrelevant.

I'm not sure on the u-joints, but you will want the CV end anyway. Be sure to modify it for added flex.

Two.

FJ-40s use the exact same birfs and bells and knuckles as mini truck stuff. You can get high steer for those axles and run it exactly as you would a mini truck axle.

Three.

FJ-40's, like the mini trucks, have a narrow front axle. You will need spacers to match your rear axle. A better bet would be an axle from an FJ-60, which is 60" and will nicely compliment your rear axle of 58.5.

 

Waskillywabbit: Open to suggestions...let me know.

Axleike: Planing on using rear leafs and axle, too, so no worries on the length hub to hub.

Update: Spun a bearing in the 3.slow. Motor is boned. Seriously concidering options for motor upgrade. Might go with full on FJ 40 drive train. 2f, 4 spd, custom shafts, rebuilt axles w/5:29s, ARB lockers, snorkle and stack w/custom bumpers, rocksliders and roof rack. Thoughts? Suggestions? Advice? Warnings? lol! Stop me before I kill again! lol! Seriously, this could be an incredible wheelin' machine. A daily driver, rockcrawler that can ford a river while I comute. I'll post a thread about the engine options in that section and put updates on as I make progress.

Thanks everyone. This community makes this one of the best sites for toyotas and 4wheelin' out there.

 

The reason there are 10's of thousands of swaps with mini truck axles is because it's simple, easy and it works...

If you go 40, you'll have to find a fine-spline, disk brake axle, then do a spring-over w/ cut-n-turn, and then start over with a mini-truck axle when you ralize the FJ40 axles don't have any ROI.

 

You will have a much easier time with truck axles, also you will only need to the front axle. Landcruiser knuckles and steering arms and patterns are different and require alot more messing with to get them to work with what you are trying to accomplish. Not to mention cutting and turning the knuckles. You will be ahead money wise using a truck axle. Basically what Rockyota said.

 

i bought a set of axles(thought to be mini truck axles) and upon getting them realized the rear was but the front was an fj40 axle. got some money back from the guy but decided to run it anyways. it has mini truck longfields, arb and 5.29's. steering was not an issue just ran mini truck high steer. brakes were not an issue as well as i ran fj60 vented rotors and my ifs calipers off my 95 4runner with 1.5" spacers to match rear. mine is pretty much a mini truck axle with a 9.5" diff

 

Guess it just depends on the price. If your going to swap in FJ40 drive train just restore the FJ40 those sucker are sweet. Think the knuckles will interchange with the mini truck SA, so thatwill let you solve disc brakes and steering like the guy above who used one. A triple drilled pinion flange should over come driveshaft mating issues.

Saw a 4rnr with FJ80 axles under it high pinion front and larger rear dif. Like 63" WS to WS. I liked the setup but bought a minivan instead.

 

Yes, everything outside of the inner axles is the same as a mini truck. The inner axles are different, as is the diff.