az1320

So the question I keep asking around and keep getting shrugged shoulders is why a toyota solid axle and not something else like a jeep wrangler. Something like the Dana 30. Toyota axles are expensive and I am looking for a possible cheaper root while keeping my truck still somewhat stock width. Plus 2-4 inch is ok, but Dana 60s or chevy 12bolt and Dana 44 is kinda crazy for my setup.

So the biggest part of the question is just why the toyota axle.

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

the reason people use toyota axles is that it has been done thousands of time so the knowledge is there in tons of threads. Proven methods are there in doing a RUF or buying a kit. 79-95 Toyota trucks are like Legos.
The 79-85 Toyota mini truck axles in stock form are the equivalent of a D44 strengthwise.

A Dana 30 is a weak POS and grenade waiting to happen, they are ok under a Cherokee with 225's on it.

az1320

so another word the familiarity of the axle and the simplicity. long story short suck it up and buy a Toyota axle and be done with it.

thx for the input dropzone.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

I have two different friends in the Jeep world and they are even aware of the 79-85 axles and their quality. Depending on where you live the axles are not that expensive and tons of support for them.

arlindsay1992

iTrader: (8)

Parts are compatible between years. Differential is on the correct side. Spring pad spacing is correct and many spring hanger kits are available to fit. You can swap front and rear diffs. They are reliable in stock form and very easy to upgrade. Wheel bolt patterns match. Brake upgrades are easy.

az1320

Ease if swap. Compatability. That's kinda what I am starting to figure.

I live in arizona. I have been looking for solid axle and can find any in junk yards. The only ones seem to be on CL and they start at 400 bucks and go up.

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

the axles are getting harder to find.
there were three different mini truck axles. the optimal one for strength is the 84-85

COLOR="Red"]ID Toyota Mini Truck axles[/COLOR]
79-80 no gusset
81-83 short gusset (to u-bolts)

84-85 long gusset (past u-bolts)

az1320

That is awsome info. I have heard alot of talk about gussets but never had a side by side comparison. Thank you for posting those up.

rustED

iTrader: (2)

There is also a difference in gear ratios...don't quote me on it, but I believe 79'-80 have 3.90 gears and 81'-85' have 4.10's...I think the difference is due to the older ones having 4 speed manual transmisions, and the later having 5 speeds, just something to be aware of if and when you're looking for an axel.

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

81 was the only year that came stock with 3.90's to the best of my knowledge for straight axles...though later Taco's/4Runners had some gear ratios pretty close

best way to check ratios is to count ring gear teeth and divide by the pinion teeth
IE: 41 teeth on the ring gear divided by 10 teeth on pinion = 4.10's

just make sure you have matching front & rear pumpkins

rustED

iTrader: (2)

Good info, thanks for clearing that up Robb, I knew one of those early years SA came with 3.90's!

ZUK

iTrader: (1)

Gotta look in other places than CL......
how about the best place?
car-parts.com ?




Here's my build with a old landcruiser front axle....and no brace.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f152...tacoma-283930/

ZUK

iTrader: (1)

ddv1126

Yes they are extremely hard to find now. Here in Tx people want north of 800 for them. I searched for 2 years before I found mine just recently. They're all going to South America. We have a guy here who buys everything. He breaks whole trucks down and ships them down to South America.