Quick question on preliminary planning on doing a solid axle swap into a late
model (FJ cruiser) Is there any known issues with using the
stock rims on a D-44 front axle (Wagoneer axle if it matters) ? I know the bolt
pattern matches up, but will they fit over a D-44 hub ?

I figure if anyone you guys here would know.

Thanks Mike D.

 

Honestly, I don't think there have been very many SAS's on newer models. Demello did one on an '05 taco and I am sure there are probably at least one or two more thinking about it, however, I don't think ANYONE has done one on an FJ cruiser yet. In short, I don't think many people, if any have tried it, so that might be a bit of info you have to test on your own.

 

Steve Schaefer would know. Even though he has aftermarket wheels, I'm sure he has checked his D44 hub to see if it would fit factory Toy wheels.

 

I do know that the rims from a 95 taco will fit on a d44 with some rubbing on the caliper, but I can't say for an '05 or newer taco or an FJ, which is what I thought he was asking.

 

OK,

Lets restate the question alittle differantly , in general has anyone doing D-44
converions had issues with using stock 4X4 Yoda wheels ?

Mike D

 

Different Dana 44's have different lug patterns. The Chevy and Wagggy Dana 44 have the same exact lug pattern as Toyota rims. The only problem that you will probably run into with stock rims is that if you use leaf springs the tires will rub on the springs without wheel spacers, or you live with a poor turning radius. The one thing that wont match is the lugnuts, either buy new lugnut or new studs, I would recommend new studs.

 

Yup - the real problem will be backspacing. Toyota wheels (at least those in the last 15 years) have deep backspacing which cuts short the turning radius. Lug nuts may need to change as well. I went with aftermarket wheels for the swap Steve did for me.

Good luck with the FJC SAS. I am eager to see the first. From what I understand (outside of typical mechanical problems to solve like steering, leaves vs coils, etc), I think the computer systems on the FJC is so integrated into the operation of the truck, you would be losing a LOT of basic functionality - not only the a-trac (which works awesome, I hear), but stuff like speedometer, odometer, ABS, etc.

The guy that figures out how to keep this stuff and do a D44 swap will be VERY popular.

 

Thanks Guys, I was worried that to run stock rims, I would have to
hug out the center hub hole to fit over the D-44 hub, from what I can tell the back spacing on the FJ rims look to be the same as the
old Waggy rims, and a good point on lug nuts, with my luck I would at some point mix them up front to back and honk a stud, if I did not change them out.

This maybe one of the smaller problems though.

Mike D.

 

Mike, when do you plan to start the swap?

eager to see!

 

I don't think a Wagoneer Dana 44 will be wide enough for an FJC SAS. They are close to being too narrow for the older Tacos which are substantially narrower than the newer Tacos and 4runner. I think the FJC is closer in width to the newer Taco/4runner than the older Tacos.

Just my .02, I could be way off. You should call All-Pro and see what they are putting under the FJC they are building.

 

Time line is not real soon, lots more planning (and some other projects) before the implimentation
stage, on D-44 Widths, there is a pretty wide choice from the cheap seats, From thin to wide --Wagoneer -> J-10 -> Chevy hopefully there
is a good fit in that set.

Mike D.

 

All Pro is putting aftermarket D60s under their FJ Cruiser they are coverting.

Mike D - call All Pro and talk with them. They are under going the same swap

Another good option would be a Diamond axle from Brian @ Front Range off road.

good luck

 

Chevy has the differential on the wrong side!

J-10 may be wide enough, I am not sure off hand.

I second the advice above about the FROR housing.

 

volvo c-303's, those would be cool....

 

another option is to go with HP dana 44 out of a 78 or 79 f250 which is what im doing and then swap to chevy 6 lug outers, i know these axles are at 69" and the wagoneers are at 61