09-14-2011, 04:17 AM
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#1
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Ft. Worth, TX
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Ft. Worth, TX
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Im starting to get the 2.5yr blues...solid front axle swap or lt1 ls1 v8 swap?
So your thinking what the heck does that title mean. I understand. I have been through many cars and it seems that i always get bored after 2.5yrs of ownership almost like clockwork. Dad gave me this truck so im really trying to hold on to it. My only idea to remain interested is too mod it further.
There are 2 things i have wanted to do since i got it. A solid front axle swap and a v8 swap. I know this has been covered many times and ill admit to being lazy but after 10 min of searching i got a bit, well...tired.
So my questions are as follows:
How much will a solid front axle swap cost me w/ parts and labor and who can do it in the DFW area or near by? I dont mind buying the parts but id really like to leave the labor to someone who has done it. Heck i might even consider a roadtrip/hotel if necessary to get it to a competent shop. What all exact parts will i need? Oh yea...id like it to be the same width as the rear too.
Next, does anyone have experience with swapping in a lt or ls series chevy v8 and retaining the 4wd? I know i know. Im probably looking at a small money pit ill never get back in the event of resale. But im just wondering how much i should realistically budget if anyone here has done something like this. And how to go about it?
I dont have the time/patience/money to tackle either one of these projects from scratch. I was hoping someone could make it easy and maybe provide a couple links or something. Im assuming ill have better luck with the SAS vs. the Chevy v8 conversion, but im all ears to any ideas and possibilities.
Thanks for entertaining my crazy notions.
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Black Beauty-96' 4Runner 4WD Limited V6, 353k mi.
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09-14-2011, 04:30 AM
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#2
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Marin County, California
Posts: 272
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Marin County, California
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as for the ls swap, lots of money. getting the motor sitting in the bay and running is only gonna be half the battle, somehow mating a 4wd to it would be the real struggle and cost. as for links or anything, its never been done before, so you are the one thats gonna find out the hard way that you need y part instead of x part that you already bought for it.i would say plan on at least $10-12k for that kind of swap, possibly a good bit more. especially if you are just paying someone to do it.
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09-14-2011, 07:21 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: PNW
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I know a few people who have done the swap...here's one site a guy I know used to do it himself... Toyota Truck Engine Swap Parts, V-6 Headers, GM V-8 Header, 5-speed header, V8 Traction Bars, Hi-Torque Starters, Heavy Duty Copper Core Radiators
Pretty much can get all the parts from them. SAS not sure in your area but figure 2-2500 depending on if you provide the axle and do you do the conversion in the back at the same time, plus new Drive line, on a positive side if your doing the engine swap...wait on the Drive line ;p. I've done a SAS took me about 4 days that was just grinding/welding etc. So if you find a shop figure you will pay them for a SAS about 10 hours (they have better equipment than I have..lol)
Engine swap a week easily depending on location and confidence. You could do it in a few days..but my notion of time is skewed on the swap due to everything always TAKES Me way longer than I realize ;x
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1997 3.4l, e locker retro|OME 3" lift|LED's|Upgraded rear seat(sold)
2013 4.0l Toyota Tacoma offroad (totalled )
2014 Toyota 4Runner Trail (stripped &sold) =(
2000 4Runner Limited Truck
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09-14-2011, 08:12 AM
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#4
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: 5th Gen San Diegan
Age: 41
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Sounds to me like you just want more lift. Why not just do a drop bracket lift then? Its way easier and less expensive. About $1500 and you're done.
SAS is going to cost you ~$5k in parts.
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2005 Limited V8 4x4 4Runner
2005 SR5 V8 4Runner
1997 40th Anniversary FZJ80
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09-14-2011, 08:49 AM
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#5
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From doing an internet search it seems that nobody does V8 and SAS swaps. Looks like your treading in unknown waters. I dont know of ANY shop that has even attempt a solid axle swap on a 3rd gen. Your best bet would probably be to call your local mechanic and ask him what he thinks. I know this has been covered many times as well and ill admit to being lazy but after 2 seconds of searching i got a bit, well...tired. I really hope this info helps and is able to point you in a good direction. If you cant find any info on this forum you will NOT find it anywhere else
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09-14-2011, 09:02 AM
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#6
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Missouri
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Throw a TRD Supercharger on it and call it a day. $2500-$2800 for it and I think you can install yourself in your garage in a day.
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09-14-2011, 10:26 AM
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#7
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Val Cote, Ontario, Canada
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I don't know about V8 swaps...but I know of at least a couple of guys who have done it...
I would do the SAS, but maybe just do like someone else suggested....and just to a Supercharger upgrade??? Should get some serious HP out of that, and not have to F around with fuel tanks, computers, and such.....
Just my 2 cents.......
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1998 4Runner SR5, ISR and Deckplate Mods, Painted Intake Manifold, TRD Tundra Struts, Diff Drop, LC 8 Wraps w/ Skyjacker shocks, Panhard Drop Bracket, Rear Tire Carrier, Maxxis Bighorns, Procomp Wheels, Custom Front Valance, Sport Edition Skidplate, Upgraded Exterior lighting
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09-14-2011, 11:01 AM
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#8
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Colorado Springs
Age: 35
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Real Name: Ryan
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Addicted did the sas swap. He has a shop in Colorado he would be the one to ask about parts/labor costs
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09-14-2011, 11:51 AM
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#9
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Doing a SAS is a waste of money if you're not a hardcore rock crawler. I didn't know Texas had rocks, but maybe they do. Do you want a SAS because you want to crawl every weekend or do you want it to fit 37s?
If you just want to fit big tires, do the drop bracket. Its way cheaper and way easier to install. The SAS will cost you $5k by yourself... having a shop do it would be more.
I'd go for the v8 swap first, but probably use a Toyota or Lexus V8. Grab the drivetrain out of a Tundra and "slap" it in there.
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2005 Limited V8 4x4 4Runner
2005 SR5 V8 4Runner
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2001 Ford F350 w/ FWC Hawk
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09-14-2011, 12:06 PM
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#10
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Elite Member
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Earth
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Real Name: Isaac
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if a*sholes could fly this place would be an airport -2004 GX470 spm -97 SR5 3.4, SCS Stealth 6's w/305 70 17s MTRs, Icon 2.5" RR w/700#coils, OME861s w/Icon tacoma 2.0 RR, ARBs w/nitro 4.88, PIAA LED lights, 170amp CS144, ARB snorkel, ARB bumper w/xd9000ce, CBI swingout loaded, BudBuilt skids, lil skip tank skid, sliders, LCE 231s(d&s), first gen roll bar mod, LED interior/dash lighting, B&M 70624+perma cool w/electric fan, dual electric fanshttp://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ld-thread.html
http://www.metaltech4x4.com/
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09-14-2011, 12:09 PM
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#11
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Elite Member
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still more
here he has a passenger side front diff, but thats only because hes using an atlas dual case transfer case set up so the dump is on the other side...
atlas twin sticks...
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if a*sholes could fly this place would be an airport -2004 GX470 spm -97 SR5 3.4, SCS Stealth 6's w/305 70 17s MTRs, Icon 2.5" RR w/700#coils, OME861s w/Icon tacoma 2.0 RR, ARBs w/nitro 4.88, PIAA LED lights, 170amp CS144, ARB snorkel, ARB bumper w/xd9000ce, CBI swingout loaded, BudBuilt skids, lil skip tank skid, sliders, LCE 231s(d&s), first gen roll bar mod, LED interior/dash lighting, B&M 70624+perma cool w/electric fan, dual electric fanshttp://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ld-thread.html
http://www.metaltech4x4.com/
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09-14-2011, 01:30 PM
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#12
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Newberg, Oregon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by the kid
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did you also notice this thing is on 1 ton axles!?! AWESOME!:jaw drop:
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09-14-2011, 01:40 PM
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#13
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Elite Member
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-with a 6 lug conversion
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if a*sholes could fly this place would be an airport -2004 GX470 spm -97 SR5 3.4, SCS Stealth 6's w/305 70 17s MTRs, Icon 2.5" RR w/700#coils, OME861s w/Icon tacoma 2.0 RR, ARBs w/nitro 4.88, PIAA LED lights, 170amp CS144, ARB snorkel, ARB bumper w/xd9000ce, CBI swingout loaded, BudBuilt skids, lil skip tank skid, sliders, LCE 231s(d&s), first gen roll bar mod, LED interior/dash lighting, B&M 70624+perma cool w/electric fan, dual electric fanshttp://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ld-thread.html
http://www.metaltech4x4.com/
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09-14-2011, 02:34 PM
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#14
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Dallas, TX
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[QUOTE=Baja Runner;865265]Doing a SAS is a waste of money if you're not a hardcore rock crawler. I didn't know Texas had rocks, but maybe they do. Do you want a SAS because you want to crawl every weekend or do you want it to fit 37s?
We do have "rocks" in Texas but most of them are driving stupid cars on the interstate. Maybe he wants to rock crawl during Dallas rush hour.
My vote is that you do the engine swap. The first time someone does this it will open the door to many others. Think of how many 350 Jeeps there are out there now.
Anyway, if you need someone to help turn wrenches, sign me up.
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2001 4Runner 265/75/16 Goodyear Duratrac
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