LC Front Axle Swap

[cj80cruiser]

I may have an opportunity to get a LC front axle. What will I need? Power steering pump?

I'll probably be enlisting some help when the day comes but just needed some advice on what to pull from the great minds of T4R.

I've started reading a few swap threads and looked at places like all pro to see what they offered as well.

 

[Baja Runner]

In fact, I think the stock steering pump is sufficient... You'll need a standard style swing arm type steering box found on the early IFS Toyotas, along with a ton of other stuff.

I used to read a ton on TTORA, there are a lot of good build ups. Its much easier to run leafs, but coils give a better, fine tuned ride but require you do some calculations and advanced planning.

If you get the axle, that is only a very small part of the swap. Most swaps will cost $5k just for leafs, and much more for a coil setup.

 

[rickashay]

I wish this thread was a little more informative, but it's a good start. 3rd Gen 4Runner SAS using the LC axle, radius arms, etc. Super low too.

97 4Runner - cruiser radius arm SAS - Page 2 - Pirate4x4.Com

 

[J-money$$$]

unless you plan on a flipped front axle you will need to swap to a gear driven case. swapping to a gear driven case on pass drop is a good idea anyways. You can fun 4.7 low with just the single case.

and you will probably want a high steer setup for that axle. I believe it has an oddball steering that goes under the 3rd on the back of the axle. Any who high steer is pricey on that particular axle.

Then some plate to stiffen the front frame. steering box, oil pan, new radiator, leaf springs, shocks and your about done. Steering linkage, gears, a locker. Probably want to go ahead an swap to bobbly long axles so you don't have to worry about it. Expect 5 grand.

I believe it is way possible to come in at about $1000 once you sell the parts you cut off. if you cut every corner possible and then you will end up breaking stuff.

So IMO don't buy it. if you want a solid axle truck buy an older yota pre 86 or one already swapped, or swap one. You can buy the vehicle and swap it for less than 5K and you got another truck in the process. tacos and 3rd gens are cool all done up buy they tend to ride high unless you want to spend more and put it on links and coil overs.

 

[cj80cruiser]

In fact, I think the stock steering pump is sufficient... You'll need a standard style swing arm type steering box found on the early IFS Toyotas, along with a ton of other stuff.

I used to read a ton on TTORA, there are a lot of good build ups. Its much easier to run leafs, but coils give a better, fine tuned ride but require you do some calculations and advanced planning.

If you get the axle, that is only a very small part of the swap. Most swaps will cost $5k just for leafs, and much more for a coil setup.

I wish this thread was a little more informative, but it's a good start. 3rd Gen 4Runner SAS using the LC axle, radius arms, etc. Super low too.

97 4Runner - cruiser radius arm SAS - Page 2 - Pirate4x4.Com

Thanks guys for the info but that link led me to an unrelated question that's more pertinent now than later. Lc rims don't fit with the 199 calipers?? I know the official brake thread States they wont fit 231s but thought I was good to go with 199s.

 

[MadCityRich]

I can confirm that LC and LX450 rims do not fit with the 199mm calipers. I'm running 199mm calipers and LX450 rims. I did grinding on the calipers, but also did some grinding on the rims themselves.

If I had to do it again, I'd add wheel spacers. My LX450 rims have been on since 2008 and over 50,000 miles with no ill effects, but I'm still not a fan of messing with the wheels. It was an unexpected issue that had to be addressed quickly, so I did what I did. A 1/4 inch spacer would probably do it.

But they will not fit over the 199mm calipers without some sort of mod.

MadCityRich
2002 4Runner Ltd
SS 7.2
265/75
HD-SKO

 

[cj80cruiser]

I can confirm that LC and LX450 rims do not fit with the 199mm calipers. I'm running 199mm calipers and LX450 rims. I did grinding on the calipers, but also did some grinding on the rims themselves.

If I had to do it again, I'd add wheel spacers. My LX450 rims have been on since 2008 and over 50,000 miles with no ill effects, but I'm still not a fan of messing with the wheels. It was an unexpected issue that had to be addressed quickly, so I did what I did. A 1/4 inch spacer would probably do it.

But they will not fit over the 199mm calipers without some sort of mod.

MadCityRich
2002 4Runner Ltd
SS 7.2
265/75
HD-SKO

Glad to find this out now. Guess I'm in the market for some wheel spacers.

 

[cj80cruiser]

unless you plan on a flipped front axle you will need to swap to a gear driven case. swapping to a gear driven case on pass drop is a good idea anyways. You can fun 4.7 low with just the single case.

and you will probably want a high steer setup for that axle. I believe it has an oddball steering that goes under the 3rd on the back of the axle. Any who high steer is pricey on that particular axle.

Then some plate to stiffen the front frame. steering box, oil pan, new radiator, leaf springs, shocks and your about done. Steering linkage, gears, a locker. Probably want to go ahead an swap to bobbly long axles so you don't have to worry about it. Expect 5 grand.

I believe it is way possible to come in at about $1000 once you sell the parts you cut off. if you cut every corner possible and then you will end up breaking stuff.

So IMO don't buy it. if you want a solid axle truck buy an older yota pre 86 or one already swapped, or swap one. You can buy the vehicle and swap it for less than 5K and you got another truck in the process. tacos and 3rd gens are cool all done up buy they tend to ride high unless you want to spend more and put it on links and coil overs.

Yeah, think I'll just buy another cruiser and keep this as my daily driver. I hear they already come with a LC front axle :biggrin2:

 

[mmml4]

Leaf springs on an 80 series axle does not work unless you want to drop 800.00 on some hellfire steering knuckles. I put an 80 series axle under my 99 4runner and it was not as hard to do as I thought. Being slow as I am it's still not 4wd yet. Going to start the transmission swap while I'm off for the 4th.