Level of difficulty

[Camokid84]

If I were to get the converstion kits, and find a front axle, how hard is it to do a SAS? IFS is the first thing I want to get rid off on my 1994 4runner, but im not sure if its worth having a shop do it, or try to attack it myself. Lets put this on a scale of 1 to 10.

Id also like to point out that I am a Toyota technician, (invariably inexpierenced), and the reason I mention that is I have access to the full shop. (lift, air, tool, etc.)

 

[hoe_nah]

If you have access to a shop and know how to weld...and you can wrench somewhat then I'd say 6-10 maybe...main thing is u measure 10 times and cut/weld once

 

[t4r4life]

the actual work is pretty straight forward but the measurements and weld quality has to be on spot

 

[Pikeman]

leaf spring conversion if you are a good welder about a 6.5-7. Link SAS is higher skill and much more expensive. If you buy a SAS leaf kit they are almost idiot proof and spell out exactly where to cut and weld things up and include some basic templates. Main thing is measure 10x and cut once and make really good welds.

 

[cometobanks]

You gotta start somewhere. do it.

 

[Camokid84]

Eh....

leaf spring conversion if you are a good welder about a 6.5-7. Link SAS is higher skill and much more expensive. If you buy a SAS leaf kit they are almost idiot proof and spell out exactly where to cut and weld things up and include some basic templates. Main thing is measure 10x and cut once and make really good welds.

I know how to weld but I absolutly suck at it

 

[fourwd1]

You need the experience and tools to cut, grind, and weld, plus general mechanical experience.
Sounds like you have most of it, and more than likely can get shop buddies to help.
Just keep in mind, you're not getting it done in 1 or 2 days.

 

[Sean7187]

How Long?

How long does it take to do the SAS with leaf setup? I want to do this also but I need to rent out a garage bay. All the tools will be available and I will also have another person there to help. I will have from 9am-9pm to work on it each day but I'm not sure how many days I need.

 

[Camokid84]

Well I have all the tools, including for cutting and welding. But I dont think that I am going to be able to weld efficently enough to get it done. Sounds like it would be better for me to just cough up the money to have a off road shop do it. Can you buy the straight axle new or do I have to find an old one an rebuild it?

 

[Pikeman]

You can buy a new axle from a few different sources. Diamond Axle, Roughstuff, Trailgear. These are aftermarket axles that will be stronger than factory ones or you can find a used Toyota and rebuild it. If you are going to pay a shop to do it, please do your research. I have known some "offroad" shops to do sub par work. I still say you can do this job relatively easily and would suggest finding a friend or welder to come do that portion. It will be a lot cheaper to pay just a welder than pay for the entire job in labor. You will also gain a lot of knowledge of your rig while you do the job yourself.

 

[t4r4life]

i wasnt gonna say it but if you have to ask how hard is it to do an SAS you are not ready to do it yourself. one should know from head to toe whats involved and what needs to be cut, grind, weld.

 

[cztheman64]

^
this.

im no mechanic myself and i typically take a lot longer than recommended to get stuff done, but if i had a couple days and all the stuff i could get it done. but if you suck at welding then get someone else to do the welding for you, and supply the beer!