Solid front axle, how???

[Appntr]

Wow, no disrespect because we all have opinions. But I strongly disagree with this statement in regard to the open front. That is not to say the OP needs a locker, but having one CAN, and frequently DOES make the difference between getting over an obstacle or not. And not bouncing around trying to get traction minimizes damage.

If it means turning around, or making it to camp, it's worth it. It might only be needed 1% of the trail, but that could be everything. SAS is not for everyone, but selectable front lockers are the most bang for the buck for even a mildly built truck.

:couch2:

No disrespect taken. And you are right that it can make it much easier to make an obstacle and that 1% can help a lot. But thats a relatively spendy investment for 1%. Its more of a $$$ vs. risk/reward thing IMO. I would much rather put ARB and replacement CV $$$ toward a well planned out SAS than sink money into locking an IFS front and doing the rest of the supporting mods to handle it like stronger CV's. To clarify better and so the OP and everyone else understands, I live and wheel in the southeast where we primarily deal with wet, muddy rocks so throttle is often necessary. Throttle + locked front usually ends in someone becoming a trail tampon while they swap broken CV's. Everyones going to have different logic based on how/where they wheel.

 

[krenaud33]

I built mine with a Dana 44 front end out of a wagoneer. The mini truck ('81 Toyota) axle will require you to convert to a passenger drop gear driven t-case, which also means $$$$.

Right on. You don't want to use a mini axle under a 3rd gen 4Runner for several reasons. Have you really done your research? Had you done your research thoroughly you would have had this figured out already and not bought an IFS ilimator kit already. The Trail Gear IFS eliminator kit is for 1st gen trucks and 4Runners.

 

[Jon]

This thread has me baffled! I've always wanted to SAS and seeing the 4WU kit made me drool a bit. But lots of good points made about cost vs reward has me rethinking. I've already dropped so much $ into my IFS build I guess I'll just keep it that way till I hit the lotto.

If it snows up there in Canada then you will be fine with IFS, a front locker and big ol' tires. I've blasted past SAS trail rigs on 37's in the snow up in NorCal when they couldnt push through. They had bigger tires but no lockers. True 4wheel lock in the snow is AMAZING, damn thing turns into a tank! Using the front locker in the rocks is once in a blue moon. Even then it's on for the duration of the obsticle and right back off. It's worth every penny.

The only SAS rig I've ever ridden in was Downpour11's and that sucker floats over rough trail like it's paved rd!

I guess I do kinda like to run with the SAS crowd and try to keep up without breaking much. Mine was the only IFS I saw when we hit the Rubicon last year out of over 100 other assorted Jeeps and SAS's Yotas. It's funny to see the looks you'll get out at places like that!

There's tons of beefy IFS parts out there. If I wasn't already so deep in this build, I'd go with TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION - 1996-2004 Tacoma 6 Lug Prerunner & 4WD1996-2002 4Runner 2WD & 4WD Long Travel Suspension Kit

Good luck man

 

[Whackmaster]

If you are going to do it, you better have deep pockets. I had my 2001 Tacoma converted to solid axle and when all was said and done I was out of about $6500 and my was done with leaf springs. Coilovers will be even more.

 

[shadyluke]

If you are going to do it, you better have deep pockets. I had my 2001 Tacoma converted to solid axle and when all was said and done I was out of about $6500 and my was done with leaf springs. Coilovers will be even more.

Key word here is you "had" it done. That adds a lot to the bill right off the bat. Angle grinder and a welder is all you need....and time.

I'm a big advocate of a SAS. I want to do mine but it will probably have to wait till it doesn't have DD duties anymore.

 

[4Runner_101]

Key word here is you "had" it done. That adds a lot to the bill right off the bat. Angle grinder and a welder is all you need....and time.

I'm a big advocate of a SAS. I want to do mine but it will probably have to wait till it doesn't have DD duties anymore.

DD duties!! wat that?? someone poop??

 

[shadyluke]

DD duties!! wat that?? someone poop??

Maybe. I do still have one in diapers.

 

[Skidmarcx]

I can't wait to convert mine... I intend on rock crawling and unsprung weight is your friend...