Solid front Axle Swap Questions

[Steve8v92]

Alright, I know this is a broad question, but I really want to do this work to my 4 runner as the improvement of my 4x4ing adventures would be much better by swapping out the IFS to a solid front axle.

First of all, I get the basic idea of taking out the IFS system out of the front and putting in the solid axle.

What do you have to remove? Im unsure of what to really do, as well as what is a recommended axle to swap it over to.
I have auto locking hubs, do I have to change it to manual locking hubs if I swap it over?

What is the usual cost if I were going to do this work myself? And are the benefits really as good as it looks?

If anyone can give me some solid advice to stand behind while looking into to doing this job it would be appreciated!
Cheers guys
Steve

 

[fourwd1]

Alright, I know this is a broad question, but I really want to do this work to my 4 runner as the improvement of my 4x4ing adventures would be much better by swapping out the IFS to a solid front axle.

First of all, I get the basic idea of taking out the IFS system out of the front and putting in the solid axle.

What do you have to remove?

You remove the entire IFS front axle, suspension, and mounting bracketry.

Im unsure of what to really do, as well as what is a recommended axle to swap it over to.

The solid front axle from a 79-85 Toyota is the best bet.

I have auto locking hubs, do I have to change it to manual locking hubs if I swap it over?

You will have what ever style hubs the solid front axle comes with.
And IIRC, the only choice was manuals or none (85 might have had an auto hub option).

And no, your IFS hubs won't work.

What is the usual cost if I were going to do this work myself? And are the benefits really as good as it looks?

Used front axle is about $250.
You can get the rest part by part, or a complete kit (less axle) for $1500 or so. Check All Pro Offroad, Marlin Crawler, Trail-Gear.
I think All Pro even has the instructions on their site.


As for benefits, it's not done for looks, but to get more travel and articulation, and to withstand serious offroading (like rock crawling, for example).

If anyone can give me some solid advice to stand behind while looking into to doing this job it would be appreciated!
Cheers guys
Steve