Thinking out loud about parts swap...

[BucknutBob]

Just wondering a bit--found a beat-up '85 model with (supposedly) some decent gear under it, and was curious about compatibility for later models with much more power. The rear axle has an ARB in it, but is for the 22R--I'm assuming that to upgrade to the stronger V6 carrier, I'd have to toss the locker too, right? Would the 4-cyl carrier hold up to an upgraded engine (such as a 4.3 Chevy with about 270 ft-lbs of torque)? Also, would the stock non-turbo 4-cyl T-case be worth keeping for a 4.7 upgrade? Can I just swap in a 23-spline shaft, or is the turbo 4-cyl case a whole different animal? Just wondering if this is worth looking into for the goodies underneath, or if they're not what I would need anyway (it says it has 5.29's and ARB's front and rear).

 

[Footofgod]

The rear axle has an ARB in it, but is for the 22R--I'm assuming that to upgrade to the stronger V6 carrier, I'd have to toss the locker too, right?

Would the 4-cyl carrier hold up to an upgraded engine (such as a 4.3 Chevy with about 270 ft-lbs of torque)?

Also, would the stock non-turbo 4-cyl T-case be worth keeping for a 4.7 upgrade?

Can I just swap in a 23-spline shaft, or is the turbo 4-cyl case a whole different animal?

Just wondering if this is worth looking into for the goodies underneath, or if they're not what I would need anyway (it says it has 5.29's and ARB's front and rear).

I can't answer any of these questions. Just happy to see Bob back in the game.

 

[fourwd1]

The stock 4 cyl parts will take a ton of abuse.
There's really no need to upgrade to turbo 4 or V6 stuff unless someone delivers it to your doorstep for free. Now before all the naysayers jump in, yes you can destroy it all if you try hard enough. But that goes for anything.

My cases and axles have held up to tons of abuse.. The only thing I've trashed over the years is a couple of 5.29 R&P's.

 

[Footofgod]

1992 Toyota 4Runner 4x4

Can we say engine swap?

 

[BucknutBob]

1992 Toyota 4Runner 4x4

Can we say engine swap?

Already looked at that one (the ad, anyway)! You wouldn't believe how many of these with dead engines are listed around here. I checked one out the other day--unfortunately there were many other issues with it that the guy "failed to mention" when we spoke beforehand. You know me--my first thought when I saw that ad for the '85 was putting the stuff under a 2nd Gen (don't worry, KidV--I already know what you think of that--LOL). Been considering a number of engines, including the 3.4 V6, the 4.7 V8 (not sure I'm up to that, though--I don't have the facilities now that I had in SD), and while I'd still love to have a 350 again, I think the length of the 4.3 Vortec is more to my liking this time. We'll see what happens!

By the way, I haven't actually bought the '85 yet--just found it on CL today.

 

[BucknutBob]

The stock 4 cyl parts will take a ton of abuse.
There's really no need to upgrade to turbo 4 or V6 stuff unless someone delivers it to your doorstep for free. Now before all the naysayers jump in, yes you can destroy it all if you try hard enough. But that goes for anything.

My cases and axles have held up to tons of abuse.. The only thing I've trashed over the years is a couple of 5.29 R&P's.

Thanks for the input, fourwd1!

 

[SV_Dude]

My current runner is a 98 with a supercharged 3.4 and the urd 6 injector kit. It puts down some serious power. Maybe take this type of setup into consideration?

 

[KidVermicious]

The ARB carrier is stronger than stock, I wouldn't worry about running it behind a bigger motor - like fourwd1 says, you'll normally burn up ring and pinion before you crack that thing. And you can swap 23-spline stuff into that transfer case all day. Guys run 23-spline gear drive cases in high powered rock buggies, I can't imagine a Chevy V6 giving you too much trouble in that regard.

I've come to the belief that in terms of building a crawler, a solid axle 4Runner or hilux 5 speed is hands-down the most capable truck for the money and the easiest/cheapest to upgrade. And I'm not just talking Toyotas - I don't believe that there is any other truck out there in the same budget range that is as reliable and capable as an '84/'85 Toyota. You can obviously make a second gen go anywhere a first gen can, but it'll cost you twice as much to do it. That might make sense if the second gen truck is already what you've got, but if you're starting from scratch anyway, why not get a head start? The solid axle is already on there, the gear drive case is already there and the adapter to add another is cheap, the motor is simple and reliable and will give you good service until you're ready to yank it. My bias is obvious, but I don't think you can go wrong with a solid axle first gen, Bob. And if it's already got an ARB in the rear, that's a bonus.

 

[SV_Dude]

^^^^^ well said!

 

[fourwd1]

Thanks for the input, fourwd1!

The one thing I forgot to add was Birfs. If you wheel hard you'll be breaking those occasionally, but if you get some 30 spline Longs, you'll never have to worry about that.

And starting with an 84/84 isn't necessary either.
By the time you properly build up a solid axle truck for heavy duty crawling, you've almost done as much work as a SAS.

 

[Footofgod]

For everyone to remember, Bob will be building a 2nd gen.

Bob-seriously consider the 3.4 with an eventual supercharger. That thing truly hauls ass.

 

[BucknutBob]

The ARB carrier is stronger than stock, I wouldn't worry about running it behind a bigger motor - like fourwd1 says, you'll normally burn up ring and pinion before you crack that thing. And you can swap 23-spline stuff into that transfer case all day. Guys run 23-spline gear drive cases in high powered rock buggies, I can't imagine a Chevy V6 giving you too much trouble in that regard.

I've come to the belief that in terms of building a crawler, a solid axle 4Runner or hilux 5 speed is hands-down the most capable truck for the money and the easiest/cheapest to upgrade. And I'm not just talking Toyotas - I don't believe that there is any other truck out there in the same budget range that is as reliable and capable as an '84/'85 Toyota. You can obviously make a second gen go anywhere a first gen can, but it'll cost you twice as much to do it. That might make sense if the second gen truck is already what you've got, but if you're starting from scratch anyway, why not get a head start? The solid axle is already on there, the gear drive case is already there and the adapter to add another is cheap, the motor is simple and reliable and will give you good service until you're ready to yank it. My bias is obvious, but I don't think you can go wrong with a solid axle first gen, Bob. And if it's already got an ARB in the rear, that's a bonus.

That's actually the route I would likely take if I get it--play with it a while and see if I want to change it up later. I'd need to visit the salvage yards for some doors and a top, and hope it's not too damaged for them to fit (it's been on its side already). The carb'd engine would be okay while I'm out here in the flatlands. I'm going to check it out today and see if it's what I want.

 

[SV_Dude]

Hurry and get your runner bob! We need to see pics of your next project.

Speaking of project, where is Nate? [MENTION=68611]GonOvr[/MENTION] what's up with your turbo 1st gen project?

 

[GonOvr]

CoB wont let go of his.

Plus I live in Qatar currently, so any projects that I have are on hold until I go back home.

 

[BucknutBob]

Well, the rig's pretty much what I expected, after looking it over today. On the outside, it could use a LOT of TLC and body parts, but it seems to be a fairly serious wheeling rig with many good parts where it counts. Body parts are a lot cheaper than ARB lockers, and I'm not too concerned with how it will look with mismatched stuff--my focus is on having a functional trail rig as soon as I can, and this one appears well down that path. Good lift, right gears, selectable lockers front and rear, gear-drive T-case--sounds like a solid foundation to start with. If I can work the money end, I might just join the 1st Gen crowd this time around...KidV will be SOOO pleased (LOL)!

 

[KidVermicious]

CoB wont let go of his.

Plus I live in Qatar currently

Excuses are like *******s, buddy. Make with the truck, I'm jonesing for another Nate build.

KidV will be SOOO pleased (LOL)!

Bob, I'll be happy just to see you in a truck. If I were in your shoes, I know I'd be desperate enough to drive a second gen by now, so we won't hold it against you .

I hope this one works out for you.

 

[SV_Dude]

CoB wont let go of his.

Plus I live in Qatar currently, so any projects that I have are on hold until I go back home.

Boo! However, if I found myself out of the military and needed a job ASAP I would be in Qatar as well. Not saying you are there because you needed work ASAP but I have always used them as a fall back plan.

 

[RiFF RaFF]

CoB wont let go of his.

Plus I live in Qatar currently, so any projects that I have are on hold until I go back home.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if you came home the proud owner of one or two Hi-Lux Toyotas!

:guitar2: