Hi guys.
So I have a 2000 LX470 that I purchased a few months ago and started modding it. OME lift front and rear, torsions, slee diff drop, running 33's on 17 methods. Took it out and wheeled pretty hard in Death Valley. On the way home I noticed some crazy sounds coming from the front. Took it to a Lexus mechanic and had it diagnosed.
I have pretty much ruined my whole front end. Blown diff, ring and pinion, CV's are bad, UCA's and LCA's are bad(bushings), steering rack and pinion are done and tie rods, plus all the bearings and re-build kits needed also. The whole job is estimated for around 6k. Of course, if i was going to replace the diff, I'd plan on upgrading to locking diffs and re-gear for 35's which adds doing it to the rear as well adding another 1400 to do the rear as well. A whopping $7,400 to repair something I'm probably going to end up messing up as well. So I have decided that I am going to undertake a huge project with a SAS.
I'm hoping some of the guys that have done it already, can help me out. @LX470Beast @duggy @40Habits @I Lean @sleeoffroad @Nicholas Hanke @nukegoat . I've read all the build threads and they are awesome.
Looking at the front options on which axle to run. My goal is run 35-37's but have concerns about the smaller axles' strength. I have prior fab skills on motorcycles but I've never done anything on trucks before.
Dana60 - pricey option but super strong
Dana44 - Is this strong enough?
10 Bolt - pretty much a dana
14 Bolt - pretty much a dana
FJ80 front - seems like the go to for most
Custom - Lots of $$$ but less building
- Where should I start?
- What are my options for matching lug patterns while keeping the rear axle? How can I convert the 5 lug to match the front or vice versa?
- Why did you choose your set up?
- Calculating link geometry? What bracketry did you use? Did you fab them, buy them? Pro's and con's to 4 link vs 3 link?
- What kind gauge did you use for frames/spring buckets/ etc?
- Suspension set up? Why coils vs coil overs vs leafs?
- What did you use to weld all the stuff up? MIG vs TIG?
- custom drive shafts?
- Am I crazy for trying to get this done?
So I have a 2000 LX470 that I purchased a few months ago and started modding it. OME lift front and rear, torsions, slee diff drop, running 33's on 17 methods. Took it out and wheeled pretty hard in Death Valley. On the way home I noticed some crazy sounds coming from the front. Took it to a Lexus mechanic and had it diagnosed.
I have pretty much ruined my whole front end. Blown diff, ring and pinion, CV's are bad, UCA's and LCA's are bad(bushings), steering rack and pinion are done and tie rods, plus all the bearings and re-build kits needed also. The whole job is estimated for around 6k. Of course, if i was going to replace the diff, I'd plan on upgrading to locking diffs and re-gear for 35's which adds doing it to the rear as well adding another 1400 to do the rear as well. A whopping $7,400 to repair something I'm probably going to end up messing up as well. So I have decided that I am going to undertake a huge project with a SAS.
I'm hoping some of the guys that have done it already, can help me out. @LX470Beast @duggy @40Habits @I Lean @sleeoffroad @Nicholas Hanke @nukegoat . I've read all the build threads and they are awesome.
Looking at the front options on which axle to run. My goal is run 35-37's but have concerns about the smaller axles' strength. I have prior fab skills on motorcycles but I've never done anything on trucks before.
Dana60 - pricey option but super strong
Dana44 - Is this strong enough?
10 Bolt - pretty much a dana
14 Bolt - pretty much a dana
FJ80 front - seems like the go to for most
Custom - Lots of $$$ but less building
- Where should I start?
- What are my options for matching lug patterns while keeping the rear axle? How can I convert the 5 lug to match the front or vice versa?
- Why did you choose your set up?
- Calculating link geometry? What bracketry did you use? Did you fab them, buy them? Pro's and con's to 4 link vs 3 link?
- What kind gauge did you use for frames/spring buckets/ etc?
- Suspension set up? Why coils vs coil overs vs leafs?
- What did you use to weld all the stuff up? MIG vs TIG?
- custom drive shafts?
- Am I crazy for trying to get this done?