For a platform, I think (if I had the hankering to do so) that a lighter 4Runner platform would be much more suitable for what you're looking for. Plus, it'd be much easier to pull the IFS guts while retaining the driveability of the factory suspension. My 4wd 22re powered truck gets 20mpg...
Alcan.
I don't personally like shackle reversals and longer shackles are a must in any well designed suspension system. Alcans would give you the whatever lift you'd like.
I'm not sure how the 80 brake setup works. Is the parking brake in the caliper or is it a seperate brake inside of a drum?
One reason the chevy brake is so popular is because the rotor sits on the wheel side of the axle flange- with it on the backside (like the front) you'd have to pull the...
The bearing surfaces are the same, however the hub itself is physically longer (about 3/4") at the outside due to the bearing retention mechanism (a ring held by two pins instead of the two large nuts like the front end).
In order to use the IFS hub, you'd have to use the large nuts like the...
I love the 292, but it's a dinosaur compared to the technology he's looking at.
I'd go with the V8, there's a cool swap in the 80 section right now:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=116400&highlight=2uzfe
True. I put a 60 axle in my 55, moving the perches is no big deal. I wouldn't want a 3" narrower axle though.
Incorrect. The only way you could run IFS front hubs is if you get new, shorter axle shafts and run drive flanges. The FF hubs are longer than any front hubs.
If it's an older style...
Sorry to hear about your loss.
I lost a wheel once at 60mph due to some kids practing random vandalism. Shorn through five lugs nuts and pulled the sixth through the stud hole. Not a fun way to spend the evening, but happier results than yours.
Why would you do this swap if you had provisions for vacuum?
If you have vacuum you could always go with a bigger GM MC:
http://www.rockstomper.com/catalog/brakes/gmtoymaster.htm
Unless you're driving at night, you shouldn't have a problem with the truck running. I drove my 55 this summer with no alternator 250 miles and mostly at night.
I met a guy a few years ago (who is probably quite infamous) for having a bad alternator in his FJ45. He just charged the battery...