80 series axles/suspension swap on HZJ73

[LNDCSRMT]

Hey guys, been searching and found lots of info on guys swapping entire bodies onto the 80 chassis but I was wondering if anyone had just swapped the suspension and axles instead? Im not opposed to swapping the entire chassis but it seems unnecessary. Im not looking to wheel this truck, this will simply be an around town and farm truck. Any and all info is appreciated!

 

[AirheadNut]

Hi! Cool to hear about another 70-series in the Bozeman area! 80-series axles/suspension would require transplanting spring perches, radius arm link mounts, panhard rod mounts, etc. The axles are also considerably wider, so you'd probably need fender flares.

 

[ulfr]

I have to admit, I don't remember whether the HZJ73 has 55" or 58" track width. But I do remember that the J80 has 62.2" and 63" axle width depending on year. It is a significant width difference so be mindful of other issues that might arise like fender flares, might have to trim the fenders etc. Unless you have some specific issue needing wider track width, I'd suggest just doing a coil swap with the original axles. I have some drawings of the 4Link I designed for my HZJ73 somewhere and for a coil swap in the front, I'd suggest contacting some OME suspension dealer that actually knows what they are doing and also get trailing arms from a J80 (since they are quite easier to fabricate mounts for than the J70 Prado trailing arms which need a machined "spacer".

If you have any more questions, feel free to pick my brain about it on this thread. I've done quite a lot of work on Toyotas and matching different parts together and building my own stuff for slightly modified trucks to heavily modified trucks like my 46" 4Runner, and my 42" HZJ73...