80 series steering to 55?

[FJFittyFive]

Hi all. i'm sure this has been discussed but can't find the info. Anyway, i bought a 92 fj80 for the seats, steering, and brakes. I've got a good stick welder so fabrication is an option.

So, who knows if I can use the power steering system for the 55? I'd like to know if the spindles from birfields out can swap, then i have the steering and brakes all in one from one donor and know all the parts came from a 92 fj80.

in case there are variances, here's the donor vehicle i'm currently parting out what i don't need.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/parting-out/791734-parting-out-92-fj80.html

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

the 80 series front ax is a different beast than the earlier versions. their parts wont swap. also not sure how the steering system would work with leaf springs. the PS box itself should work, but the front ax ain't gunna be offering you much, easily. the 60/62 axs are a much easier swap for leaf springs...

 

[FJFittyFive]

the 80 series front ax is a different beast than the earlier versions. their parts wont swap. also not sure how the steering system would work with leaf springs. the PS box itself should work, but the front ax ain't gunna be offering you much, easily. the 60/62 axs are a much easier swap for leaf springs...

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. I was afraid of that. I would really like to use the steering box and convert to power steering.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

lots of guys do the 60 or 62 series box- better than the mini truck set-up because it eliminates the center arm from the linkages. the 80 series box should work same as the 6X series box, but the 80s arm is reversed compared to the 6X series boxes, so it would have to mount further forward on the frame.....I like that because it makes for more clearance around all the gear that occupies that space, than would be there with the 6X series box.
Power steering is quickly becoming a must for me as I age....dang it threw out my back last week flippin a Uey.
steering arms are going to be a consideration...early drum brake has smallest arms, early disk are bigger but there aren't many options for Hi steer there; minitruck and 6X series knuckles use large pattern arms and there are many options out there for those. you'll need to find a way to connect your steering box to the linkages on your relay and drag links and steering arms. not certain of what parts to use to do this, but pretty sure there is a shelf kept solution providing all the other players are lined up(large pattern arms, correct knuckle for use with large arms, of course, hubs and spindles and birfs to match, not to mention brake parts etc etc....

 

[FJFittyFive]

very good info. I just learned that it's a high pinion front axle. I have a welder. If i can make it fit, do you think it is as strong as my FJ55 axles? I'm guessing no.

 

[Gumby]

The 80 axle can be used in the 55, but it will take some doing. The high pinion will be very close to your oil pan on a 55, depending, of course, on your lift. The high pinion front is smaller and weaker than any other cruiser center. It's the same size as a mini truck ring gear. The tie rod is behind the axle and will interfere with the engine, the leafs and the exhaust. You'll have to cut off all the spring perches and link brackets and install leaf brackets. It'll be about 5 inches wider. You'll have to run 16 rims to clear the brakes.

The pros are wider stance if you want that, stronger axle and birfs, fully gusseted housing, available electric lockers, the same 6x5.5 12mm lugs and very nice disc brakes.

I used a 80 series e-locker rear center section in the front of my 55. I used the 55 axle housing with longfield inner and outers, 6 shooters and late model brakes. it is stronger in most ways than an 80.

I used the 80 rear axle in the rear. Full float, big discs, e-locker, fully gusseted housing, axle mounted e-brakes.

I should also mention my rig is coil spring and 4 linked, but my set up could easily be used with leafs.

to directly answer your question - the axles and birfs are stronger in an 80, but not as strong as Longfields. The center section is not as strong, but the pinion gear is a fine spline where your 55 would be coarse if its a stock 71.

 

[FJFittyFive]

That's good info. thank you. Lot's of work ahead...