'85 mini driveline capabilities?

[bigndn]

I'm thinking of swapping my stock 4:10's for 4.88's or 5.29's (and ARB lockers while I'm doing the gears), and running either 33's or 35's but I've been told by a friend (IMO very knowledgable) that if I run 35's I'll be breaking a lot of things in the drivetrain. My '85 has a 22R bored out .030, stock 5 sp, stock t-case, and well........stock everything except the 3.5" lift. What do you say? Can the stock drivetrain handle 35's? I do some moderate wheeling with it.

*edit* I didn't search

 

[4in100]

The major components (engine trans tcase) should handle it. It's the birfields and axle shafts that usually go on the minis with 35s and up. Of course I know plenty of people running 35's on stock axles and birfields.

 

[DirtyHarry]

The drivetrain should not have any problem holding up to 35s and moderate wheeling. The only issue may be breaking an occassional birfield, otherwise you should be fine. The Homegrown Crew in Colorado (www.homegrowninc.us) runs 40s (Ben runs 44s) with the same drivetrain as you and beefed birfs and axles and they run the hardest trails in the country.

 

[jonb96150]

I've been running 35's with 5:29's and dual cases for years on hard trails. I have broken 1 birf and 1 inner axle. I now have Bobby Longfields' chr-mo axles and super birfs just because I hate to break stuff, and usually am the only yota in my group and I don't want to get any grief for breaking.

That being said, I do not abuse my drive-train. If I can't make it I try another line and am very reluctant to use a lot of momentum.

The point is: I know other 4runners almost identical to mine that have broken numerous birfields on the same trails. If you use more throttle rather than more finesse (in the rocks that is) you will get really good at replacing birfs.

You should carry a spare birf anyway. I carry assembled axles for both sides as dealing with that damn little spring clip at the outboard end of the inner axle is such a pita that I don't want the hassle.

 

[Mark W]

The Homegrown Crew in Colorado (www.homegrowninc.us) runs 40s (Ben runs 44s) with the same drivetrain as you and beefed birfs and axles and they run the hardest trails in the country.

I'm guessing that you meant to write that "they run *some of* the hardest trails in the country". Or maybe "they run the hardest trails in the country *that I know of*.

Or maybe you meant to write county rather than country.

Otherwise that's a pretty bold statement.


Mark...

 

[Isotel]

should be just fine!
A buddy of mine who i turst for alot of mechanical knoledge likes to say the same thing, he keeps tellin me to get rid of my toyota axles, ect.. He runs Dana 44's under his Minitruck .. I keep telling him that Cromo Birfs are way stronger than the previous (3 years ago) longfields.. but he is stuck in his ways.. So far hes broken 1 u-joint, one hub, and one Inner Axle.. I still havent even upgraded my birfields, and have only broken one! I run a Small Block, him a 22r..

Stick with the Toy stuff!

 

[bigndn]

Thanks for chiming in, guys! I appreciate all the input and it seems that the consensus is that the OEM driveline should be fine for what I'll be doing with it. Thanks for all your input!!! Mud is the s***znit!!!

 

[slickrok]

Depends on you

I have some pics on this site, I run the same truck (85 flatbed) and the only driveline mod other than the Marlin are Newfields. I broke both Birfs, but that happens with these trucks. With 35's you will still be within reasonable limits given your drivetrain, however with a lead foot even a stock toyota or any truck for that matter can be made to break parts. Go with the 35's, swap out the birfs, and just use common sense. I also run ARB's and 4.88's....its a very good combo.

 

[bigndn]

I have some pics on this site, I run the same truck (85 flatbed) and the only driveline mod other than the Marlin are Newfields. I broke both Birfs, but that happens with these trucks. With 35's you will still be within reasonable limits given your drivetrain, however with a lead foot even a stock toyota or any truck for that matter can be made to break parts. Go with the 35's, swap out the birfs, and just use common sense. I also run ARB's and 4.88's....its a very good combo.

Thanks, slick!! This was exactly the kind of input I was hoping for. It's a DD, but also my hunting rig and I take it places I shouldn't. I'm more of a finesse guy (thanks to a 22R). I do plan to upgrade to Longfield Birfs........what about axles? Should I go ahead and upgrade them at the same time? I hate breaking sheeeeet.

 

[Curran]

If you're going to pony up for the Longfields get the 30 spline super set. Not only are they much stronger, they force you to buy a set of matching 30 spline inners as well making the whole decision process much easier

Also, you might consider switching to a cross over style steering system at some point. The stock push-pull system on the 85 and earlier trucks is not very robust to begin with and the 35s will add a whole lot more leverage to things.

 

[DirtyHarry]

I'm guessing that you meant to write that "they run *some of* the hardest trails in the country". Or maybe "they run the hardest trails in the country *that I know of*.

Or maybe you meant to write county rather than country.

Otherwise that's a pretty bold statement.

It was MEANT to be a bold statement, but I will revise it to "some of the hardest trails in the country" if you prefer. I've wheeled in over a dozen states (including Alaska) and these guys have wheeled on the hardest terrain that I have ever seen. The do the hardest trails in Colorado, Utah, and South Dakota with minimal breakage.

 

[bigndn]

If you're going to pony up for the Longfields get the 30 spline super set. Not only are they much stronger, they force you to buy a set of matching 30 spline inners as well making the whole decision process much easier

Also, you might consider switching to a cross over style steering system at some point. The stock push-pull system on the 85 and earlier trucks is not very robust to begin with and the 35s will add a whole lot more leverage to things.

Good idea.........I'm already planning to convert to cross-over steering. I've already upgraded the tierod (Budbuilt) and TRE's (80 series from CruiserDan) and have the PS pump. I have to get the drag link and ends, the bracket and figure out how to mount the PS pump. But I'll probably wait to finish it until I'm done with my FJ40. I've been considering the Longfields and will probably do all of that at once with my re-gearing (and potentially ARB). :hopeful: Thanks for the input!!!