92 4Runner - 63 conversion

[AcroSteve]

Well, after much trial and error with springs I had on hand already, I opted to get a set of OME CS010R springs. I had an old set of Toyota fronts, but they are about 5: shorter than the rears and I was told i wouldn't be happy with the articulation.

I flipped the front mounts around and am laying out for the rear shackle pivots, but im not quite sure yet what angle I should go with.

These pics have the weight on the springs, but no front bumper or winch. So probably add 120 lbs or so and the spring break in. I dont want to go with too much angle now, only to have them flatten out even more later.

These shackles are 5-1/2. I want to keep the lift as low as I can, but am concerned about shorter shackles.

 

[AcroSteve]

And I've been piecing together a front axle out of our parts piles and trying to keep the $$s in check.

I'm having a hard time finding the outer hub seals and gaskets by themselves. I'm only seeing them in complete kits with knuckle seals and, often times bearings. I've alrrady got my knuckles covered. I just want the hub seals, and maybe backing plate eliminators.

Ive got a new set of seals from my ifs knuckles, but the bolt holes are different, and I dont have the paper gaskets anyway.

And working on using the ifs hubs and calipers. Gotta get different rotors for sure.

 

[AcroSteve]

springs are done, frame plates and shock towers are done including mounting options for BOTH the IFS box, or the 80 box im probably going to use.

 

[AcroSteve]

Still gotta work out my bump stops.

So I decided to upgrade to 2017 4Runner calipers and 13" rotors. Didn't really like the mounts that use the spindle bolts, for a couple of reasons.

So I built my own mounts that use the factory ears.

Oh, and did the 5th stud mod to my knuckles.

 

[AcroSteve]

And ive always wanted to be able to check the knuckle alignment. I wish there was an easier way.

But I started down the path building my own set of tools. Im using bearing eliminators, so I couldn't really use the factory tool even if I had one. Besides, I had already installed my seals and didn't want to trash them.

I did some measuring, and came to the realization that I really need measurements at the center of the bearing rotation axis. The diameter of my tools was a serious problem.

So, I took my pieces to work and used the cmm to get absolute measurements. So, as long as we didn't make any mistakes, Im pretty comfortable with my shims.

.006 on one side bottom, and .030 on the other.

 

[AcroSteve]

I'll admit ive neglected this thread. Been posting my questions and progress on various Facebook groups.

Im in the final push to get ready for moab in April. Most of the major items are done. Test drive soon.

Im just gonna dump some photos and entertain any questions that pop up.


Steering box. Running 80 series with mounting option for original IFS

 

[AcroSteve]

2017 4runner brakes.

 

[AcroSteve]

rear sump pan.

 

[AcroSteve]

Double cases and @4xinnovations crossmember. Homegrown brake.

 

[AcroSteve]

 

[AcroSteve]

 

[AcroSteve]

 

[aztoyman]

Man, you got some $hit done! Gonna be badass. How does that work with the 80 series steering box?

 

[AcroSteve]

Man, you got some $hit done! Gonna be badass. How does that work with the 80 series steering box?

Not sure yet
Finally got to the point of starting it and test driving it this week, but i ran into a leak on my fuel pump mount. So, im waiting on parts.

But in the air, it works great. Lol


Front end shot.

And side. Gotta do some trimming on the bumper and probably fenders. I built the bumper at the start of this project, well before deciding on the SAS and +5" wheelbase. Sitting on 35s

 

[aztoyman]

I was asking about the 80 series steering box because I "thought" it would work backwards since they have their tie rod behind the axle. Or so I thought?? Never saw one up close in person.

 

[AcroSteve]

You're correct. The 80 box does have a slightly different ratio, but mostly, it works backwards from the factory box. Which keeps it out of the way better.

But it is a very tight fit. I had to get a special short return fitting so that the alternator would clear. And with the shock mounts I used, its right against it. But I like the looks of it a lot better. Oh, the steering shaft is custom and very short. Angle off of the steering wheel dropped a little and not quite centered in the firewall opening anymore.

If you look close, I did make a mount for the IFS box if I need to in a pinch or something.

 

[AcroSteve]

Almost ready to party

Front bumps done.