Back to the Lexus. Having bought the springs for the lift over a year ago, I just need the supporting components to get it done. Lifting the rig will be the first step, hopefully done through January/February. What I've come up with for requirements are the rear panhard bracket from DVS, front caster plates, sway bar drop links front and back, front adjustable panhard bar, and rear upper adjustable control arms. I will also be rebuilding the front axle with new Birfs at this time, as they've been clicking for a while. I will also be searching for driveshafts to have modified for the lift, if I recall an early Tacoma shaft can be modified with a double cardan for the front, and a Tundra shaft can be modified for the rear. That's all phase 1.
For the next part, I will be needing to rebuild the NV4500 with the proper mainshaft to mate to the HF2AV already in the Lexus. The transmission is already taken down, so I'll be rebuilding it in the shop with a shaft sourced from Adventure Vehicles Northwest, and a locally sourced bearing and synchro kit. This I plan to do over March, if the timeline stays true (it won't). I'll also be doing a reseal of the engine while it's on the shop floor, as well as some basic modifications to fuelling. I'll be installing a 3200k governor spring, a dynamic timing advance spacer, and maybe a set of mild injectors. The goal for this engine is 250 horse at absolute max, I don't plan to move into the realm of needing headstuds and valve springs. Phase 2. I'm also considering rebuilding the Lexus transfer case. It shows no signs of failure, but it has over 400,000 km on it, and it will be easy with it already being out. I intend to keep the all wheel drive feature, as that's one of my favorite parts about these trucks.
Phase 3 is the actual swapping of the guts of the cruiser, and I have no timeline for that right now. I've religiously read threads by Wheelingnoob and Dirty Koala, which I feel apply better to my situation, as well as a dozens of other swap threads. I will not be using a body lift, and I hope to be able to retain the A/C compressor in the stock Dodge location, down by the passenger frame rail. I've read mixed comments on this being feasible or not, and worst case I'll borrow the high mount set up from my Chevy build, but I don't want to. I'll be making my own engine mounts, either utilising stock first or second gen isolators, I'll decide once I'm in there. I plan to use an He351 turbo I have already on the shelf, down to a 3" exhaust turbo back. Maybe a small muffler if there's space. I intend to install a charge air cooler in the same manner as Wheelingnoob, I like how slick that is. I plan to run electric fans for cooling, so rad clearance won't have to be a huge consideration. I also intend to use a Saginaw power steering pump with remote reservoir from a mid 80's chevy quarebody, to avoid clearance issues with the steering gear on the frame.
Lots of other considerations, but these are the big ones for now
