Axle/suspension advice

[boysrus]

Not sure if this is really hardcore, but figured I'd ask here, since it isn't about the right OEM paint color for skinnies with hub caps...

Been building a '78 for about 3 years - and doing it backwards... body and frame, then engine/tranny swap... now thinking axles and suspension. I know this isn't the right way, but I had my reasons... even though they probably don't matter at this point!

Anyway, she now has a 5.3 vortec mated to NV4500 and Orion 4:1, and getting close to being back on the road. That's all sitting on stock axles with lock rite in rear and some no-name 4" SUA lift and 35's, with 1" body lift. Has 60 power steering. I've cut the fenders for flares, but don't want to go to full comp cut - so probably no more than 3" stretch at either end. Plan to stay with 35's, maybe 37's max.

I want a very trail capable rig, but still streetable enough to cruise back and forth to work each day - about 20 miles a day. It's not a rock crawler, and won't pretend to be. But I want to be able to do some exploring and some of the many trails here in Colorado. I want to keep it a 40.

So what do you think, stay SUA and go with Alcans? SOA all the way around? SOA front and 4-link rear??? stick with the 40 axles, or go wider with 60's??? What about 80 series, or mini truck fronts? They seem plentiful on Pirate. I've ruled out tons, because I'm not planning on wheeling that hard, and I don't want to buy another transfer case... Planning ARB's, but don't want to buy them until I'm set on the axles.

None of this will happen tomorrow - probably more like next year. But I want to get a plan and start watching for good deals on parts.

I appreciate your advice - but I'm not on here daily, so if you post and I don't post back right away.... well..

Here's what it looked like a few months ago:

 

[Fast Eddy]

Get it on the road the way it is now. Put in a cheap Aussie or similar locker in the back so you can wheel with your buddies. Carry a spare birf and tools, just in case. Watch the skinny pedal.

Figure out the rest while you're wheeling the crap out of it for a year or so.

 

[Slowerthanu]

Screw it, SOA, six shooters, Longs, ARB or Detroit with some 4.56's and call it a day.

 

[fjfodee]

Get it on the road the way it is now. Put in a cheap Aussie or similar locker in the back so you can wheel with your buddies. Carry a spare birf and tools, just in case. Watch the skinny pedal.

Figure out the rest while you're wheeling the **** out of it for a year or so.

X2. Wish I would have done that.

As for axles, I would stick with the 40's for now. Somewhere on here (LCwizard, I think) there is a weld in sleeve to extend the front 40 axle over to 60 width. You could use a mini truck front axle, but your front springs would have to be outboarded. Also with a mini front you will loose some strength if using the stock 3rd member. You can gain that back by switching to an 80 high pinion in the mini axle, but there is some debate as to whether or not that's any stronger than a stock LC 3rd.

Just wheel it and upgrade as you go.

 

['74 UA FJ]

I'd go soa for sure. The improved ride will be worth it.

 

[Tapage]

if it's going to be your trail rig .. SO and flat springs .. lockers birf etc etc etc .. but hey start using it right now .. then you can made the mods .. in the process and enjoing it ..

 

[boysrus]

Thanks for all the feedback. Clearly the 'wheel it!' message is coming through! That's my plan. Hope to be driving it this summer, but the last 2 weekends have come and gone with no time to touch it...

Then it sounds like spring over sounds like the ticket. I like the idea of a better ride, along with better travel. I guess I'll start looking for parts to collect that way.

Slowerthanu - I like your advice, but my wife is still in shock over the 5.3/NV4500/Orion price tag! I need to collect the next set of parts more quietly...

Thanks!

 

[Cirbo]

What kind of headers are you using? Post more pictures of the driveline too!

I'd also like to get a better look at your exhaust routing too.....

 

[mookie]

I'd go soa for sure. The improved ride will be worth it.

x2! get some rear fj60 springs for front and rear and stretch it a little while your at it

 

[chicago]

SOA is hands down the BEST mod aside from lockers for off road prowess.
The ride is actually much improved as well.
That LC wizard sleeve (mentioned above) is a really cool deal that I wish that I had know about before I went with the 60 series axles. Knew nothing of it till AFTER I was finished with my current set up.
Id look hard into that. You gain stance and also stability laterally which is really nice for off camber.
Rig looks beautiful BTW.

 

[4rnr]

As a mini guy. I say dont run mini's. the 8" is weaker than the 9.5 and I believe the hi-pinion 8" is also weaker than the 9.5. But regardless, the mini housing is quite weak. Ive smilied 3 housings under my 4runner.

SOA, 40 axles, run it the way it is. Do longs, then a front locker.

 

[boysrus]

Thanks. Looks like a plan is coming together. Now if the budget would too...

Cirbo - I ended up with the Hooker block hugger headers, I forget the number, but could look it up if you need. I tried 2 different manifolds and another set of headers - these were the only things I could get between the frame rails. I've seen pic's of rigs with manifolds, but I either got the wrong ones, or my engine is mounted different. I'm about 1" offset to driver's side.

I'll try to find some pics and post.

Jeff

 

[Eskimo]

If you go SOA, you'll need an anti-wrap bar.. just REALLY watch when the back gets to hopping... clutch in at the first hop.

 

[mookie]

just REALLY watch when the back gets to hopping... clutch in at the first hop.

damn that's good advice.....where were you 4 years ago lol?

 

[boysrus]

exhaust pics

Cirbo, here are some exhaust pic's. If you need, I can get some more - let me know what you want to see.

I used 2 1/2" stainless from the collectors into a "Y" and single 3" from there. All the bends were cut from prebent sections and tacked with my MIG. Then I took it all to a friend that TIG'd it up. I left my muffler clamped, in case I want to try something different.

 

[boysrus]

Eskimo -nice rig!

Yeah, that's good advice for any rig. Although it's fun to watch if someone else is doing it!

Nice

 

[Eskimo]

damn that's good advice.....where were you 4 years ago lol?

4 years ago? 4-linking my junk because I was tired of the hopping.
5 years ago? Driving/bitching about a hopping, pinion-snapping, non-climbing SOA rig with an anti-wrap bar that added a TON of anti-squat into the suspension.