It’s a sleeper
Axle swap considerations
- Thread starter archie73
- Start date
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Mine is also a sleeper.It’s a sleeper
Only problem with front range is the reliablity of getting parts shipped unfortunately
- Thread starter
- #184
Feel free to derail. This is exactly why I stated this thread. I’m not positive on flipping the 80 front axle. But I know I e read a bit of people doing it.
IMO the ideal scenario would be a set of axles from an early 80 series with a semi float rear and build a 9.5/80 hybrid axle. That would give you a driver drop. If you link it you can run a RHD steering arm and y-link steering.
There not as bad at getting the the knuckles out
if there in stock.
To throw another thing in the mix, Trail Gear just started offering 80 knuckle balls
I have a set of axles off my 94 with open diffs but I was thinking about keeping my 3rd gen e-locker rear in place (for now) with factory rear arms.
If I flip the 80 front I would go with hellfire high steer vs Y-link (like a D44 uses) and make more room for 3-link out back with a relocated panhard. Probably make my own axle tubes and swap/clock the 80 knuckle balls.
Diamond only offers 40/60 series KBs, is that accurate? I hate TG lol
No they offer a 80 series as well
I sent an email to Front Range about a custom Diamond Axle housing and never heard back. Guess I need to find another reseller
I agree
I will, great idea!
Looking at an '83 front for a flip. Seems easier to convert to high steer and a similar upgrade to 30 spline. Any downside to going this route? Brakes?
I never understood the 30 spline upgrade, the bell's break on the birfs, not the shafts. The upgraded bell is what your after, RCV.
Brakes are easy to put together, if you are keeping the toyota knuckles the 6 shooter are good. If its an 80 axle the Hellfire stuff is nice.
Brakes are easy to put together, if you are keeping the toyota knuckles the 6 shooter are good. If its an 80 axle the Hellfire stuff is nice.
Width, a mini truck front axle is only 55.5” wms. Your rear is 60”.
You can do the IFS hubs and FROR big brake kit and run up to 5th gen brakes and gain about 3” of width but the front will still be narrower. The more width you gain past the knuckle means more leverage on the knuckles and trunnion bearings compounding the strength issues. Plus they steer like s***.
FJ60 (same size as mini) on left and 80 on the right.
Yep, If you want to keep it all in the family 80 series stuff is the way to go
80 series axle flip here:
Made some progress today, but definitely hit a bump in the road. Planned on taking the axle off, turning the balls 180 degrees, and cutting/remounting all brackets at 180 degrees also. The locking diff definitely has a non symmetrical bolt pattern and mounting face. I might have to cut the axle tube up and keep the orientation of the diff mount pointed up.
That's a great idea, flipping the axle horizontally, especially if I'm gonna link it!80 series axle flip here:
Made some progress today, but definitely hit a bump in the road. Planned on taking the axle off, turning the balls 180 degrees, and cutting/remounting all brackets at 180 degrees also. The locking diff definitely has a non symmetrical bolt pattern and mounting face. I might have to cut the axle tube up and keep the orientation of the diff mount pointed up.
The thought of removing the mounting flange tho...