So many options
Axle swap considerations
- Thread starter archie73
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- Thread starter
- #142
Yeah I like to get lots of opinions…I think some of you have seen this....
FJ80/FZJ80 axle thread
I've had 1 or both of these axles in every wheeler I've owned since about 06, so I figured I share my experience. Plus add all the info in one place. These often get lumped in with mini trucks when talking Toyota axles, but I feel they are different enough, it's worth discussing. Birfs for...irate4x4.com
- Thread starter
- #143
So semi local to me is a non running 80 for sale. I gave them a real low offer and they said "thanks, but no." Now I’m debating on a full frame swap…
At any rate, I’m leaning toward the 80 axles at the moment. I’d love to see this discussion continue anyway.
At any rate, I’m leaning toward the 80 axles at the moment. I’d love to see this discussion continue anyway.
Full frame swap would deliver a very good ride.
That’s why the high end shops are doing them
- Thread starter
- #145
I’m not completely sure yet, but it does present some intriguing advantages. It seems to be a fairly common swap down under, not sure how their typical usage compares to what I have in mind, but there’s some interesting upsides to this method of an “axle swap”.Full frame swap would deliver a very good ride.
That’s why the high end shops are doing them
I’d need the seller to come down from what I feel is a sky high price for what they have. I know the market is crazy, but seriously this was the type of truck that’s was lucky to get $750 a couple years ago. At any rate a frame swap wasn’t on my radar, but might get the project moving faster if I go this route. Time will tell.
At any rate, happy to keep the thread going.
2-3k is cheap for a 1fz 80. They are getting a lot more desirable for parts in non running condition. I usually see them listed for 5k+ which I think is way too high, but people seem to pay.
I agree. I bought a 91 with no motor for 2k just for that reason. Then my good buddy begged me to buy it so he could LS swap it. Tough having friends!
Aqualu even makes 40/45 body's to fit the 80 chassis. I was really tempted to do it as well. Now I am planning to put 80 style suspension under my 40. Starting from scratch, I would do the 80 frame swap.
80 axles-check
80 suspension, ie coils and links-check
wheelbase stretch-check
width-check
steering figured out-check
aftermarket chassis support-check
driveshafts-check
transfercase low range gears available-check
examples on mud on how it was done-check
2-3k to start and add a body- EASY BUTTON!!!
Food for though
91-92s Have smaller front breaks and a semi float rear axle.
91-92s Have smaller front breaks and a semi float rear axle.
Yes, but 15" wheels fit
That they do 
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80 axles are getting pretty expensive for what they are. Even after you get a used set, the front one usually needs new shafts and birfields.
- Thread starter
- #154
They seem to be waiting for one of those buyers. They started with $8k for a non running rig with body damage(fixable), thrashed interior and north of 300k. The miles make me think the axles are going to need major rehab. They are less than that on the price now, but I’m having trouble with the current price knowing I’ll be scrapping the body and whatever else I don’t use.
I’d be swapping the drivetrain for an LS/auto, but this was my thought as well until…
…This seems like an understatement.
Maybe I’m dreaming on what I should pay, but this still seems high to me. I’m also not in the position to part out a vehicle piece meal. So the body et all would be going for scrap unless I had some quick sales.
For context: I just stumbled across a 05 SD w/ blown 5.4 and 142k for $1500. I could pull the axles and scrap the rest and be ahead of the 80 in terms of rebuild parts. Of course, I’d have to shorten the axles, but that was always in the cards going this route.
As soon as I think I have the answer, I reconsider. “Failure to launch???” I really appreciate all the input I’ve gotten from everyone who has commented. Thanks everyone
- Thread starter
- #155
A natural diversion from what axle to use is “where to get it?” I don’t know about where other people live, but no one is parting out 80’s around here. F2/350’s are parted out all day long, just not 80’s. I’ve bought stuff off eBay JY’s before and it’s convenient. Not cheap, but having a complete drop out rear suspension dropped at your doorstep is pretty nice. Local JY’s don’t have LC’s or they want more than the JY online. Next up is the non running truck that you hoping to just take off their hands. If it doesn’t have a ton of miles, it’s likely a LS swap candidate and I could see people paying for that.
I see three possible sources for my location:
I see three possible sources for my location:
- Luck out and find a no runner on FBM. I’m still working that angle, but I’m not holding my breath.
- Something like Copart. I have a couple with in 6hrs of me now. This is the cheapest (& I can’t legally bid on it):
Sure I could potentially recoup some cost on the in damaged doodads. Problem being is the actual cost of the auction and time and expense of bringing it home.
- Next is the online JY’s. This seems to be the average price of a front axle:
- Am I missing something???
I picked up my 95 80 axles for 1K in 2019. front was absolutely exploded and would have needed a new carrier if I didn't stuff in an ARB. I figured I put in at least another 1500 in parts, and I didn't do axle shafts. I will say, it may be easier to slap together a custom rear with more available parts, but fronts are a massive PITA with the larger diffs and narrow frame. You either sacrifice your uptravel, or you usually end up modifying frames and pans, not to mention mounting links runs out of space really fast.
I would recommend a d44 front if you end up going non toyota for that reason.
I would not put a D44 in my worst enemy’s rig. If they planned on running anything more than to the grocery store 
. Here is why 
. That thing snapped like hot butter and when they do they take out the ball joints. But hey you do what you want
. Here is why . That thing snapped like hot butter and when they do they take out the ball joints. But hey you do what you want I'm not saying I think a junked out parts 80 is worth $6500, but those that part
I've done that before! In 3 feet of snow!
I would not put a D44 in my worst enemy’s rig. If they planned on running anything more than to the grocery store
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I've done that before! In 3 feet of snow!
Winch Hill 1 Fordyce Trail ?
If so that spot is no joke. I’m sure many axles lift the chat in that spot.