Axle width and Wheel backspacing.

[jynx]

So I am trying to get all my ducks lined up for an SAS on my pickup and I had a random thought that I wanted some feedback on.

So I have been talking to Brian at 4WU and he mentioned that on the 3 link, that to help avoid space issues with the coil overs that wheels with a 3.5" BS are advised, enter my question:

If I used a standard mini axle with spacers to get it out to match the IFS rear width of 59" and 8" wheels with 3.5" BS, the out-to-out on the wheels would be 68" right [ (8-3.5) x 2 + 59"] , but if I used an 80 front at 63" and 7" wheels (most oem) with 4.75" BS, then the Out-to-out would be 67.5" [(7-4.75) x 2 + 63"]

So the overall width would be almost identical, I wouldn't have to use wheel spacers, I get the stronger front, and I would end up with essentially the same clearance for the coil overs. I would have to sort out the steering, but for kicks I could just use the stock 80 if the links don't interfer in the back or there are a few options for doing a hysteer conversions out there.

So somebody tell me what I have missed. I am pretty sure my measurements are right, but could someone double check them for me, please.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Sam Stewart]

I'm thinking out loud here but wouldn't you have to mount the coilovers in farther if you use the 80 axle?The difference in the spacing is that you would have more axle and the wheels would be sticking in farther. So, I'm thinking you have to move the mounting point on the 80 axle farther in to compensate. Not that it would be a bad thing, just might limit your travel a little bit.

 

[jynx]

Well i was thinking that the mounting point would stay the same as it would on a mini axle and even though the wheels were further in, the wider axle would compensate, so the inside face of the tire would be in basically the same location as it would be with the mini axle with spacers and less BS on the wheel.

I'm trying to figure out how to run either a OEM wheel or a spoke style wheel and finding a nice wheel with less than 4.5" of BS is pretty difficult, unless I go with a Walker Evans custom. I know a spacer will be needed for the rear to even things up, but I could eventually replace the rear with a different housing to fix that as well.

 

[Yotaonly]

I say do it! I'm doing something similar with my 4Runner project, fj80 sas swap and keeping the 8" v6 rear end. I'm adding a full floater kit to the rear that will be stronger and also add the width that I need to match. I'm actually using fj80 front spindles and hubs for the full floater so it'll have the same bearings on all corners. I'm not sure what the total width of mine will be, but I know there are a few kits available, I'm sure they would have some better info.

Also, are you looking to run 16" or 17" wheels? I'm pretty sure there are a few 17's available with the backspacing that you need.