Build Plan

[Abnrml1]

I'm in the planning stage of my build and would like opinions on running with an independent front suspension. First off; I am not building a Toyota but it will have Toyota parts. My rig is a '81 Datsun 720 KC. I plan on keeping the IFS so I'm here seeking wisdom. I know that there are Nissan forums out there but I've been reading a lot of the threads here and I am very impressed with the builds that I have seen.

I'll be running a 4.3 GM with a TBI and a 700r4 trans and I would like to go with a Toyota rear. My truck has 4.36 gears and from I have read, the early Toyotas ran a 4.37. I'd like to run the Toy rear because it would be a lot cheaper to find a locker and a disc brake conversion for it than the stock Datsun. Do you think that the 8 inch Toy rear will stand up to the 4.3? I'll be checking out the tech forums to set it up.

The engine will stay pretty muck stock and I plan on running with 235/75 tires. I'm also building camper top for the truck with on-board water. I'll be cramming as much as I can into the cab and bed for now, but once the truck is up and running, I want to build a small off-road teardrop to pull behind it.

My plans for the rig are to run some decent trails that will get me away from civilization for some extended periods of time. Trips will depend on how much time I can stay away from home and still be married when I get back. I'm the only one in the family that enjoys this stuff so it will be me and the Catahoula.

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[MauricioR]

Interesting, I did not know that those Datsuns came with Independent front suspension.
How many HP/torque does this engine produces? What is the year of the engine? It should produce between 135hp (old models) and 165hp (1990s) and they have around 230 lb·ft (312 N·m) at 2000.
The early toyotas that used 4.37 gears are 4 cylinders, and they had around 80-90HP.
Check this out:

Erik's Toyota Differential info

It should be a Hi-Pinnion8" or V6 carriers can be used in 8" diffs if the correct bearings are used

What if you go with the 4.88 gears that came with the 4runner, those came with a V6, and increase the tire to 31"? (don't know if it fits)

If you are planning to take some trails I imagine that your truck is 4wd, and not the 2wd, are you planning to lift it?

Rob.

 

[kirvesmies]

hey abnrml1, yeah, i believe the 'yota rear will live behind that 4.3. my 1st 'yota was a '79 punted down the road by a built 350. stock axles with 32-11.50 bfg mud-terrains. they survived the holocaust that was my right foot. engine would wind out at about 2600rpm at 60 mph. so what i'm suggesting is those 235s might be a tad short n that 4.3 aint gonna be happy at freeway speeds. it'll get there quicker than a young man on his wedding night though

 

[kirvesmies]

edit that, the 700r will help you with od

 

[Hiace4wd]

I also have that setup with IFS in front and 8" rear diff, but my van is from the nineties (and so nineties 4runner and hilux tech). I'm not sure how much weaker the stuff is from 81.
However, I know there are versions in the nineties running almost 200hp (3.4 liter V6) on the 8 inch rear diff, so that is fine. But I think it makes a difference if you have 2 pinion or 4 pinion?

If you find a Toyota wrecker for the axle, make sure to check the chassi plate. It should have a code for the axle. Mine says G155. The last number being a 2 = 2 pinion, 3 = 2 pinion with LSD, 4 = 4 pinion, 5 = 4 pinion with LSD. G = 8 inch diff
The numbers in between are telling you the diff ratio.

In fact, I have a final gear ratio of 5.125, in my standard Toyota axles.

See this link about the numbers:
http://rsmotorsport.com.au/files/Identifying_Toyota_Hilux.pdf

 

[cruiserpilot]

I had a Nissan 720 with the Z24 dual plug head. Probably best truck I've ever owned. Don't know why
you're going with a GM? But anyhow, the Toyota rear you mention will easily take anything that motor
will put out. Nice thing, bolt pattern between Toyota and Nissan are the same, so no wheel issues.
Good luck, great truck.

 

[Abnrml1]

I'm going with the 4.3 for a couple of reasons. Number one; I want to have enough power to pull a small off road trailer and the second reason is that I live a rural area in southern Illinois and old Datsun parts are hard to come by. With the 4.3, if I break down in the middle of nowhere, I can almost always find another 4.3.

 

[4wheelspulling]

If I remember right, 86' 4x4 Toyota trucks are 3" wider than the earlier trucks. 87' 4x4 on with the V6 have the 4 pinion rear axles, also the turbo 4 cylinder trucks. Don't remember the the width of the axles drum to drum. Also seems like I remember the 4.30 ? Something gears are hard to come by? I had a nice 84' runner that I was playing with. About a month ago, there was a Nissan truck with a diesel for sell cheap! Look in the Yakima, WA. CL. And see if it is for sell still! The facts on the Toyota axles may be wrong? My brain is old and messed up! Look all that up in the Early truck and 4Runner section on this site.