Frame Swap Thoughts... input wanted..

[jynx]

So I have been holding onto a front axle that I have plans to put under my 90 pickup someday. I want a low lift SAS rig and have done a lot of reading on the subject. I believe it is possible with the right combination of parts. So now fast forward to today and I may have come across an 85 frame that I could probably get my hands on.... So now the question becomes which one would be better?

I know that my 90 frame is slightly tweaked from an accident well before I owned it, so doing an SAS on my frame could take some work to get right. If the 85 frame is in good shape then how much work would it be to swap my cab/ body onto that chassis? In order to achieve the low SAS on my frame then I would be relocating the steering box anyway, so that isn't a huge issue. I plan to build the axle I have with IFS hubs to match my IFS rear axle. Springs and Hangers, etc are all a given for either one as well.

So what are your thoughts? @KLF since you are in the middle of a frame off restoration, had you not already SAS'd your rig, would you see any benefit in using a SA frame to rebuild your rig on top of?

Thanks

 

[TCinVA]

I think you would be better off with the solid axle frame. I did a body swap on my '85 4Runner a while back with a lot of help from a friend who was building a truggy at the same time. He used an '86 truck and it sits a little higher than he wanted after the SAS because of the IFS front frame section curving up less and limiting up travel. Compared to stuff I've done to my 40, the body swap was relatively easy. Good luck.

 

[MatS]

I'm going to agree with above, if you've already got access to the right parts the rest is just loosey/lifty. I've got a JDM solid axle truck and I've compared frames with IFS trucks, question I have for you is are going high steer? If so how little lift are you going to try and get away with? I've 2.5" OME springs in my truck and just measurements and angles show it's going to be a tight fit when I do go that route. IFS frame from a friends 4 Runner that was SASd and 2.5" springs had much more room for the steering but did also sit higher.

 

[KLF]

I don't see a problem with your plan to swap the frame, as long as you have a decent place to work that is out of the weather and has enough height. The front fixed spring hangers on the SA frame are very weak, I would plan to cut them off and put something beefier in there.

The only danger/risk is what I am dealing with, the dreaded "well while I'm here..." condition. My OCD is in high gear these past few weeks. Just finished a huge wiring project, starting to install the rest of the dash today.

 

[MatS]

I'll confirm those front spring hangers are pretty cheesy, I mangled mine up pretty good trying to get the original rusted pin out.

I hate that "while I'm in here..." condition, what started as a radio installation in my Lux turned into a gutted interior/dash, box removed rust repair and reassemble gong-show. Still haven't even started on the radio wiring yet either!

 

[KLF]

LOL... I get it bad. Many years ago I decided to install some new speakers in the doors of my FJ62, next thing you know I was looking at this:

 

[MatS]

I'll see if I have a picture someone... I went as far as entire dash assembly out, heater box and evaporator removed, cleaned out all the vents and even took the pedals out so I could clean the carpet on the firewall..... That picture there looks like my current state on reassembly lol