FZJ80 rear axle upgrade

[cruisermatt]

@cruisermatt, I know its probably ideal to have both rears at the same angle (symmetrical) I can only go so far on the drivers side before I hit the exhaust. Upper mount looks difficult from the garage floor, but might be the only way. Thanks

Yeah, move them both. It will be more stable anyways (more vertical = more stiff)
And exhaust is just a pipe, suspension > exhaust

 

[4runner2FJ60]

Should I try to source new pins and leave the old ones up there? Looks like they go thru the frame tube. If I had a lift welding would be no problem. Thanks again!

 

[4runner2FJ60]

Three options I am looking into:
- Replacing the upper shock mount frame tube, -the possibility of moving the passenger shock behind the axle (like many older Toyota trucks), OR.........worst case, -use the Harrop/Eaton 60 front and put it in the rear (throw all that work away rebuilding the factory locker...maybe sell it?) re-gear old rear to match and put up front.

In case anyone reading this is thinking about this mod for their 60.....the FACTORY LOCKED 80 FF rear will NOT fit with stock shock locations.

 

[cruisermatt]

Three options I am looking into:
- Replacing the upper shock mount frame tube, -the possibility of moving the passenger shock behind the axle (like many older Toyota trucks), OR.........worst case, -use the Harrop/Eaton 60 front and put it in the rear (throw all that work away rebuilding the factory locker...maybe sell it?) re-gear old rear to match and put up front.

In case anyone reading this is thinking about this mod for their 60.....the FACTORY LOCKED 80 FF rear will NOT fit with stock shock locations.

You could also put the OEM Elocker in the front... just need to notch the housing, swap out some studs, and get the inner shaft from Trail Gear, or sell it and replace with a locker that doesn't suck like the 80 E-lockers

 

[4runner2FJ60]

@cruisermatt Thanks......Have you run one up front before, funny there is more clearance up there than the rear. Will the 60 front diff with Eaton go right in this rear? I am actually considering doing this instead of moving the stock shock locations. Rear side of axle will not work without another frame cross member run across, OE is too far forward. Thanks again.

 

[cruisermatt]

@cruisermatt Thanks......Have you run one up front before, funny there is more clearance up there than the rear. Will the 60 front diff with Eaton go right in this rear? I am actually considering doing this instead of moving the stock shock locations. Rear side of axle will not work without another frame cross member run across, OE is too far forward. Thanks again.

I haven't personally, but guys like @theferg have done that almost 20 years ago. Yes you can put the front third in the rear, no problem

 

[4runner2FJ60]

I forgot to ask, what inner shaft are you talking about from Trail Gear? I'm planning on doing this swap now. Only bonus on this one is I have not filled the refreshed 80 rear with oil yet!

These?

 

[cruisermatt]

I forgot to ask, what inner shaft are you talking about from Trail Gear? I'm planning on doing this swap now. Only bonus on this one is I have not filled the refreshed 80 rear with oil yet!

These?

yes. That would be what you would use for a Toyota locker, either electric out of an 80 or a 60 Cable locker.

 

[4runner2FJ60]

So get those for long side and short side? They work with existing birfields? Thanks

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

I wonder if anyone has any pictures of how to make this work with the shock on the passenger side? I am certain after flexing suspension it most likely will not work in the current setup at all without moving top of shock or raising bottom up closer to axle more. Pressed ahead with brakes and parking brake adjustments so I could get these mounted up and proceed with the front end. I am loving new stance.View attachment 3311537View attachment 3311538looks grea. What color did you paint your rims?

 

[cruisermatt]

So get those for long side and short side? They work with existing birfields? Thanks

You would just need it for the long side. Those are 30 spline so no it will not work with your stock birf (you really should not have stock birfs if you have a locker though).
Your best bet would be to just get their complete setup with the longer inner axle. RCV also sells this setup if you want to spend a little bit more but support a USA-made brand.

All of this information has already been on this forum for decades now. And installing a front locker is not not really relevant to installing an 80 series rear axle into a 60. So maybe consider starting your own build thread or reading one of the existing threads on that topic