HotRodLarry's Epic SAS Project (1 Viewer)

[Hotrodlarry]

I am nearing completion of a SAS project that stretches back years. I was on my way to the Dollhouse in Canyonland's NP. I had a '99 LC with IronMan Pro Foam Cell shocks, maybe 1" of lift and 32.8" tires. I was picking my way down the trail when this 80 series with big tires, floaty suspension, driven by a 25 year old girl just passed us as if we were sitting still. I thought to myself, I want one of those.... at that moment I went down the rabbit hole. As anyone who has tackled this project (turning a 100 series into an 80 series) can attest to, it is a battle of compromises and money. In fact a year ago with a brand new diamond axle in hand I tried to sell the parts on this board. Oh well no takers, let's cut the front off of this sucker!

 

[Hotrodlarry]

I want to post so details so you can see the multiple ways you can SAS you LC. It all starts with your priorities. I wanted better clearance under the belly, a softer ride and big tires. I also wanted the 25% reduction on the low range. I put off the project until the front steering rack was at the end of its life. The LC has 375K miles and needed some love. I have very little rust and was willing to put the time and effort in. From the back of the transmission I now have all new bearings, seals, rebuilt T-Case, 4.88 gears, ARB locker in the front, 10% reduction on the high and 25% reduction on the low, w/37's. I am also based in Texas so I have a lot of highway miles to cover to get to the areas I like. That lead me to use the stock Toyota front radius arms.

 

[Hotrodlarry]

I started with 18" of flex with the IFS.

 

[Hotrodlarry]

Today I have 30" with a little adjustment to the rear axle location it will end up around 32"

 

[excessive]

wow. that is a bad A$$ looking rig. amazing work, we'd love to see more shots of the process.
Also, what's the story - is that paint or a wrap? looks amazing!

 

[213374U]

Subscribing for more

 

[SNLC]

Just fyi for people who don’t know.

The 105-series uses the same frame as an 80-series. Just different body mounts. Swapping a chassis is not for everyone that’s for sure but it turns your 100-series into a 105 which had a SFA from Toyota.

Cheers

 

[OffRoadScott]

Would love to see pictures of the process like others mentioned.

 

[2000UZJ]

I'm curious on this color....

 

[whitec13]

wow. that is a bad A$$ looking rig. amazing work, we'd love to see more shots of the process.
Also, what's the story - is that paint or a wrap? looks amazing!

This! It looks like a wrap, but looks gorgeous either way!! I know we’re here for the show and the SAS details, but we can’t dodge that amazing color combo!

 

[Mike NXP]

I was picking my way down the trail when this 80 series with big tires, floaty suspension, driven by a 25 year old girl just passed us as if we were sitting still. I thought to myself, I want one of those

LOL this is too funny. Nice work man, now get out there and show those girls how you roll. =]

 

[Hotrodlarry]

I have wrapped two vehicles, my first and my last! With all the prep involved I should have just taken it to the paint shop after I removed the trim.

 

[Exiled]

Love this truck...SAS, color, everything!

 

[2000UZJ]

I have wrapped two vehicles, my first and my last! With all the prep involved I should have just taken it to the paint shop after I removed the trim.View attachment 3667575

That looks amazing! Thanks for posting up the details!

 

[Hotrodlarry]

It was with great relief that I finally am driving my rig again. April 1st of last year I pulled out a plasma torch and cut the ISF off the LC. I had 360,000 miles and it was due for a steering rack, new tires etc. This project dragged on as I made very little progress over the winter months (good weather) chasing to do the majority of the work in the 95 degree / 90% humidity of Houston Texas. I will try to add photos and details to this post in the future. I have been working every evening and weekends. I told myself this would be driving in Colorado in September and Utah in October!

 

[Mike NXP]

Looks great, and awesome to hear folks are still putting in this level of effort to rigs with 300k+ miles. Keep it going !

 

[OffRoadScott]

View attachment 3692081

It was with great relief that I finally am driving my rig again. April 1st of last year I pulled out a plasma torch and cut the ISF off the LC. I had 360,000 miles and it was due for a steering rack, new tires etc. This project dragged on as I made very little progress over the winter months (good weather) chasing to do the majority of the work in the 95 degree / 90% humidity of Houston Texas. I will try to add photos and details to this post in the future. I have been working every evening and weekends. I told myself this would be driving in Colorado in September and Utah in October!

Looks good. Would love to see work of underside of the project.

 

[jaewastooshort]

following for (hopefully) pics of the swap process

 

[Hotrodlarry]

Wheel and Tire Combo,

Method 706 Bead Grip Wheel in a 5x150 bolt pattern (tall cap) version. (looked at the website and it appears that they no longer offer this wheel)
Can't remember the offset. Tire is a BFG KM3 MT 37x12.5 R17

I initially wanted a bead lock until I priced them. The wheel search was somewhat difficult because I needed a bore size that would clear the Aisen locking hub on the front axle. This was used to match the 5x150 bolt patter of the rear. This entire project is a series of compromises and decisions that then drive other issues. The 5x150 bolt pattern is a pain to locate. I was lucky to find this wheel. I did take this to a friends race shop and we machined out the small lip that retains the center cap. I don't need the cap, have not had one for years. I now had a set of wheels that matched my bolt pattern, had enough offset to clear the steering arm of the axle and did not poke the tires to far out past the fender.

 

[Hotrodlarry]

Months down the line I did have to modify the steering arm. After talking with someone who has done this before, he indicated the stock Toyota ball joints were not holding up to the large tires. I then modified and offset the arm to take GM 1 Ton ball joints. (this did not work as planned I will go over that in another post) a recurring theme is solve one problem, create another. In the photo of the outside of the wheel you may be able to see the lip I machined out of the bore.