Our '87 4R SR5 Honduras Coffee/Missions Rig Build...

[muddpigg]

Can I do a solid axle swap and keep my automatic transmission?

Yes, depending on height may have DS ange issues. Dual cases and high pinion is a solution though, spendy solution. But tons of advantages.

 

[The Jade Bean]

Yes, depending on height may have DS ange issues. Dual cases and high pinion is a solution though, spendy solution. But tons of advantages.

Great, thanks! I'm only running a 2.5" lift so hopeful that won't require the spendy solution. I wanna keep my tranny for now and do a solid axle swap. I'm going to start collecting parts so any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[The Jade Bean]

I'm doing my front bumper now and was going to use the bolts on the bottom where the tow hooks go. Will this be an issue when welding up the leaf spring brackets or do they go further back?

 

[KLF]

Your front spring hanger goes right where that tow hook is.

 

[The Jade Bean]

Ok thanks for that! Glad to find out before I started welding!

 

[Mudder]

SAS with an auto tranny. Yes you can do it. I was going to do it to my 89. Things you need to know. If you want duals then you have to tear down the whole transmission to replace it with a gear from inchworm so it can fit a nonhydrolic transfer case. But yes it is possibly. You also could always put an a340f transmission if you want to keep an auto

 

[The Jade Bean]

^^^ thx! I'm still google-ing info. Can I do it and not SAS? I'm not wanting to do that. I'd also prefer keep my tranny as its already been completely rebuilt.

 

[muddpigg]

Your front spring hanger goes right where that tow hook is.

View attachment 1136587

Love that hanger and plating for winch, beefy!!! I've used my winch more lately pulling others out than I've ever had to self recover. I'm glad I re-enforce front for winch mount.

Need to label my rig "Ford, Chevy, and Jeep recovery vehicle"

 

[Mudder]

Yes. You cna change transmissions without an SAS and duals can be done without as well. The issue with the A340H as you've probably found is it is mated to the transmission and can't be removed without disassembly of the whole transmission.

 

[The Jade Bean]

Would you do an axle swap or say heck no and keep on with life???

 

[Mudder]

Man. With having a solid axle truck now I'll admit I miss ifs. It is a lot more comfortable while driving especially in areas with lots of pots holes and handling. It doesn't even compare. But what if this rig going to be used for? Mainly off roading then I'd say SAS. Mainly for comfort driving to town and around a ranch then keep IFS. Just my two cents.

 

[muddpigg]

SAS is a spendy mod if not going to be used. It feeds into the addiction of building and building rig. If you SAS then you'll need to revamp rear suspension as a flexy rear compliments a flexy front.

 

[The Jade Bean]

^^ Thanks!

So I think the best plan is to continue forward as normal for now. It will get used primarily off road in Honduras so I think I'll have them do it there. Maybe when I have the front clip repaired there so they are only tearing into it once. Seems like a sensible plan at least.

 

[onemanarmy]

100% keep the IFS. Unless your just want to and have money burning a hole.

Is that a homebrew rear bumper or a kit?

 

[The Jade Bean]

100% keep the IFS. Unless your just want to and have money burning a hole.

Is that a homebrew rear bumper or a kit?

No money burning holes in my pockets for sure! The bumper was a kit from a company with the worst service on the planet! It was lacking in support big time and measurements were off pretty good. I compensated for the mess ups. The swing out I'm making is home brew.

 

[onemanarmy]

If you can, I'd like to see a list of what you used for the homebrew swing out. I'm working on (brainstorming) a rear bumper build for my 4 runner. I've got some parts from 4crawler, and will be building from that.

thanks

 

[muddpigg]

Make no mistake the IFS is very capable. I wheeled it for years on challenging trails. I did dual cases, gears, lockers, and protection long before SAS. I've since relocated from the west and really haven't run anything here that makes SAS worth while hopefully I'll find more. Besides in Hondo you may find yotas not available in U.S. Market. Hilux with SFA and diesel, I saw a couple in Czech Republic.

 

[The Jade Bean]

^^^ Thanks!

Got way less done today than I thought I would, but the mount for the front bumper is made and STRONG!!!

Frame support goes next and then the actual bumper.

 

[The Jade Bean]

 

[The Jade Bean]

Getting somewhere!