SAS curiosity?

[Willbur]

I'm not trying to debate which is better vs IFS because honestly I haven't really made up my mind in long term run which is best option. Just thought some opinions would be nice on different ideas.

First off I still drive an stock FJC and before that wheeled an XJ. Now compared the two isn't exactly apples to apples. I tend to plan things way too much to avoid doing them more than needed.

I know most of us probably preferred a solid axle from the factory, but here lies my idea on that. I thought basically using some 80 series arms and coils would be the best options honestly without really having to fine tune alot (as everyone even with IFS stil tinker with rates and setups). Seems we are limited with travel on both ends even if they are pretty close to being balanced.

I've had this idea in my head since I've owned mine. I think you could end up with equally balanced rig with some added strength, and not make it overly complicated.

 

[1911]

80-series front axles aren't going to work, because they are right-hand drop and the FJC transfer case is left-hand drop. But All-Pro sells all the stuff needed for SAS including aftermarket axles set up for left-hand drop.

 

[Willbur]

80-series front axles aren't going to work, because they are right-hand drop and the FJC transfer case is left-hand drop. But All-Pro sells all the stuff needed for SAS including aftermarket axles set up for left-hand drop.

I didn't mean use an 80 axle, because not only are they wrong drop but width is off. I was more or less saying use custom axle based on 80 series front but with right width and axle shafts.

I was more or less saying I think 80 series radius arms would be easiest and axle work well for this application. I know it's still not cheap anyway you go.

 

[Mtbcoach]

Since I see you are in my state, I'll tell you the main reason I didn't SAC mine...electronics. In NC, you can't have any error codes when getting your inspection. The work necessary to fab up a "clocking ring" to send the right signal to the ECU was more hoops than I wanted to jump through.

Or, one could use an external device to fool the ECU that its getting the signal, but those were one-off also. Using the Inchworm port to generate a signal that can be converted into the right signal works for the speedo but doesn't take away all the error codes from TRAC, stability control, ABS, etc.

Anything can be done if you have enough money. Amanda's rig is probably the most "basic" SAC done IMHO, Sol's is very well done but still went with leaf springs on the rear because it was the best option he and Demello came up with. Then, you have the All Pro SAC's that still wouldn't pass inspection in NC. All in order of expense to do a solid axle conversion.

IMHO, the suspension is the easy part, the electronics make it a problem for states like NC. So, its more than the axles, coil overs, radius arms vs 3-link w/panhard, etc., don't mean to be negative, just honest.

I spent many hours discussing the options with a highly thought of fabricator who holds degrees in mechanical engineering and stress analysis, located in our state, not too far from you who helped me find clarity in such a project. IMHO, it simply isn't worth it, just to do it and have one. I wanted a serious step up in capability and, even with a SAC, it wouldn't jump me into the next level of trails that I wanted to take on. For much less, I can buy, build and get more performance out of a well built 80 series rig.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[Willbur]

Thats some good 2 cents to add! I figured you

 

[Willbur]

Oops I hit send too fast.

I figured you had put some major thought into it. I've been really curious as to how some people got them to work in I'm going to guess stricted states like CA too.

It's good to know I'm not only one who actually looked at hard facts about it. I'm sure at some point someone will offer more plug and play to fix the codes issue, but not many are doing this.

This almost I guess is on the lines of long travel setup is $$$ and doesn't gain much travel for price either.

So guess for now I'll scratch the concept, maybe 10 years from now it will be better to attempt.

 

[1911]

I didn't mean use an 80 axle, because not only are they wrong drop but width is off. I was more or less saying use custom axle based on 80 series front but with right width and axle shafts.

I was more or less saying I think 80 series radius arms would be easiest and axle work well for this application. I know it's still not cheap anyway you go.

OK, I get it now. 80-series radius arms are heavy-duty but pretty big and clunky IMO, and they have that weird S-shaped bend to them. Seems to me like it would be easier to just make original links/arms out of straight tubing, especially since you're going to have way more lift and room under the truck than a stock 80. But more power to you if you can make them work - be sure and post up your build when the time comes.

 

[Willbur]

OK, I get it now. 80-series radius arms are heavy-duty but pretty big and clunky IMO, and they have that weird S-shaped bend to them. Seems to me like it would be easier to just make original links/arms out of straight tubing, especially since you're going to have way more lift and room under the truck than a stock 80. But more power to you if you can make them work - be sure and post up your build when the time comes.

Well it's more of a pipe dream possibly, and just had to get someone else thoughts on the concept. I highly doubt this takes place though.