Sas? (13 Viewers)

[re_guderian]

I'm far from the most experienced wheeler here, but have had an 80 and now two 100's. The ONLY major weak spot of the 100 is the IFS. It is the limitation on the lines you take, the routes you can and can't do, etc. It is also what makes the 100 "comfy", the king of bombing fire roads, etc. and perfectly suited to 8000 mile road trips with some wheeling interspersed.

I think we do ourselves a disservice by essentially implying that there are only two type of wheeling, fire roads that stock vehicles can do, and the "rock-crawling". There is a complete continuum in between, and often all elements are found on the same run. I DO find myself being much more cautious on which trails I go out on in the 100, especially by myself, since clearance, flex, and limited choice in lines are an issue. I find myself "following" just to make sure that the "100 will make it through", rather than having the confidence to just go for it. (I also don't have skid plates, or the highest lift possible). So yeah, a SAS would fix the one weak point of the 100. For the area where I wheel, I'm having a hard time thinking of where a locked SAS 100 would be at ANY disadvantage to an 80 series. Plus, they're all ~10 years newer than the 80's...

The ONLY hesitation would be how big of a hit to the road manners would it take? Could you retain ABS/ATRAC, or are you forced to pony up another 3K for lockers? (assuming you don't start with a '99 LC w/factory rear locked). It will obviously be a downgrade on pavement and mild-moderate wheeling where the clearance and travel of the SA aren't absolutely needed.

It's just a trade-off, that's all. It opens up some doors, and closes others. The LX600 is sweet, I'm sure the SAS'd LX will be too...

 

[re_guderian]

I think the fact its only been done ~3x says alot about the viability of the project...especially given we're dealing with a 16-year old+ platform...

But, again, it would be great to see your build thread progress

I'm not sure the rarity is a statement of the viability. It's the first platform to NOT come with SA, so it was never an option previously. Also, each successive generation of LC gets more and more expensive, and thus takes longer for a rig to reach the price point of those who are willing to wheel, scratch, dent, modify, whatever.

I bought a 15 year old FJ60 for $6800, a 9 year old FZJ80 (built) for $11K, a mildly built 9 year old 100 for $15K and change, and a stock 10 year old 100 for $13.2 (<- deal!), but put about another grand to get in running/looking shape. I would expect it to take longer for each generation to reach the "WTH, let's just tear into it" stage. Few and far between are those who have the means to purchase a $40K used vehicle, beat the snot out of it, and also the ability to mod it beyond the point of reasonable re-sale if it goes south...

 

[f5driver]

Think of the accessibility of the lower portion on the motor/vehicle. No IFS or rack and no need for skid plate on a SA front end. Do it!

 

[RockJock82]

Think of the accessibility of the lower portion on the motor/vehicle. No IFS or rack and no need for skid plate on a SA front end. Do it!

I agree make the header install much easier to do... Helped my brother install the DT on his 02 there was a lot of going on... Big hands and tight spaces.. Ha..

 

[BamaHeel]

I haven't seen it mentioned but you should probably switch to a 105 steering box (supposedly better than an 80 box) or an 80 steering box and dump the rack if you are going to 37's.

I'm all for it ready to watch

 

[Delancy]

For humor, but.....

Booger's rationale.....

Honestly, once i tear out the ifs and stubby 5link, put a couple diamond or ruffstuff housings under it and proper link bits. Those pieces and the motor will probably be more capable than the 3:1(at best), 5400lb truck can be(in rocks). But its no wider than an 80 on 10" wheels. And 80s arent worth a s*** in technical rock crawling and staggered climbs either. I have a lighter, more capable, smaller bodied machine for that stuff.

Theres several trails local to me that are just beyond the normal limits of factory ifs stuff(used repeatedly), but still easily traversed in an 80(or 105), etc.they tore the s*** outta my dd tacomas front end in two seasons. It needs an 80 front and opposing drop tcase.

Besides, It doesnt necessarily have to be 'better', by youre criteria. Somethings just get built cause theyre cooler. Did we really need an sr71 blackbird when the U2 was fine in thousands of missions except one where it
was at a dangerously low altitude? No, but that fawker sure is/was badass!

I really began looking at the lexus gx470(smaller/lighter) for this, but they didnt come out till 03 and still fetch $15k + for decent ones( i plan $8-9 for a 100). Then i saw foreign fzj105s... And my 80 erection popped up again, in a slightly different bend/stiffness.

Did i mention my 80 got putty? Some chicks dig that badroads and foreign look wilson and my rigs had I had sex with both my ex wives in/on it, i imagine a SAS 100 is cougar meca.

Im 3+ months out anyhow(smog motor hell on current rig). buy that time my ADD will have an AWD prius hybrid on leafsprings sorted out and the left side of my brain will be busy explaining it to the right...

I was convinced at "i imagine a SAS 100 is cougar meca"....

The final development on his endeavors....

i traded my 97 taco for an 80 and am gonna put my current build on hold.....

Bahahaha.

Again, for humor.

 

[RockJock82]

I thought I mentioned the rock crawling a few posts ago and you snapped at me saying it wasn't for rock crawling? I'm confused. You posted a big custom project on a popular public website. You gotta expect some questions, doubts and nay-sayers.

I applaud your ideas and your fab skills seems to be top shelf. I'm still looking forward to seeing your build and hearing why you want to make the 100 a rock crawler, and what your plans will be for it.

But, you sure seem to take a lot of shots at 100 Series owners because they prefer to use their vehicles the way they want to, not they way you want to. Relax a little bit, let folks ask questions and don't be so quick to shoot down everything someone types. Swap that thing out and come join us for 100s in the Hills. We have a wash and wax contest on Friday, the Precious Wagon show is Saturday, and on Sunday we see who can bolt on the fastest set of sliders.

I am the original poster. The point again for my build is not to run King of the Hammers, but simply make a more capable rig to support my/family needs. Will I hit some good trails, yes maybe even some decent crawling.

I appreciate the input on building the rig but at this point it seem 9/10 are Debbie downers and that is ok, enjoy your IFS its a great ride! I will build the rig and maybe make it out to one of your 100 meets. Thanks JCardona1 for having my back brother .

 

[2000UZJ]

I'm supporting you dude. I say go for it. Nothing is cooler than seeing something different here...

I have wanted a SAS for years. I wheel hard, a solid axle would be great. It may not ride as smooth, but I never found the torsion bars a smooth ride.

 

[paflytyer]

I am the original poster. The point again for my build is not to run King of the Hammers, but simply make a more capable rig to support my/family needs. Will I hit some good trails, yes maybe even some decent crawling.

I appreciate the input on building the rig but at this point it seem 9/10 are Debbie downers and that is ok, enjoy your IFS its a great ride! I will build the rig and maybe make it out to one of your 100 meets. Thanks JCardona1 for having my back brother .

This is becoming a huge waste of a thread. I'm not Debbie Downing you. I'm saying do it up! Again, I'm interested in seeing it. Your fab skills look to be top shelf. I would love to be on the trail with a SAS 100 to see if I could go where you go. Would be a blast.


No reason to take shots at the crowd you're posting to. You started the thread, you gotta expect some questions, curiosity and nay-sayers. You're clearly not on here to seek anyone's opinions. You posted to say you're building a custom set-up on a 100 for less than $5k. You also mentioned it was going to make it all that it's not right now.


Your initial post asked "Why don't more people do this, it doesn't seem like that much of a pita?". When folks threw out some answers, you shot them down. Why even ask? Others came on to say "I was gonna do that too".......or "I'll do it if you do it".... well? What's everyone waiting for? Start cutting. Nick's been talking about SAS for 3 years. It's not a narrow minded approach, it's an expensive custom job (even at $5k) that requires a lot of work and skill. Not everyone has the knowledge, tools, resources or money to accomplish it.


It's winter..... fire up the garage heater and the torches. It's my understanding that you don't even (or never have) owned a 100, is that correct? Why do you assume they're so terrible just the way they are? You might decide it's the perfect mix of family vehicle and off road vehicle. You might have to take a different line than an 80 (or sas 100), but so what?


If you can make it to 100s in the Hills this year, I'll offer up the left seat for Poughkeepsie Gulch. It's not the Rubicon, but it's got a few spots. Don't assume we're all just a bunch of drones or sheep just following the herd. Not all of us anyway...

 

[Trunk Monkey]

When you start it, take pics. I browsed through your 80 build and it would have been neat to see detailed fab pics, not "here's the motor" then "here's the motor completely installed". I know it's tough to stop and remember pics, but do what you can.

 

[RockJock82]

This is becoming a huge waste of a thread. I'm not Debbie Downing you. I'm saying do it up! Again, I'm interested in seeing it. Your fab skills look to be top shelf. I would love to be on the trail with a SAS 100 to see if I could go where you go. Would be a blast. No reason to take shots at the crowd you're posting to. You started the thread, you gotta expect some questions, curiosity and nay-sayers. You're clearly not on here to seek anyone's opinions. You posted to say you're building a custom set-up on a 100 for less than $5k. You also mentioned it was going to make it all that it's not right now. Your initial post asked "Why don't more people do this, it doesn't seem like that much of a pita?". When folks threw out some answers, you shot them down. Why even ask? Others came on to say "I was gonna do that too".......or "I'll do it if you do it".... well? What's everyone waiting for? Start cutting. Nick's been talking about SAS for 3 years. It's not a narrow minded approach, it's an expensive custom job (even at $5k) that requires a lot of work and skill. Not everyone has the knowledge, tools, resources or money to accomplish it. It's winter..... fire up the garage heater and the torches. It's my understanding that you don't even (or never have) owned a 100, is that correct? Why do you assume they're so terrible just the way they are? You might decide it's the perfect mix of family vehicle and off road vehicle. You might have to take a different line than an 80 (or sas 100), but so what? If you can make it to 100s in the Hills this year, I'll offer up the left seat for Poughkeepsie Gulch. It's not the Rubicon, but it's got a few spots. Don't assume we're all just a bunch of drones or sheep just following the herd. Not all of us anyway...

I don't think it was a waste of a thread. There is always something to be taken from any situation. My brother owns a 100 and parked next to my LX450 it's not that much bigger. It's not like a suburban or even Tahoe in size. I'm not saying your all a bunch of parts changers and guess not everyone owns a welder and plasma. To be honest this is my first time venturing into this forum. Thanks for the input.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[RockJock82]

When you start it, take pics. I browsed through your 80 build and it would have been neat to see detailed fab pics, not "here's the motor" then "here's the motor completely installed". I know it's tough to stop and remember pics, but do what you can.

I have more than one build big guy... Check them out . I find it a waste of a pic to post photos of a pretty weld. I post the pieces that matter. But I will take more detail photos just for you.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I only saw the one for your LX in your sig. There's quite a few pic requests too in there, fyi, if you want to help peeps out.

 

[scottryana]

Haha the 100 series sub forum is a strange place

There is nothing new here. People have been cutting off suspension and replacing axles with custom 3 link, 4 link, 5 link, y link, grader ball, etc suspensions on 40, 45, 55, 60, 62, 80, pickup, tacoma, tundra, 4runner, for years. This is not a half baked idea it is done on all of those platforms because running independant suspension is a compromise for their intended use.

1. Go to the junkyard buy an 80 elock axle, and 80 steering gear box
2. Put the 100 series in the air, wheels off, measure the WMS and diff location you want.
3. Cut the bells off the 80 axle and send them and the measurements to your housing maker of choice don't have them weld the bells, also order your custom axle shafts.
4. Get out your plasma, grinder and flap wheel, get that IFS out of there.
5. Wheel your brand new solid axle housing under your 100 series.
6. Set your pinion angle and caster and tack weld the bells, have them fully welded with an alignment bar.
7. Drill, sleeve and mount your 80's steering box to the frame and route shaft.
8. Mock up your 3 link and axle mounts.
9. Mount your steering links.
10. Cycle your suspension and measure for coil over hoops and coil over length probably 8" or 10"
11. Pull everything, paint it and reinstall
12. Work out the kinks with the adjustable links, and figure out ABS sensor, etc.
13. Enjoy!

Lol.

 

[Bismarck]

Just curious, aside from all the drama in this thread... Is it really that difficult to source a 105 front axle/diff from a wrecked one overseas?

 

[Delancy]

Just curious, aside from all the drama in this thread... Is it really that difficult to source a 105 front axle/diff from a wrecked one overseas?

Too narrow.

 

[Delancy]

What are you doing over here?

The thought of one of those solid thingies under a 100 /LX or GX470 .....or 2UZ in an 80 makes me feel funny in a good way, so I couldn't resist.

 

[sonk76]

I am the original poster. The point again for my build is not to run King of the Hammers, but simply make a more capable rig to support my/family needs. Will I hit some good trails, yes maybe even some decent crawling.

I appreciate the input on building the rig but at this point it seem 9/10 are Debbie downers and that is ok, enjoy your IFS its a great ride! I will build the rig and maybe make it out to one of your 100 meets. Thanks JCardona1 for having my back brother .

Like many others here have said, I too love the idea of people pushing the envelope with these trucks and taking their potential to the next level. I can't wait to see how this comes together.

I think you alluded to going for the SAS instead of a long-arm solution (something else that I haven't really seen done with the 100-series.) Would you mind sharing a bit of your thoughts on SAS over a long-arm approach (no doubt, either approach would require quite a bit of custom work...)

All the best with the project!

 

[paflytyer]

Haha the 100 series sub forum is a strange place

There is nothing new here. People have been cutting off suspension and replacing axles with custom 3 link, 4 link, 5 link, y link, grader ball, etc suspensions on 40, 45, 55, 60, 62, 80, pickup, tacoma, tundra, 4runner, for years. This is not a half baked idea it is done on all of those platforms because running independant suspension is a compromise for their intended use.

1. Go to the junkyard buy an 80 elock axle, and 80 steering gear box
2. Put the 100 series in the air, wheels off, measure the WMS and diff location you want.
3. Cut the bells off the 80 axle and send them and the measurements to your housing maker of choice don't have them weld the bells, also order your custom axle shafts.
4. Get out your plasma, grinder and flap wheel, get that IFS out of there.
5. Wheel your brand new solid axle housing under your 100 series.
6. Set your pinion angle and caster and tack weld the bells, have them fully welded with an alignment bar.
7. Drill, sleeve and mount your 80's steering box to the frame and route shaft.
8. Mock up your 3 link and axle mounts.
9. Mount your steering links.
10. Cycle your suspension and measure for coil over hoops and coil over length probably 8" or 10"
11. Pull everything, paint it and reinstall
12. Work out the kinks with the adjustable links, and figure out ABS sensor, etc.
13. Enjoy!

Lol.

Boom! There it is..... easy peazy.
This thread got off to a rocky start, but it'll come back around. As soon as the plasma cutter comes out and pieces start dropping, it'll be even better.

 

[RockJock82]

I wouldn't ask for a delete. I think a few of is over reacted. Maybe have Trunk clean it up. It's a great thread, and has the potential to inspire many 100 owners to take their rigs to the next level.

It may not be cheap, it may cost more than $5K, but it can be done for less than $10K

Does anybody know the width of the Rubicon axles? They are cheap. Maybe Ford F250 axles?

Now if you didnt want to run a custom from diff my idea was to use a Dana 60 front out of a Dodge say 92-93 as they are more narrow than the GM. For the rear they are off set, so a rear out of a J20 Jeep is offset exactly the same. I had a friend with a Disco that put D44 and D60 rear in his rig and worked awesome. The front 60 would be bullit proof. Does anyone have issues with the rear diffs in the 100's?