Hi all, I’m newer to this forum, but I’m getting stumped at this point in my 80 series rebuild. Essentially I’m in pretty deep with my ‘91, and I’ve newly discovered the vast difference between semi-float and full-float rear axles. I’m wondering what my options would be to either convert my semi-float rear axle to a full-float with some type of conversion kit and other parts, or simply get a new rear axle housing entirely. I’ve looked into diamond housings and full-float flanges that seem to be able to convert my semi axle over to a full. Everything seems pretty non-descript so any advice would be helpful!
Semi Float to Full Float rear axle 80 series
- Thread starter Mimnesko
- Start date
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You're going to want a complete FF axle from hub to hub with all bits included.
The housings are different.
The inner axles are different.
The differential is different.
The bearings are different.
The hubs are different.
The rotors are different.
The brakes are different.
- Thread starter
- #3
Also, as an introduction, I am a proud 80 series Landcruiser owner in Alaska, I am currently rebuilding this beast as much as I can to restore it to its glory days as well as make it an overlandig machine. Here are some pictures.
- Thread starter
- #4
Sourcing all the extra add ons isn’t necessarily my main issue, although that is its own challenge. I am mainly curious about the possibility of converting my SF axle ends to full-float as opposed to having to find a way to get a FF axle all the way up to AK. I am already working on sourcing the other parts that go with it, as I am trying to get everything new to make this a long lasting build.
There is no conversion from SF to FF. It's an all or nothing deal.
Why do you want a full float? Unless your doing somewhat serious wheeling, the semifloat will do well.
I had a hold over year early FZJ80 that came with the Drum brakes/SF instead of the FF disc axle it was supposed to, my biggest concern was rock crawling and snapping an axle and loosing the wheel and being SOL on the trail. However, if you are light off-roading or light camping (not heavy overlanding), the SF Axle is VERY capable.
I've moved on to another 80 with FF, so I've lost a lot of my "research"; but if I can point you in this direction, you may find out its 100% possible.
If you use a disc conversion kit and the axle shaft snaps, it will at least hold the axle shaft and wheel in the housing to get you off trail, plus you get disc brakes.
Here is one, I think, should work:
jtoutfitters.com
IIRC the axle is "the same" as the 60 series in the early 80s, meaning that in theory this (and similar) conversions could work for your rig.
Honestly, just look for a new axle (I know its not immediate nor convenient but worth it in the long run and worth the piece of mind.)
I've moved on to another 80 with FF, so I've lost a lot of my "research"; but if I can point you in this direction, you may find out its 100% possible.
If you use a disc conversion kit and the axle shaft snaps, it will at least hold the axle shaft and wheel in the housing to get you off trail, plus you get disc brakes.
Here is one, I think, should work:
Rear Disc Brake Brackets Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 FJ45 FJ55 FJ60 62 Conversion
Rear Disc Brake conversion brackets and spacers. This is the bracket need to convert your rear drums to disc brakes using affordable mid eighties Monte Carlo Calipers and Chevrolet truck rotors. We manufacture these brackets by the hundreds using the latest technology. This is a MAJOR upgrade to...
jtoutfitters.com
IIRC the axle is "the same" as the 60 series in the early 80s, meaning that in theory this (and similar) conversions could work for your rig.
Honestly, just look for a new axle (I know its not immediate nor convenient but worth it in the long run and worth the piece of mind.)
- Thread starter
- #8
I mainly want to get my LC as built as I can while I already have it torn apart. I guess I’m falling victim to the ‘while it’s apart’ mindset. It would also give me peace of mind should I ever decide to do some ‘serious’ rock crawling, and it also gives me the option to have rear disc brakes instead of drums. I’m also up for the challenge of a complete rebuild as I have the time, money, and space to be able to work on it.
Just freshen up the semi float
Well then the easiest way is to get a complete full float axle. Check with Cruisers Only in Wasilla. They might have an axle to sell you. It is a straight forward swap. You will need a lspv for the disc brake axle and a master cylinder. Personally I would not start building a 3fe cruiser because of the low hp rating. A 1fz cruiser comes with more power and better axles. That said you can always v8 swap the 3fe.
Save that project for another day. Keep your eyes open for a full float already in AK for a good price. If there's one thing anyone with a cruiser can tell you, it's that there are plenty of other things to spend money on in the mean time!
IMO, there's nothing wrong with the SF rear on an FJ80. I've wheeled the crap out of mine for 27 years running 36" TSL/SX Swampers.
Yes, the drum brakes require more maintenance than disks, but they do work.
The inner axles are about 30% larger diameter than the FF inners, so the overwhelming, bone crushing torque of the 3FE is not going break them.
Yes, the drum brakes require more maintenance than disks, but they do work.
The inner axles are about 30% larger diameter than the FF inners, so the overwhelming, bone crushing torque of the 3FE is not going break them.
- Thread starter
- #13
I’m sure the SF axle would have been great, but I was planning on having a FF axle at some point in the build and there wouldn’t be a better time than while I have it apart. I ended up sourcing a rear FF axle assembly so I am resuming the build.
I was about to ask where in Ak, my buddies dad is on 40s and I don't think he's on the stock axles anymore
- Thread starter
- #15
In Anchorage, what did your buddies’ dad upgrade to when he went to 40’s? I’m not sure if I’ll jump to 40’s just yet, but it’s never out of the picture lol.
Oh cool he's in Anchorage as well. I've lived in Juneau and ketchikan, need to make my way up there.
I'm not sure what he's running, Honestly it kinda looks like stock in this picture