Author Topic: 89 Extracab FJZ80 axles (Read 15370 times)

05sport4x4 · « **on:** Dec 26, 2013, 12:35:12 AM »

Update 01/18/22

A little background. I have a 1989 Toyota pick up extracab 4x4 with a 22re and a 5 speed. It is currently running 31” tires with 4.56 gears. It has dual cases with 2.28/4.7 and an ARB 4cyl rear diff, the front is open. Many years ago I added Downey 1 ½” rear leaf springs and a set of the 26mm torsion bars. I have owned this since 1990 and have over 215k miles. It was my DD till October 2004 when I bought my 2005 4Runner . It since became a weekend toy and I put on maybe 3-4k miles a year.

It is time to start making it a little more capably. I pulled a set of 1993 FZJ80 front and rear axles to be used. I have purchased a new re-centered Ruff Stuff rear housing that will have the 9 ½” third with 5.29 gears, Nitro long spline cut to fit shafts and an ARB. The front will be the stock LC housing with HellFire knuckles, 5.29 gears, an ARB and possible a set of Longsfields. Final tire size will most likely be 38-39.5” but will start out with 315’s. This needs to have good street manners as my son will be using it for school part of the time.

My question is about the overall lift height and the rear suspension. For the front I would like to use the 3 link setup from 4Wheel Underground. For the rear I think it will have to remain on leafs for budget purposes. If using the 4Wheel Underground setup what height kit would the rear need to be? I want to keep the cg to be as low as possible and am not completely against some fender trimming to keep it low.

Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

A couple of old photos

91 ex-cab · « **Reply #1 on:** Dec 26, 2013, 08:43:16 AM »

Sounds like you've got great plans!! There are a lot of factors that decide your ride height you should contact Brian from 4wheelunderground.com he is an above and beyond great guy and knows his stuff no doubt, he will get your questions answered right away! Brian can answer your questions in a far better explained manner and might even do so right here below this comment.

FWIW: I have my rig setup with a 4wu 3 link front, 16" radflos , and the rear is 63" chevy rear springs. I wish for road manners that I had spent the extra money and linked the rear of my rig, my front end is miles better to drive than it would be with springs and with the rear linked also my rig would feel almost like a factory lifted truck essentialy( and im on 39.5" iroks running dana 60's front and rear for axles).

TacoRunner · « **Reply #2 on:** Dec 26, 2013, 07:32:34 PM »

Quote from: 05sport4x4 on Dec 26, 2013, 12:35:12 AM

My question is about the overall lift height and the rear suspension. For the front I would like to use the 3 link setup from 4Wheel Underground. For the rear I think it will have to remain on leafs for budget purposes. If using the 4Wheel Underground setup what height kit would the rear need to be? I want to keep the cg to be as low as possible and am not completely against some fender trimming to keep it low.

Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

A couple of old photos

FYI contrary to popular belief, length of coilover will not affect ride ht. But desired up travel will. For reference use 26" at the frame (level frame) on 37" as the standard. This equals 5"s of lift over factory. On 35" tires you'll be at 25". And with 35" tires and 4" of lift you'll be at 24". Plan accordingly and it should be easy, if you are off a little just remember coilovers are adjustable in ride height.

Jack you're to good to me. Thank you for the compliments.

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #3 on:** Dec 26, 2013, 08:57:47 PM »

Quote from: 91 ex-cab on Dec 26, 2013, 08:43:16 AM

Sounds like you've got great plans!! There are a lot of factors that decide your ride height you should contact Brian from 4wheelunderground.com he is an above and beyond great guy and knows his stuff no doubt, he will get your questions answered right away! Brian can answer your questions in a far better explained manner and might even do so right here below this comment.

FWIW: I have my rig setup with a 4wu 3 link front, 16" radflos , and the rear is 63" chevy rear springs. I wish for road manners that I had spent the extra money and linked the rear of my rig, my front end is miles better to drive than it would be with springs and with the rear linked also my rig would feel almost like a factory lifted truck essentialy( and im on 39.5" iroks running dana 60's front and rear for axles).

Thanks for the reply and the comment about the leaves in the rear. I would like to do a rear link but don't have the extra 3k in the budget for that. Also I believe a 4 link won't really work with the stock gas tank and I don't won't to relocate it right now. I think leaves and shocks will be around $500-600 or so. I have read a lot of good comments Brian's designs and that is one reason I want to use his kit for the engineering that has gone into it. Yours is also on of the builds I have read thru, great job.

John Doe · « **Reply #4 on:** Dec 26, 2013, 09:11:43 PM »

Going to be a sweet rig when you are done. Going to keep it powered by the 22re? Plenty of ways to still keep it low on leafs, there is a vendor on Pirate with low profile spring perches. You can install your rear shackle through the frame just like typical front leafs and french your front leaf spring mount. While they are cheap I tend to avoid Chevy and f150 springs that most use. When possible I like to use new springs. But if you are really tight on $ chevys do work for most.

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #5 on:** Dec 26, 2013, 09:13:21 PM »

Quote from: TacoRunner on Dec 26, 2013, 07:32:34 PM

FYI contrary to popular belief, length of coilover will not affect ride ht. But desired up travel will. For reference use 26" at the frame (level frame) on 37" as the standard. This equals 5"s of lift over factory. On 35" tires you'll be at 25". And with 35" tires and 4" of lift you'll be at 24". Plan accordingly and it should be easy, if you are off a little just remember coilovers are adjustable in ride height.

Jack you're to good to me. Thank you for the compliments.

Thanks for chiming in Brian. I have a lot of questions and I'm sure others I have not even thought about yet. What is a good number to look at for up travel with the axle set I will have? I'm not making a prerunner but would like to be able move at a decent speed over wash board roads and still have plenty of articulation.

Maybe I could contact you by phone to discuss.

Thanks,
John

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #6 on:** Dec 26, 2013, 09:29:18 PM »

Quote from: John Doe on Dec 26, 2013, 09:11:43 PM

Going to be a sweet rig when you are done. Going to keep it powered by the 22re? Plenty of ways to still keep it low on leafs, there is a vendor on Pirate with low profile spring perches. You can install your rear shackle through the frame just like typical front leafs and french your front leaf spring mount. While they are cheap I tend to avoid Chevy and f150 springs that most use. When possible I like to use new springs. But if you are really tight on $ chevys do work for most.

Long term plan is a 1UZ conversion for the power plant but I think I need to get the suspension all squared away first. Those are good ideas for the rear spring hangers. I also like the idea of new springs.

Thanks,
John

TacoRunner · « **Reply #7 on:** Dec 28, 2013, 05:49:55 PM »

Quote from: 05sport4x4 on Dec 26, 2013, 09:13:21 PM

Thanks for chiming in Brian. I have a lot of questions and I'm sure others I have not even thought about yet. What is a good number to look at for up travel with the axle set I will have? I'm not making a prerunner but would like to be able move at a decent speed over wash board roads and still have plenty of articulation.

Maybe I could contact you by phone to discuss.

Thanks,
John

When ever you're ready.

83 Crawler · « **Reply #8 on:** Mar 13, 2014, 02:29:44 PM »

So wants going on with this?

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #9 on:** Mar 14, 2014, 09:29:24 AM »

Gathering parts right now. Just ordered last week the 4wheelunderground front 3 link kit for the FZJ80 axle. Hope to get started the end of April when everything is here.

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #10 on:** Mar 14, 2014, 09:35:34 AM »

The HellFire front knuckles arrived 2 weeks ago so still need to get some parts to rebuild the front axle. Also not decided if running the stock birfields/axles or to get some Longfields or maybe the Nitro gear chromolys.

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #11 on:** Mar 14, 2014, 09:43:16 AM »

And still debating on leaves or links in the rear. I would prefer a 4 link (4wheelunderground's) but that means moving my gas tank. I'm going to check this weekend if see how far it will stick up thru the bed if I cut a hole and have part below the bed. The tank looks to be about 14" tall and the frame curves in that area just need to lay it out underneath the bed. Long term I was thinking a flat bed with tool box and spare tire for the back end but not sure if I want to tackle that project now or next year.

John Doe · « **Reply #12 on:** Mar 14, 2014, 10:08:47 AM »

Quote from: 05sport4x4 on Mar 14, 2014, 09:35:34 AM

The HellFire front knuckles arrived 2 weeks ago so still need to get some parts to rebuild the front axle. Also not decided if running the stock birfields/axles or to get some Longfields or maybe the Nitro gear chromolys.

You would be fine to run the stock axles for a while. There is a chance that right away the Birfields might start clicking since the FJ80 was full time 4wd but you should be fine if you want to save a little $ and get Longs next year.

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #13 on:** Mar 14, 2014, 10:22:30 AM »

Quote from: John Doe on Mar 14, 2014, 10:08:47 AM

You would be fine to run the stock axles for a while. There is a chance that right away the Birfields might start clicking since the FJ80 was full time 4wd but you should be fine if you want to save a little $ and get Longs next year.

Yes the axle had 213k miles when I pulled it and the drivers side knuckle was leaking badly on the so I do not know the condition of the birfields. I was considering running the stock for now but also thought if I got the longs I would not have to pull it apart for a long time. I also plan to run locking hubs so it would only be turning on the trail. I think I just run the stock for now and save that money to buy a pair of long side FZJ80 axles for the custom centered rear axle.

83 Crawler · « **Reply #14 on:** Mar 16, 2014, 09:27:21 PM »

I'm stoked on this I'm planning on the same but I'm doing leafs this should be sick

megaphoneman · « **Reply #15 on:** Mar 17, 2014, 11:49:03 AM »

what do you plan on doing for steering up front?

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #16 on:** Mar 17, 2014, 12:46:23 PM »

Quote from: megaphoneman on Mar 17, 2014, 11:49:03 AM

what do you plan on doing for steering up front?

I just received the HelllFire Hi Steer custom knuckles. I will be placing the tie rod under the arms to help with up travel. I also understand that I will have to use heims on the tie rod and drag link ends and move my steering box forward a little. That's the current plan.

megaphoneman · « **Reply #17 on:** Mar 17, 2014, 02:30:43 PM »

Quote from: 05sport4x4 on Mar 17, 2014, 12:46:23 PM

I just received the HelllFire Hi Steer custom knuckles. I will be placing the tie rod under the arms to help with up travel. I also understand that I will have to use heims on the tie rod and drag link ends and move my steering box forward a little. That's the current plan.

yes!! I cant wait to see it!!currently waiting on my hellfire knuckles to show up! :-) ill be runing 7/8 heims with 3/4 bolts for steering.. And 1.5 dom 120 wall steering links

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05sport4x4 · « **Reply #18 on:** Mar 17, 2014, 02:37:10 PM »

That sounds like what I will have also. I still need to order my heims and hardware from Billy.

megaphoneman · « **Reply #19 on:** Mar 17, 2014, 02:48:28 PM »

Yeah im super excited!! Do u have any knuckle gusset sugestions or div covers?

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John Doe · « **Reply #20 on:** Mar 17, 2014, 03:49:27 PM »

Quote from: megaphoneman on Mar 17, 2014, 02:48:28 PM

Yeah im super excited!! Do u have any knuckle gusset sugestions or div covers?

I have been running a stock fj80 front with leaf springs and Hellfire Fab knuckles for 2 years now, a great setup. You can make mini truck knuckle ball gussets work and use any mini truck diff cover since the diff is still 8"

megaphoneman · « **Reply #21 on:** Mar 17, 2014, 04:29:31 PM »

Quote from: John Doe on Mar 17, 2014, 03:49:27 PM

I have been running a stock fj80 front with leaf springs and Hellfire Fab knuckles for 2 years now, a great setup. You can make mini truck knuckle ball gussets work and use any mini truck diff cover since the diff is still 8"

Thank you sir.. Im going to be frenching the spring perches in the axle.. Im pretty excited about the knuckles..

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83 Crawler · « **Reply #22 on:** Apr 15, 2014, 09:29:36 PM »

Updates?

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #23 on:** Apr 16, 2014, 09:17:51 AM »

Quote from: 83 Crawler on Apr 15, 2014, 09:29:36 PM

Updates?

Waiting for the rest of the 4wheelunderground kit to arrive. So far I have received the Radflo front coil-overs last week. I suspect another couple of weeks for the rest of the kit to be ready. Don't want to start cutting the IFS out till I have most of the parts on hand as we still drive the truck from time to time.

zidaro · « **Reply #24 on:** Apr 16, 2014, 07:41:06 PM »

gonna be a sick truck! post lotsa build pics

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #25 on:** Jan 02, 2016, 11:00:17 PM »

Finally the cutting has began. I'll post some photos tomorrow.

megaphoneman · « **Reply #26 on:** Jan 04, 2016, 11:42:33 AM »

Soo excited to see this build onfold.
I was just in cahoots with Brian, to get my front link kit. I to have an fj80 front end with the hellfire knuckles. You will not be disappointed at all!

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #27 on:** Jan 07, 2016, 03:56:29 PM »

Quote from: megaphoneman on Jan 04, 2016, 11:42:33 AM

Soo excited to see this build onfold.
I was just in cahoots with Brian, to get my front link kit. I to have an fj80 front end with the hellfire knuckles. You will not be disappointed at all!

Sounds great, when will you get the 4wu kit?

Here a few photos of where I left it last weekend.

Rear axle and leaf springs removed

Torsion bar brackets gone!

Starting to clean up frame rails (driver)

Passenger side

Still a lot more cutting and grinding to be done.
Got a couple of metal fragments on my eye while grinding on the torsion bars brackets. This despite my regular eye glasses and a full face shield. Sucker must have snuck in the side when I turned my head. More grinding this weekend if its not raining.

redneckcustoms13 · « **Reply #28 on:** Jan 07, 2016, 07:13:49 PM »

I know it sounds cheesy, but a dust mask and some good goggles go a long way when running a Metabo for hours at a time. Them floating metal particles will sneak into your eyes and lunges before quick could get ready and mess your party all up.

05sport4x4 · « **Reply #29 on:** Jan 07, 2016, 09:03:48 PM »

Quote from: redneckcustoms13 on Jan 07, 2016, 07:13:49 PM

I know it sounds cheesy, but a dust mask and some good goggles go a long way when running a Metabo for hours at a time. Them floating metal particles will sneak into your eyes and lunges before quick could get ready and mess your party all up.

I wear glasses full time and had a full face shield on. Goggles and glasses don't always wear well although I will be looking for something that fits closer to my face for when working under whats being ground on. A trip to the urgent care and another to the ophthalmologist is enough to start the year off with.

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