Topic: Minitruck Axle in FJ40

[Dooner]

Im in the process of getting parts together for a rebuild on my '72 327 FJ40. I picked up Minitruck front and rear axles for the project.
1) should I use the front end parts out of the Mini Axle in the FJ housing or just use the entire Mini front end in the FJ?
2) Would the Mini rear end survive under the weight of the FJ and the power of the V8? I got the Mini rear for its centered diff so  I   
    could do a transfer case swap but could stay with FJ rear end and Transfer case if need be.

3) Would a Minitruck transfer case hold up under this rig with 35 to 36" tires with a 4 speed SM465?

[freds40]

On the front axle, use the truck outers (knuckles to locking hubs) for the disc brakes. IIRC, the land cruiser R&P are larger. Also, you get the strength of the LC axle but you can beef even more with Longfields for the truck outers. The rear "should" hold up. I'm guessing you're not pushing too much power out of the motor so it should be alright. The t-case shouldn't have a problem either. The Toy case is a stout little unit (to a point) and you should be fine with your setup.

[Dooner [OP]]

I ended up using Mini truck axles F & R on the Critter. For the front end Im gonna go wide with the IFS calipers, rotors etc. + some HD Birfs and inners along with some kind of locker... come on overtime!

Im wondering about the rear end though. would I be better off with a half ton Chevy axle vs building up an IFS wide axle with Ch Moly axles + Locker? Id like to find out before I invest in another rear end. If the Chevy is the way to go, which one is better the 10 bolt or the 12 bolt?

Any other ideas?
Thanks, Mike

[freds40]

Semi float 60, that's what my new Cruiser has. Ummm, beefy

[Dooner [OP]]

Nice! but can I use one of these pups with a mini truck (centered) transfer case?

[freds40]

Oh yeah, definately. They come from the factory centered. This one was probably about $2500-$3000 when the guy had it built. Re-centered, E-Locker, 35 spline Mosers, disc brakes.

[Dooner [OP]]

Man you scored! That thing looks dialed.

[Hammerhead]

...would I be better off with a half ton Chevy axle vs building up an IFS wide axle with Ch Moly axles + Locker?
Any other ideas?
Thanks, Mike

Minis and cruisers have the same spline count in the sidegears.  That means you can use the Cruiser chunk with the mini outers.  Welding up the hybrid housing is a simple job with regular fabricating tools.

FYI the GM 10 & 12 bolt rears would be a down grade in strength...