i finally got a job, so it's time to start going to work on my '79 longbed. only problem is, i've been a web wheeler so long that it seems i've lost touch of what i need to have a capable rig and what's overkill.
i'll start with my current drivetrain. 20R, L43 4 speed, and the rest you can probably figure out. number 1 on the agenda, i want to get rid of that piece of junk 4 speed and replace it with a w56. i wouldn't mind keeping a 20R under the hood, but the problem is that i think the head is screwed, the exhaust manifold studs were tapped to M12 and are even falling out then(any way to fix that?). i have another head in the back yard, but it's off an earlier truck/celica and it's been sitting for probably 20 years. don't know how that engine died, but the head gasket looked brand new when i pulled the head off it a couple weeks ago. the problem with that head is that it only has the side holes for power steering and not the front one
, and the intake and exhaust ports are full of that nasty white aluminum corrosion. therefore, i'm considering looking for a good late model 22R core and rebuilding it.
as for gearing, i'd like to have something good without completely breaking the bank! i've been considering dual cases as i have a '90 forward shift case sitting in the garage that'll bolt right up to a late w56. this way i could go even lower(like 4.7s) if i ever need to, and not to mention a dual adapter is cheaper than a set of gears. with the later 5 speed i'd have to have my drivelines resized anyway, so it's kind of a wash.
axle-wise, i want to run 34x10.5 swamper LTBs(i've heard they really measure out to about 33") so i plan on going to 4.88s. i'd kind of like to run a selectable locker at least in the rear, since it's wet up here and swampers on the street can be a little scary at times even with an open diff. i'm thinking of the toy e-locker, since i think i could do the mods on an IFS rear i have sitting in my back yard. it's pricier, but i think it'd probably be worth it. i figure the front could remain open for now until i ever need more traction. most of the stuff around here is mainly dirt and rocks it seems. as for shafts, should i upgrade the inners? i figure i should run longs in the front just for peace of mind.
finally, for the suspension. i'd definitely like to run crossover steering as i hate the brake steer i have now and i'd like the upgrade in strength. for springs, i want to keep it low, so i think i'd like to find some 2wd toyota springs and build packs out of them for the front. not sure about the rear, maybe mazdas and a track bar.
anyone want to critique my setup? seems i only know what i want until it comes time to pull the trigger, then i'm clueless
