Topic: Marlin Crawler "Lefty" in '06 4Runner V8

[crozhawk]

The Lefty is doing great. The first one was a bit of a learning experience, the coupler between the trans and input shaft was slightly too long when I put it in the first time and was putting too much preload on that shaft resulting in some bearing/gear noise. I've since put in a new Lefty (Thanks Rocky and Chris!) and the length of the coupler is all figured out now. So far so good. The V8 has a lot of torque, I'm running the 4.7:1 (roughly twice as low as stock) gear set so I take it easy on the gas pedal in low range. ...no need to load it all up anyway. I figure that low gear is probably my fuse if something was to go.

[BoG-ToY]

I gotta jump in and ask: if doing a SAS and upgrading the tcase with duals or gears, why run the lefty at all? Why not get a RHDrop axle and the just the tcase adapter?

[crozhawk]

good question: first, this lefty is far from a standard case. Nearly everything in this case is upgraded from it's stock counterpart ...gears, bearings, oiling, etc. are all upgraded ,not to mention the outer case itself is stronger where it needs to be with the Lefty. The CNC'd center section is much stonger than a stock case. Second, while it might be possible to do a right hand drop, there are clearance issues with this truck on that side that make it harder; I actually considered that but after close inspection, a passenger drop will definitely be more difficult to clear everything.

For this build though, the biggest determining factor was the deal I got on the ProRock 60s. They just happened to be the right size, right gears and were driver side drop.

With a V8, I would not recommend a stock geared case. I think a Lefty or maybe an FJCruiser case with a crawler box is the better choice. Although with the FJCase/crawler combo, you'll still likely have to do a gas tank modification. The other option with this truck that hasn't been done yet (that I know of) is an Atlas.
 

[BHT12]

 

I wish i was rich lol

[clb]

Back from the dead.

I shed the front drive coming back from buck after this years roundup, hope Marlin still has info and parts (gunna grenade the duals next month) guess these went outta production for a reason.
yep the intermediate gear jim built crapped the bed,ate the bearing and took the front case with it.... anyone got a spare to sell???