Landcruiser axles under a IFS truck

[mongooseman]

Is it possible to put Landcruiser solid axles under a IFS truck. I'm thinking of trying to do a SAS myself at work and use landcruiser axles since they're stronger and heavier. Has anyone done this before and if so how hard is it and what problems can I expect? Thanks.

[zembalayan]

Is it possible to put Landcruiser solid axles under a IFS truck. I'm thinking of trying to do a SAS myself at work and use landcruiser axles since they're stronger and heavier. Has anyone done this before and if so how hard is it and what problems can I expect? Thanks.

It can be done; it may be stronger and wider.  Mine was an IFS 4Runner and it eventually got 80 series axles under it.  There are several build threads on pirate and one on here that describe how the builders simply removed all IFS bracketry from the frame and fabricated mounts to accept stock 80 series LandCruiser lower control arms (or radius arms), the stock panhard, shocks, and some builders used adjustable coil buckets.  I know that bog-toy on here used a set of Ballistic adjustable coil spring buckets that I sold him for this very type of build you are asking about.  Paul Ryun AKA Boogerweldz and Bink's Fab have done 3 links and have developed parts and possibly a kit for 80 series front axles.  Keep on researching your interests and good luck!

[OldGold3VZE]

You will need to cut and turn the knuckle balls in order to achieve proper steering caster, and you will have to re-do the spring pads for a sprung over application.  Steering and longfields are now available for the 60 series axles, so that's cool.  Besides for width and factory vented brake rotors the only advantage is the 9.5" ring gear.   You can easily widen and add vented brakes to a mini truck axle and retain the decent ground clearance of the 8" ring gear housing.  If you are keeping tires to 37 or smaller I would do the mini axle.  And I have 2 steer 60 series axles in my shop right now.

[jrock]

What's wider, the 60 series or the 80 series? I know the 80 uses a 8" third member, and huge Birfs. The 60 uses a 9.5" third member and huge Birfs but I thought it was only as wide as a mini axle.

[OldGold3VZE]

60 series uses the same birfs as mini trucks, but has a 9.5 and is 3" wider, and comes stock with big calipers and vented rotors.

[zembalayan]

What's wider, the 60 series or the 80 series? I know the 80 uses a 8" third member, and huge Birfs. The 60 uses a 9.5" third member and huge Birfs but I thought it was only as wide as a mini axle.

As mentioned above, the 60 series uses the same size birfs as the minis and the modern 40s.  It has a 9.5" full float diff.  The long side inner axle of the 60s equals the length of the long side inner axle of the mini truck axle.  The 60's short side inner axle is longer than the mini truck's short side axle, but it is equal in length to the short side axle of the 40 series inner axle.  Check the FAQ, but I believe the 60 series WMS to WMS is around 58" and the mini truck's is 55"; also, all stock solid axle mini, 60, and modern 40 series front inner axles are 30 spline at the hub, 27 spline at the Birfield joint, and 30 spline at the differential.  Aftermarket chromo axles are easy to get and they are available in 30/30/30 spline through out and in 30/27/30 configurations .

80 series axles use larger knuckle balls and Birfield bells than the minis, 60s, and modern 40s.  The 80 fronts have 8" HP differentials.  They are 63.5" wide from WMS to WMS.  The 80 series front inner axles are 30 spline at the hub, 24 spline at the Birfield joint, and 30 spline at the differential.  Birfields on 80s manufactured generally after April of 1994 are longer; they have ABS collars, and utilize different drive flanges than the earlier models from 1990 until April of 1994.  If you want to swap out these later model drive flanges for locking Aisin hubs, then you will need to source ultra rare deeper or longer mid 70s FJ40 Aisin hubs (good luck), or you will have to get your longer 80 Birfields machined to accept a snap ring that is closer to the bell in order to bolt on solid axle mini or 60 series Aisin hubs.  1990 or 1991 to April of 1994 FJ80 and FZJ80 front axles use shorter Birfields and standard mini and 60 wheel hubs bolt right up in place of the earlier model drive flanges without machining the Birfields.  Aftermarket chromo axles are now available in with the longer (post April of 1994) Birfield lengths; they have 30/24/30 spline configurations just like stock 80 series Birfields and inner axles.  Research on Facebook and Pirate indicates that RCV has already produced 30/30/30 spline 80 series axles, but nothing has been mass marketed yet, and no information regarding Birfield lengths has been published to my knowledge.  Hope this helps; hope this is accurate.

[mongooseman]

Well some people have been telling me that it's a waste of time and I should just try and find like a 79-85 truck front axle, but I thought all landcruiser axles had the 9.25'' ring gear, and had better brakes than the truck axles. I mean I know that the landcruiser axles are wider but i think with wheel flares the truck would look good. I was also wonder if I could just cut the brackets off a landcruiser frame and use them, or would I have to put a filler piece between the bracket and the truck frame? Is a landcruiser frame wider than a truck frame, and the land cruiser I'm probably going to be taking parts off if I do, is most like a 60 or 80, and maybe if my boss is really excited a couple 45's. Thanks.

[John Doe]

The best advise I can give you is to start reading every thread on pirate and on Ih8mud that is about the land cruiser axles, Educate your self. Then ask questions to fill in any holes.

[zembalayan]

The best advise I can give you is to start reading every thread on pirate and on Ih8mud that is about the land cruiser axles, Educate your self. Then ask questions to fill in any holes.

This is very good advice indeed.