New member, long time lurker - My '92 runner

[CrimsonCruiser]

Hello members,

As the title says, I'm a long time lurker but now an actual member to this forum.
I've had a few Toy's over the years and my current trail rig is a 1992 4Runner. It's has a 2" lift, e-locker, new 22re...among other new things! :huh:
I'm really surprised how much more capable a locker makes my Runner. What a difference! :woot:
I'm planing a SAS very soon and looking for info and suggestion on kit's and build tips.

While I'm here, please have a look (and vote, lol) at my video for: "win a 2010 Toyota 4Runner"
http://4runner.ca/en/contest/entries/video/4ba6cd3fe4699

Thanks for reading

[TheOtherSide]

Welcome to OLC! Glad you finally made it! :D

:canadian:

[ChrisR]

Welcome to the Band! I mean forum :)

[Sero]

Welcome to OLC!

I previously saw you video and have voted for you several times. Good luck!!

[shancerlelby]

Nice lookin rig! looks like you and the young one have fun. what 2" lift are you running maybe i missed it? I just locked the rear of my runner and love it! just wish i could get out more, it sees more wet pavement sideways than mud slinging.

[CrimsonCruiser]

Thanks

I cranked up the torsion bars in the front. Gave me +/- 1.25" and in the rear I installed Landcruiser springs. (BJ80) It lifted the rear +/-2". I had to also install a drop bracket for the panard bar to center the axle.
Very plush ride! I actually like it a lot.
It rides real nice on FSR. The rear flexes pretty good and will stuff the tire way up in the wheel well way before the spring will bind.

If you are looking for a cheap and easy lift, I highly recommend it.
I got the pair for $75 at Alpi's

[uriedog]

Nice runner. one of the best vids there too.

[Sero]

Nice runner. one of the best vids there too.

I agree, very well done.

Here's a bump for everyone to vote for you.

Everybody vote here, you can vote more than once, just not more than once a day.

http://4runner.ca/en/contest/entries/video/4ba6cd3fe4699

[TheOtherSide]

Great vid...

I vote from home and at work each day for ya!

[CrimsonCruiser]

Well, I'm one step closer to making the 4Runner a bit more trail worthy.

I picked up a '83 front axle and tore into it last night to prepare for a SAS. :party:
Dismantled the entire thing and assessed the good, bad and the ugly.
Looks like the diff had some work done to it... routine maintenance or the previous owner fixed seals, bearing...or something like that.
No loose metal pieces or anything else obvious.... looks good so far. :)

So, now to decide whether to buy a kit or piece-meal something together using better parts. The key here is to make it as trail worthy as possible, keeping the ride height low and make it as cost effective as possible!

Hopefully by summer it will be ready to rock!

[AxelR]

My trailgear kit worked out very well and was a good value. The only thing I wouldn't use are the bearings and TRE's. However, Jeremy didn't fare quite as well for some reason that neither of us can figure out.

He has made some progress lately lowering the suspension. I would recommend a Hi-Pinion FJ80 front differential for that axle to keep the driveline angles reasonable.

Good luck.

[CrimsonCruiser]

Thanks for the info.
Yes, I've been in contact with Jeremy and he did give me his thoughts (thanks again)
I find it funny the a 3" kit actually makes your Toy sit 6" higher? huh? :confused:
I got in touch with a shop in California and they told me they use OME springs with the stock Toy shackles for a +/-3.5" lift on a SAS.
I'd hate to get the the TG kit and only 3/4's of the parts.

[TheOtherSide]

Nice... another project in the neighborhood!!

However....
:needpics:

[AxelR]

I find it funny the a 3" kit actually makes your Toy sit 6" higher? huh?

Well it didn't on mine. It was quite bit higher but they settled nicely and I've been happy with it for the last 4 years. You're welcome to check out the setup sometime.

[CrimsonCruiser]

I would post pic's if I could! :poke:

Yes, I'd like to see your setup before I dive into this.
My Runner is also a daily driver so once I start the SAS, gotta giv'r till it's done! Nothing like a bit of pressure to get a project done!
Should make a nice Long Weekend project! :D

[TheOtherSide]

I would post pic's if I could! :poke:

Yes, I'd like to see your setup before I dive into this.
My Runner is also a daily driver so once I start the SAS, gotta giv'r till it's done! Nothing like a bit of pressure to get a project done!
Should make a nice Long Weekend project! :D

Currently working on overlandcanada.net as a photo album. Will keep you updates as i progress. My goal is to keep the forum database as a pure forum database without photos... and offer a photo album... and see how it goes.

[AxelR]

most of my SAS photos can be seen here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/areinhold1/SolidAxleSwap2006?authkey=Gv1sRgCMi8jdDYgJK9hwE&feat=directlink

those are pre hi pinion and pre driveshaft. Hopefully you don't have to be a member to see them.

[CrimsonCruiser]

Thanks, those pic's are great!

I see you installed the 4" SAS kit. Did you take before and after measurements?
I assume those are 33's, what is the height of your wheel arch from the ground?

With 32's (31.8") tires, my 4Runner is sitting 37" from the ground to the wheel arch and 17.75" from the ground to the bottom of the front frame rail (just behind the IFS sway bar mount)
With my larger tires this appears to be ~2" higher than stock. I'd be cool with another 2", but beyond that I'm not too sure. :huh:

Thanks again

M

[AxelR]

I forgot that I originally installed 4" springs but later switched to 3". Height was fine but the 4" springs sagged too much under the weight of the V6. We installed the 3" because they are supposed to have a higher spring rate and it would move the shackle angle forward due to the spring being shorter.

It worked out perfectly with the 3" springs. Yes those are 33" tires.

I did do a bunch of measurements but it was a long time ago and I don't remember any of them. It will definitely sit a lot higher than your current setup. I can measure my fenders tomorrow if you like. My current 33's only measure 31.8" as well so it may give you a good idea. I do have a lot of gap between the tire and fenderwell but I like it that way. Lots of room to stuff em.

Why do you want to do an SAS anyway? Also I would highly recommend a rear sump oil pan.

[Jeremy]

My truck pre lowering was 25" from the ground to the frame just in front of the transfer case mount. That was on 33" tall tires (true 33's).

I should measure it now and see what kind of difference it has made.

I was toying with trying the OME front springs in my truck to see if it lowers it any more. Problem is they are not cheap and if they do not work I'm SOL. If they told you any mount placement or shackle info that would be good to hear.

[CrimsonCruiser]

Thanks!
Sure, if you don't mind taking a few measurements for me. I'm just looking for a reference and some options.
My runner is a 22RE, but I do want to put a winch on the front so the extra weight may drop it down a bit to being just right.

[CrimsonCruiser]

25", really? hmmm, and that was with TG 3" kit? :confused:
That's ~9.5" over stock (including ~2" of tire)

The shop in California MSR (Mike C) said to use the TG kit, mount the front hanger flush and drill the rear shackle hole as per the kit instructions.
The OME springs will work great with the stock Toyota shackle.
He did not give me a stock number so I have no idea what model the springs are or how much. He did say he could ship a set to me if I wanted.

M

[AxelR]

I'll take some tomorrow. Ya those were pretty much the reasons I wanted to do mine. I really like how stable it is now. I have to get used to the IFS again on my Land Cruiser. haha.

[Jeremy]

The shop in California MSR (Mike C) said to use the TG kit, mount the front hanger flush and drill the rear shackle hole as per the kit instructions.
The OME springs will work great with the stock Toyota shackle.
He did not give me a stock number so I have no idea what model the springs are or how much. He did say he could ship a set to me if I wanted.

M

I talked to Mike a few times over e-mail and never was able to get any info out of him. He was telling me they were custom made for him.....:huh: and $450 a pop :eek:

I have been looking around today at OME springs and stuff for the front and found this place they have very good prices and a full list of springs for the 84-85 4runner (the springs we need for ours). I am looking at maybe getting the heavy load pack + the extra load leaf (I have a v6 and a winch and ARB bumper =heavy front end) I am also looking at getting the shackles and bushings. I think this would be ideal for a nice low SAS kit (2.5" + on a factory solid axle truck or about 3.5 on ours). The cost would be sure a bit less than MSR's costume ones too.

http://www.4by4connection.com/4runpicallle.html

I wish there was some on who had done it before and had pictures up of it and how it rod and handled the weight.

Maybe I will need to find out my self.

On a side note if you are thinking about keeping to rear coils I have some OME 80 Series coils and a pan hard drop link. I think the coils are the 2+ lift ones and light duty. They only gave me about 1" of lift over my Downey coils and spacers so I swapped over to Chevy leafs. They are like new and were on the truck for a week. LKM if you want them...

[Jeremy]

Not the same as our gen 4runner but he used all the ONE stuff and seems to be quite happy. Looks like he got about 3" of lift with his. http://forum.ih8mud.com/79-95-toyota-truck-tech/240690-rotm-wardamneagles-85-4runner.html

[AxelR]

Sorry I didn't have time to get any measurements today. I'll try tomorrow.

[Sero]

Another bump and reminder for every to vote for teh video linked in the first post...

[CrimsonCruiser]

Thanks Jeremy for the links.
It's funny, I've done a lot of surfing looking for set up info as well but it's really tough to get the exact particulars and what people used or did.

Mike at MSR was a bit allusive and stopped replying to my e-mails.
Realistically, I didn't get anything too technical. He did tell me his "custom" springs were prone to breakage upon heavy usage thats why he switched to OME.

Another shop told me to be careful about going to low due to the fact of up travel...or lack there of. The steering linkage would also be in conflict.

Oh, and thanks for the votes on my video!!! :popcorn:

M

[Jeremy]

Thanks Jeremy for the links.
It's funny, I've done a lot of surfing looking for set up info as well but it's really tough to get the exact particulars and what people used or did.

Mike at MSR was a bit allusive and stopped replying to my e-mails.
Realistically, I didn't get anything too technical. He did tell me his "custom" springs were prone to breakage upon heavy usage thats why he switched to OME.

Another shop told me to be careful about going to low due to the fact of up travel...or lack there of. The steering linkage would also be in conflict.

Oh, and thanks for the votes on my video!!! :popcorn:

M

That's about the same kind of service I got from him too, good thing I did not get the $450 springs!!!

There is still lots of room for the steering with my 3" springs and with 2 leafs pulled only thing I need is shorter shocks. As it is I have about 5+" between the tops of the u bolts and the frame. If I remember right, I will measure this weekend if I have time.

I am also looking at going with the OME springs myself to see how they work. Going to get the heavy loads and then the ad on HD leaf. Also going to try the shackles and see how it all works.

[Jeremy]

I was going to say if you are interested in any of my SAS parts I am replacing they will be for sale. I will have 3" TG springs (leafs added back in), shackles and 12" travel Bilstine shocks. I also have those OME coils and Pan hard drop bracket if you can use them too. Not trying to flog my stuff in you thread just trying to help out if I can.

I am just about to order the OME springs and shackles I think. I have the option of picking them up at ARB or getting them drop shipped from ARB to Blaine.

[TheOtherSide]

shipped to Blaine.

Ahhh... Blaine... my 2nd home in the last few weeks.

[AxelR]

I thought I was getting those shocks Jeremy? I might be interested in the springs too.

[Jeremy]

I thought I was getting those shocks Jeremy? I might be interested in the springs too.

Sure, nothing is sold yet, I need to get the replacements for everything before I can take it off.

[myles.artus]

Do you happen to know where i can get a set of the 80's series cruiser coils in ontario? thanks

[CrimsonCruiser]

I got my 80 series from a wrecker or auto parts "recycler".
I wouldn't pay more than a $100 for a pair.

One is longer than the other....just... like 1/2-3/4"
I put the longer one on the gas tank side and the weight of a full tank of gas balanced the back end out. You really can't notice, just be aware that this is the case.

M

[freeze]

I saw your video a while ago and thought it really sums up why we drive a 4WD! Excellent!

[myles.artus]

Can you get more of those springs? looking to do exacly the same thing you did! let me know. would have to be shipped to toronto area. Nice truck same as mine!

[CrimsonCruiser]

Thanks! The video contest is over and we are waiting to see if we made it to the finalist round! :popcorn:
I like our chances!


As for the springs.... the cost of shipping them to you would negate the cost of them. I sure you can find a pair in a wrecker there in TO.

[TheOtherSide]

So... do you have your solid front axle or are you still collecting parts?

[CrimsonCruiser]

I have the axle ('83) and it's in pieces ready for reassembally.
I'm now researching/collecting the required parts.
Not sure to go with a Kit or purchase the components separately.:confused:

As mentioned before I don't want a high lift... just 2-3" higher than I already have.

[Jeremy]

I have the axle ('83) and it's in pieces ready for reassembally.
I'm now researching/collecting the required parts.
Not sure to go with a Kit or purchase the components separately.:confused:

As mentioned before I don't want a high lift... just 2-3" higher than I already have.

For the axle rebuild parts go Toyota for the wheel bearings and seals and trunion bearings (or Marlins full rebuild kit made with quality bearings). Get the Bobby long felt kit up grade. Marlin Crawler HD axle seal.

Seal: http://www.marlincrawler.com/axle/front-axle-parts/hd-inner-axle-seal-hilux

Felt upgrade:http://www.longfieldsuperaxles.com/products/TOYOTA-KNUCKLE-LIFETIME-WIPER-SEALS.html

I would get TG's spring mounting kit (front spring mount and frame tubes). Shock hoops, u bolt flip, High steer and 10" bilstine shocks. Axle trussing is up to you, I did it and the balls as well as the diff armor TG again.

Front springs for your truck being a 4cyl and almost the same weight as a 84-85 4runner I would get the medium load B OME springs & greasable shackles. that will be about as low as you can get it with the TG front spring hanger. To get lower you would need to make a OEM style mount in the front (up into the body mount).

For breaks I would go this route (may require 16" wheels though) http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?p=10376288#post10376288

There are lots of little things I have left out like brake lines and nuts and bolts but that will give you a good stating point.

Also to clean up the Axle (after washing it with degrease) take to to U blast cost me $25 to clean my axle up like new.

If I was to do it again I would pice a kit together, get just what you want that way and all quality parts. 80% of my TG kit has now been replaced.

[Jeremy]

Also if you need to save a few bucks I have all you will need to lift the coil rear. OME coils, Shocks and Pan hard drop bracket. I would try this out first and see how you like it before jumping on the leaf spring band wagon like I did.

[CrimsonCruiser]

Another step closer to my SAS today!
I scored a nice set of locking hubs for my solid axle. C/L is great!
The guy also threw in the complete hub/spindle assembly...so I have some spares.

I got a good deal on my SA but it was missing the hubs. :(
New ones are over $300USD + shipping. :rant:


M

[TheOtherSide]

Nice!

[CrimsonCruiser]

Some 4Runner Project Pics...

http://s974.photobucket.com/albums/ae224/RubyRunner/4Runner%20Project/

(you see, I'm not just a poser :headspin:)

M

[Jeremy]

That brings back memory's, looks good!

[TheOtherSide]

Updates?

[CrimsonCruiser]

Why yes!

I purchase some hubs a couple of weeks ago and got these all refreshed a painted. They look like new!
Got a OEM seal and bearing kit from Toyota. I'm not using TG stuff for that.
Got all the necessary frame hangers, diff guard, high steer kit to get going on the axle.

Just waiting to Jeremy’s final verdict on his springs. I will probably go that route rather than the TG stuff. My Runner is also a DD so I need some better road manners than a super flexy/high SAS.

Just going to place an order with Marlin for the inner axle seals.

We are moving forward! :)

M

[TheOtherSide]

Good to hear!

[Jeremy]

Mike,

Here is a link to a SAS swap that turned out very nice and low. If I was doing mine again I would do what he did with his front spring hanger......I may still do that.

http://www.yotatech.com/f152/87-4runner-low-sas-217479/

I think that doing the front spring hanger like that along with the 3.5" OME shakles and the OME springs is the best way to get a nice low SAS. I'm really considering doing that to mine now. I had thought about it before but got scared off with the cutting and so on involved but looking now its really not that much work.

I could still lose another 1-2" in height with mine. I did just park it beside a Hilux with a 3" rough country life tho and mine was about an inch lower so I must be doing something right. :woot:

[CrimsonCruiser]

Here is a link to a SAS swap that turned out very nice and low

ummm, I don't see the link!? :confused:

Sooo, just got back from holidays and I'm getting the rest of the parts in order for my SAS. Just got my seals from Marlin and just ordered my springs & shackles from ARB.
I'm a few steps closer! :party:

I'm having a real tough time finding "good" trunnion bearings!
OE ones are $40each. There has to be a better deal than that, no!? :rant:
Does anyone know a good source for these.

Thanks

Mike

[Jeremy]

ummm, I don't see the link!? :confused:

Sooo, just got back from holidays and I'm getting the rest of the parts in order for my SAS. Just got my seals from Marlin and just ordered my springs & shackles from ARB.
I'm a few steps closer! :party:

I'm having a real tough time finding "good" trunnion bearings!
OE ones are $40each. There has to be a better deal than that, no!? :rant:
Does anyone know a good source for these.

Thanks

Mike

Umm its there you just did not look hard enough......(I forgot to paste it)

If you cant find any GOOD trunion bearings spend the money on the Toyota ones. I think I remember Marlin having some nice looking ones if I recall.

Cant wait to see yours start coming together. :woot:

[CrimsonCruiser]

Well, I put the SAS on hold a bit. Still waiting for a few parts to roll in. :rant:

Meanwhile.... time for a new exhaust system.
Just got all the parts for it!
Should be done by tonight! It's doing to sound sweet and throaty!

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae224/RubyRunner/4Runner%20Project/IMG_1275.jpg

[Jeremy]

When you build the tail pipe remember to build it to allow the use of leafs in the rear. Also account for the shocks.

Have fun!

[TheOtherSide]

Wow... looks like it's going to be a fun project!! Photos when it's done please!

[CrimsonCruiser]

I thought it would be fun!!!! NOT! :huh:
I would not make it as a exhaust installer... very frustrating! lol
Better if I had a lift!

It's about 3/4 done. Just have to figure out the tail pipe!

M

[TheOtherSide]

Yeah... exhaust work is an art. Sorry you're not having fun... but this may open a new door for you. "RubyRunner Custom Exhaust & Flyball"

:D

[Jeremy]

The trick with exhaust work it to make sure all your cuts are straight and that the pipe is nice and tight at the joints when you weld it.

[CrimsonCruiser]

New exhaust done! Feel's good to have it done... but this is a job I would not want to do daily!
I'm happy the way it turned out and it sounds pretty good! Real throaty!
Might have to angle the tail pipe tip down a bit. With the window down there is a bit of a drone at "Cruising" speed.

One more thing removed from the todo list! :party:

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae224/RubyRunner/4Runner%20Project/IMG_1277.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae224/RubyRunner/4Runner%20Project/IMG_1279.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae224/RubyRunner/4Runner%20Project/IMG_1280.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae224/RubyRunner/4Runner%20Project/IMG_1281.jpg

FWIW, The clamp after the Cat is just temp to see if everything clearances when I flex the truck. I'm going to weld the joint later.

[Jeremy]

Looks great!

[TheOtherSide]

You're hired...

Got 6-12month old exh on the Burb from the prev owner... but one of the pipes was 1/4" too big... so it was just cram clamped together... a bit of an exh leak there... but will do for now until you're free for a flowmaster custom job...
:D