4runner 4gen build / rear axle conversion to front???

[78bj40]

I have another project on my hand, I picked up a 2005 V8 4runner with near a quarter mill. miles. The truck is solid and 100% functional, I also picked up a salvage, same year and I stripped it down. I’m keeping the engine as spare since it has only 100K on it, so as I’m doing this I thought that if I could convert the rear axle to a front it would be a perfect match. I can get knuckle balls for it and also I contacted RCV and they reassured me that they will be able to make any length axle shaft for it which sounds promising. I know I have to cut and offset the pumpkin but my question is; has anyone done anything like it? Am I missing something important?

Thing I did so far; replaced timing and serpentine belt, brake pads, U joints, removed the carpet and Herculined the interior just to be trail ready. Lift kit, bumpers, winch, wheels tires, SA, lockers will be future additions.

BTW, I have several spare parts from the salvage, PM me if you are looking for anything, I might have it.

[FINOCJ]

Can't help you with axle swap question. Is there an issue with the direction the R&P turns when you flip the axle around? If you need new axle shafts, the front knuckles and a new R&P....that pretty much a new axle except for the housing. How big you planning to go with this...33s? 35s? It will make a nice vehicle to take out on longer trips with camping and family.

[78bj40]

Can't help you with axle swap question. Is there an issue with the direction the R&P turns when you flip the axle around? If you need new axle shafts, the front knuckles and a new R&P....that pretty much a new axle except for the housing. How big you planning to go with this...33s? 35s? It will make a nice vehicle to take out on longer trips with camping and family.

The direction is ok and by searching it looks like I can go with 4.88 R&P for 35s, I don't think I'll ever go anything higher since I'll be driving this thing on the road. Over landing is definitely the direction but at the same time I would like to be able to do trails 4-6 rating as well without breaking stuff.

[newracer]

IMO for an over-landing rig that will only see moderate trails swapping in a solid front axle is overkill. The IFS will give you a better ride on the dirt roads.

[78bj40]

IMO for an over-landing rig that will only see moderate trails swapping in a solid front axle is overkill. The IFS will give you a better ride on the dirt roads.

For sure IFS is better for dirt roads but I also would like to run trails rated 4-6 so I don't mind doing the swap.

[redneck23ms]

in all honesty buying an aftermarket housing is going to be your best bet. diamond axles up here in noco would be who i'd call. or get a trail gear housing.

[redneck23ms]

and also i believe those years tacoma/4runners frame needs quite a bit of bracing up front for a sas depending upon the type of suspension you plan to go with.

[ExplorerTom]

For sure IFS is better for dirt roads but I also would like to run trails rated 4-6 so I don't mind doing the swap.

put a locker in the rear and keep the IFS.

I have a SAS'd Explorer that I've used for car camping (or "overlanding" as the new buzz word). It's awesome on the trails but sorta sucks on the pavement between. I can do trails rated 7-8, but I don't enjoy them. So I'm running a SAS'd rig on the same trails I was doing while IFS except now I don't like driving it on the road as much.

[JandDGreens]

Sounds like a great project. Keeping in the Toyota line of vehicles. Wife and I have been kicking around the idea of buying a 4-runner as our trip taking vehicle (mainly road trips) not so much for off road though. Hope some day we can do some over-land/camping trips Maybe Ouray?? next season??

[FINOCJ]

. Hope some day we can do some over-land/camping trips Maybe Ouray?? next season??

I'd jump in on that as well!
I don't know if its necessary, but I say go for the axle swap and do it how you want it done. You get stuff done well but let us know if you need some extra hands on the project.

[dieseldoc]

I 2nd the diamond housing thought as they do good work and it will save you a ton of work.
But knowing how you do things I say go for it.
You have the housing. You have the skills.
Getting the bells is not to rough.....kuckles are not to bad eather.

[TJS86TOY]

If your going to do the OE housing just check that its the correct gear rotation. Diamond housing good option as well. OR, 14 bolt 60? :) I also agree with Alex, in so far that the frame will need to be braced in several places because the IFS "holds things together" . I have been thinking of doing this to my 3rd gen, but time wise with work it's not realistic. Rough ride? Depends what you use for dampening. Look at Jeep GC's , solid axle front with coils and rode great, ORI's , Alcan leafs, many options for a better ride. Just my .02.

[Terrafied]

You can check out a guy named Crozhawk on the tr4 forum. He did a really nice 4th gen SAS build. I believe he used a Diamond housing as others have suggested. You can find his rig on youtube as well. Its a hell of a thing.

[KFM1961]

I was thinking about an SAS on my 4th gen but using a 44 or swapping both axles to 1 tons. I'll be interested in your progress. BTW, do you have interior parts? I'm needing the rear center seat belt in Beige. (Previous owners dog used it as a chew toy).