blasphemous
6/25/2006 8:52:53 PM
I want everyone's inputs regarding a SAS on your B2600. Whether you're planning on doing one or have already done it.
My SAS consists of '79 Chevy 1/2 ton axles, a 10-bolt front and 12-bolt rear. I'm going to be running 3/4 ton springs (due to future additions), 5.38 gears and a Detroit locker in both axles. I want to switch to a divorced NP205 setup for better crawling (aftermarket gearset, 4:1 probably) and driveline angles. Also, have a custom two-piece rear driveshaft made so it doesn't hang so low and I can tuck it up some. I'm going to be running 40x17x16.5 Ground Hawgs on custom Stockon 16.5x12 with 6x5.5 lug pattern wheels... $135 each.
On a side note, I've noticed that 16.5" tires seems to be quite cheaper on the used market than any other tire. If there's enough interest, perhaps a group buy could be set up?
Rebel541
7/4/2006 1:57:26 AM
Hey, I just took my '91 B2600i 4x4 to the dealer for an alignment and was told that I need $1300 in parts alone to replace most of the IFS. They tell me it's shot, so I thought perhaps I should just go for a solid axle swap instead of paying out the nose to keep the IFS. Does anyone know about the cost involved with the swap, what fits best, and how long it should take? I can change my oil and spark plugs and weld, but I need a mechanic's input for this.
blasphemous
7/5/2006 12:21:45 AM
Toyota axles would actually be the best fit without modification. You're probably going to pay close to $1000 for those axles though. I'm not sure of their stock gear ratios, I think they're just a little lower than ours... 4.10 as opposed ot 4.30/4.44.
You can get universal spring hangars just about anywhere, about $18 each. Shackles can be had for around $50 a pair. The stock Mazda steering box could probably tie into the Toyota steering with minor modifications.
The biggest issues that you'll have are mounting the springs and getting the driveshafts to play nice. Other than that, I think most of it a bolt-n-go. I'm going with big Chevy axles, so I'm over-engineering all my mounting points and etc.
blasphemous
7/7/2006 5:41:21 AM
My Chevy 1/2 ton axle swap is going to start in the next few weeks. I'll post pics of the build as it comes along. I'm going to build the spring mounts first, all will be cross-membered for strength. They'll also have 2-4" of lift built into them so the springs can be kept at a minimal arch for smoothness and articulation.
I'm also going to record all my measurements and designs so I can fab mounts in the future for anyone who wants them. Everything is going to be 1/4" steel and trussed in delicate areas.
