Axle Prep

[89 toy]

I have a solid axle of an 83 p/u and I''m curious as to what I can do to prep it for the sas. Does anyone have some good pictures of either a completed SAS, or a factory axle with markings on what I can cut off? Also, what parts aren't going to be used if I go with marlins kit? do the heat shields for the brakes stay on? basically i want to know what I need to clean up/prep/cut off before I start the swap?

I want to paint it all nice and pretty... but I dont know what I need to bother with... and if you use the upper axle gusset from marlin, do you have problems with the u-bolt flip kit??

[fourwd1]

Well if you really want to prep a 22 yr old axle properly, it needs a total rebuild before you "paint it all nice and pretty". Replace all bearings and seals.
I've used the JT Outfitters deluxe kit several times. It's the most complete one available.
Another thing you can do is cut off the torque rod mount, it won't be needed with x-over steering.
Use of the dust shields is optional. I removed them simply because small stones can wedge between it and the rotor.
And you can improve braking by upgrading to Land Cruiser rotors and IFS V6 calipers.
And of course the ultimate prep would be stuffing some 30 spline Longfield birfs and inners in it. :grin:

[KToy]

dont forget while you have the axle apart some gears and a locker.

then once you have done all this

por 15 the houseing while its apart and then reassemble.

[89 toy]

Sorry, I explained myself wrong.... I understand beefing the s#it out of it, I have that covered, most likely gonna run an arb with 5.29 gears, I already have marlins 30 spline 4340 chromoly inner axle shafts, the mirfields are next, and I'm replacing all seals and bearings... And I have an 89 V6 so I already have the better calipers... Thats not my problem...

The torque bracket and dust covers info is usefull fourwd1, thanks. Now, is there any thing else that can be cut of the axle, that I wont be using??? Does anyone have some close up pics of their SAS so I can see what all is left, and what I need to prep for paint?

[KToy]

nothing else can be cut off. if you want to weld stuff back on for strenght then an extra gusset and new steering stops.

also u can gusset the balls on the houseing where the birfs go into (not sure what they are called)

[89 toy]

Ok, thanks for the info.. Now about welding on gussets... My lovely girlfriend was kind enough to get me marlins gusset with speed holes for christmas, and I thought I read somewhere that when using a flip kit you have to modify the gusset or it will hit....? is this true? or will it weld in place, and have no problems what so ever with marlins SAS kit???

[Oatmeal]

nothing else can be cut off. if you want to weld stuff back on for strenght then an extra gusset and new steering stops.

also u can gusset the balls on the houseing where the birfs go into (not sure what they are called) You probably won't need the sway bar and factory steering stabilizer brackets either. Here are the knuckle ball gussets: http://www.frontrangeoffroadfab.com/knuckle_ball_gusset_kit.htm .........Hans