super slow build-up

[wakkjobb]

I have a dream of a 4runner rolling on full size axles. I'd do an X-cab but I'm going to use this for camping so I need more room. Plus the dog wants his own bench seat. I'm trading a guy for some axles from an 88 Suburban. They are the auto-lock hubs (those will be changed to manual hubs) and I don't know the ratios yet. Since they are 10-bolt axles (no heavy-duty wheeling for me...yet) what's the tallest gear I can fit in these? Stock ratio options are 3.08, 3.42 and 3.73. I have some 35" tires to put on but can go smaller if the 3.73s won't turn them. As for power I am planning on a 'built' 22R/RE and a 5-speed to start with until I start farting money; then I'll go for a dual-T-case setup. I checked a few write-ups but just found SAS info. Would these axles even work? I can do fab work and have a welder and all that stuff; it's just a matter of getting all the parts together before I start anything. And I am in NO rush to get this started either...

Later........................
I checked and the axles are 3.42 ratio with 48" front and 52" rear springs, and what look like around 3" blocks (factory?) in the rear. The guy said it might have the Gov-Lok in the rear; it has G80, GQ1 and GU6 RPO axle codes. I heard the Gov-Lok is a time bomb but if I switch to deeper gears this won't be an issue. I also got the brake booster in the deal. Sky's has a full size swap kit but I'm wondering what to do about the rear axle? I've seen some pretty gnarly rigs using 1/4 elliptical setups but that's way more than I need/could ever use.
So... what now?

[wakkjobb]

After some searching I can't find a used/dead 4runner (locally), people have written me with running projects selling for way more than I'd like to spend on something I am going to rip apart right away. It has been brought to my attention that 2wd trucks will do the job since I am going to be redoing the drivetrain completely. This sparked another thought: (scary, I know...) How about I get two cabs and graft them together? Not with 4 full doors but like an extra-extra cab. Anyone "been there, done that"? Naturally I'd have to hack the crap out of the bed but I figure I'd get another seat in the process. Like a Runner, but with a small-ass bed.

:help:
Dan

[ToxicToy]

are u sure the rear is a 10-bolt, i dont know alot on chevy axles, but i thought the rear on these where 14-bolt ones? this is according to randys ring and pinon site though. take a look at the cover and see how many bolts there are, 10 bolts or 14.
The lowest gear ratio in the 10 bolt are 5.57 which is low.
If it was me i would use dana 60s or 14 bolts, if you are going full size mode.
I dont like the idea of using to cabs, am sure you can find a 4runner somewhere that has nothing in it, look on the net or call around.

[bbagwell]

If it is a half ton suburban then it has a 10 bolt rear end.

[wakkjobb]

There's an 87 runner out by Denver, says the engine runs but has a knock and wants $600 for it. I'm hoping an unfinished project falls out of the sky and lands in my driveway... right on the Chevy axles. I posted a wanted ad on craigslist for a runner and have only heard from people with 2wd trucks so far... :thumbdown but something will turn up.
As for the 10 bolt axles... I didn't check them out much yesterday (did the trade/got rid of the old truck) but the 14 bolts were used in 3/4 ton (I think) and 1 ton trucks, kinda like Ford does it. If I can stuff deeper gears, like 4.10s, that will probably be fine. Like I said, this is going to be a 'light/medium duty' wheeler; no Moab trips or serious rock crawling for me. Yet...:grin:
I'll get some more info tomorrow (day off work) and we'll sort this out. First I'd like to switch out the AutoLok hubs for manual Warns, then weld the centers for a front locker. I am still doing a ton of research so bear with me; I'll try my best NOT to ask dippy questions like "Will 4wheelparts install these axles for me?" They probably would but I'm certain it's cost a mint and I am fresh out of mints.

mint-less
Dan

[ToxicToy]

ya, I know doing it yourself is always better. anyways, yes you just really any gear ratio from 3.50 to 5.57 in 10 bolts, not sure how low the ratio is on 14 bolts.
But if you looking for ideas about this the best bet would be search
pirate4x4.com (through google or something)
sky-manufucating makes swicthing to some of the GM axles easier, along with ruffstuff or something like that.
Good luck

[bbagwell]

A lot of GM stuff is 3:08 gears too depending on the years. I would avoid anything with a Gov loc too they suck. Seems like most 14 bolts are either 3:73 or 4:10, and most of them have Gov locks.

[wakkjobb]

I checked the option codes and the ratios are 3.42, not 100% sure about the Gov-Lok being in there. If I open the diff cover, will it look like a posi? I've never dealt with the Gov-Loks before but all I've heard is that they're not great/reliable so it's already on the way out even before I start. That 87 runner got sold yesterday... dammit. I talked with another 4x4 guy at work and he says if I get deeper gears (I'm thinking around the 4.56 area) I'll need a larger carrier; where the ring gear bolts to. And I was thinking I could just get two ring and pinion sets, (front and rear) toss 'em in and be good to go... am I not getting something?
I did poke around pirate4x4, seems to be too much clutter but I did get some ideas and info before my eyes fell out. :eek:
Since I'm not finding 4runners that are projects I might be forced to build up a 2wd... there are plenty around town. I really want the room... I'm 6'2" and get cramped when I drive my girl's 79 4x4 after about an hour.

Dan

[bbagwell]

Yeah the gov lock looks just like a normal posi. You will need a master install kit as well if you are going to regear. Basically comes with all new bearings and seals for the differential.

[wakkjobb]

still nothing new under the sun, had to catch up on the 'honey-do' list these past few days, also have to get more jack sands for these axles. Thought I had some pics but they aren't on my camera?? wft? oh well, weather looks good into next week and Sunday we might go do some light trail running and that's always worth pics. Plus the trees are changing too, maybe some snow in the high country?

Dan