Couple Toyota pickup questions - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

countryliving · 12-01-2003, 09:30 PM

Aight guys, bear with me as I'm new to Toyota's.

A friend of mine told me about a '83 Toyota Pickup that his cousin has for 400 bucks....lock-rite in the front and welded rear. Question....I don't feel safe with the welded rear so, how much work would be involved in swaping in a Dana? I know it can be done, but just wondering how much work is needed.

Also, it has no motor, would it be smart to put in the stock motor (I'm guessing 4 banger?) or get a 6 cyl and drop in. I need something that doesn't involve fabbing new motor mounts, just something that will drop right in with no problems. Thanks guys

JeremyH · 12-02-2003, 07:09 AM

Why dont you feel safe with the rear welded? Also, what Dana axle are you planning on swapping? To tell you the truth, those yota axles are stronger than any Dana axle that you can put in that truck (unless you pull a 60 or a 70 and that'll be WAY too big for that truck).

robinhood150 · 12-02-2003, 01:52 PM

Yup, the toy axle is just as strong, if not stronger than a d44. Unless you're in snow/icy conditions a lot on the street then the welded rear if fine (if it was done right). If you really want to get rid of the welded diff, then just swap out the third member, it should be pretty easy.

countryliving · 12-02-2003, 02:34 PM

I don't feel safe with cause I've heard bad things bout welded rears...like them snapping like a twig. I was thinking bout swapping a D44 or maybe smaller. But the bad news is I don't have to worry bout it now, it sold it last night

. Thanks for the info though guys, I'll be back around if I can find another older Yota

robinhood150 · 12-02-2003, 04:12 PM

Well, if you find another one with a welded rear...if they're welded right then the strength should be fine. The gears have to be clean, and preheated before welding, and then they have to cool down slowly, etc. If you're worried about the axles snapping, then that's not an issue. There are lots of people running around with spooled rears as daily drivers.

Anyway, good luck with finding a truck.

JeremyH · 12-02-2003, 08:23 PM

What was not mentioned about a welded rear or a spooled rear end (on a rear wheel drive vehicle) is that it will CHEW up tires on the road! They are great off road.......the most predictable locker out there, but the tire wear factor on road is what deters most people from this setup.

As for a welded front axle (again assuming a rear wheel drive vehicle) is the loss in turning radius. Ideally a selectable locker is the way to go.......however not for everyone (too much $$ for a poor guy like me!)

If you see a lot of ice, then you might want an open rear and a selectable front.....

toy283 · 12-03-2003, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by countryliving
Also, it has no motor, would it be smart to put in the stock motor (I'm guessing 4 banger?) or get a 6 cyl and drop in. I need something that doesn't involve fabbing new motor mounts, just something that will drop right in with no problems. Thanks guys

There's exactly one engine that will "drop in". A 22R 4-cylinder like the one that was originally in there. Anything else is gonna require new mounts, electronics, transmission, or the like.