Spinnin' Fours 4x4 Club of Southern California

I just bought a 1987 4Runner 22REI, 5 Speed and I am looking for some help/thoughts in a few areas;
1-I would like to do a SAS on the truck and have found either All Pro or LCE for the Suspansion parts/support and I am thinking of MIT in El Cajon to do this swap. Any thoughts?
2-I would like a 1985 front axle. I have found one in Missouri that with freight would run $450. Does anyone know of a Ca. based contact to buy one of these axles?
3-My skill set is more in running a large, hotel kitchen or offshore fishing, so I would be very grateful to find a San Diego based 4x4 person with mechanical skills that I could learn from. I am not looking for any freebies, just a teacher...I guess.
4-I am interested in joining up with some trail runs/camping once I feel the truck is ready to go and right now, with the stock IFS, no way.

I hope to meet some new friends & contacts from this website as I have always loved the 1980 Toyotas, but simply could not afford one back then.

With Appreciation,
Steve Black

All-Pro would be the premier supplier for SAS, they pretty much developed the SAS as you see it today, plus they are right down the road from you in Hemet. Other than junk yards and such I wouldn't know where you could find one, you may want to see if All-Pro has someone they deal with. Sorry, don't know of anyone there. Maybe if you hook up with one of the local clubs you could get some direction. Two major groups come to mind in the SD area, Tierra Del Sol Four Wheel Drive and San Diego Four Wheelers would be another, here's their websites:

http://www.tds4x4.com/

http://www.sd4wheel.com/

Now as to not wheeling an IFS my question would be why not. I personally have had several and have wheeled them as hard as a straight axle truck and have never had any problems. The Toyota IFS is not to be taken lightly it will do the job, sure it is not able to travel as much but with the right set up it does just fine.

Thank you for your reply as I was hoping that you would reply since I've read many of your posts. I think you are correct that the Toyota IFS in being a tough system, but this goes back to when I first started my career in the 80's & could not afford a Toyota at the time always wishing I could. So now I have found one in great mechanical condition, but the suspension either needs to get re-worked in the front/rear & shocks, or I go the SAS route. I have always been a big advocate of the solid front axle as I personally prefer the way trucks look with them. I have a 2005 F-350 that is now staying at home while I drive the 4Runner...but I want a solid axle and leaf springs. I can't help myself.

I like All Pro, and I am not a hard core Rock Crawler and do not plan to change anything on the 22RE, except perhaps to perhaps add a turbo in the future and not to go larger than 33" tires. I like the way the truck runs now with its current gearing and I am running 31" Falkens that run & drive great relative to speed, rpm's, drivability, etc. I also want to install front & rear lockers in the differentials, so any advise for that would be welcome also.

I'll look for any responses this w/e as I am close to buying the 85' Axle & used (replacement) Center Consle next week from Missouri.

Thanks, Steve

If you are going to put in lockers you may want to go with 5.29 ring & pinions while your at it since 33's will match pretty close with the stock gear ratio.

Also the Desert Safari is in the 1st weekend in March, it is sponsored by Tierra Del Sol Club and may be a contact point for you, plus other SD area clubs will be there. It is a very big event and has everything including vendors you may want to talk with. I'd consider bringing your truck there even though it may have needs and just have some fun. My current rig is very much stock and if I'm able to, I will be there even though it is not built. It is a fun time for all. It is held in Ocatlllo so it's not too far for you. It will be on the tds club site which there is a link to above.

That sounds like a great time. I am apprehensive to do anythig semi-serious until I get he truck where I want it to be regarding the SAS & I don't think the SAS will be done by March, but I could always take the F-350 to meet vendors & check things out. I will be buying the front axle this week and also balance getting ready for the 2012 fishing season in March-April, so March may not be the best time for me to attend.

I try to be as detailed as possible in order to never break down for lack of planning & condition of my equipment. I have fished offshore since 1985 & have never had to call Vessel Assist yet and I look at taking the 4Runner offroad in the same way.

I prefer to arrive for an offroad event as a Mavrick but not a Moron on my first time, if that makes sense.

Thanks for the gear advise in order for the 22REI to run as close to stock as possible with a larger set of 33" tires.

Let me know if you want my contact info., other than this site.

Thanks, Steve