Toyota axles

[scottc]

Any body put toyota FJ60 axles under a m37. Got a set kicking around and would like to put some newer axles under my truck. They look like they will work.

[98taco3]

The big problem i could see with the toyota axles is the 8in center section. Im not sure that it will handle the weight of the m37 in addition to the large tire size even with aftermarket improvements. Not to mention they use birfield joints in the front axle that are easy to break offroad. Id do some checking on axle weight ratings and see what they are before jumping into it.

[scottc]

I have done some research so far going to do some more
The fj axle is a 9.5" axle not the 8" that is in the trucks. Has 30 spline axles. The curb weight of the fj60 is like 4900lb.
Also the benifit I see if the rear axle is offset like the m37 axle.

[paul]

you can replace the birfield joint with a long field and have an axle that is basicly just as strong as a 1 ton axle

[98taco3]

the longfields are great. I had em in my 84 4 runner. That is very interesting, i did not know that the FJ axles had a bigger center section than the 8in. Gonna have to remember that for sure!

[Master Yota]

The FJ60 axles axles can be widened by converting to mini truck solid axle knuckles (no loss in strength) and by using the wheel hub from the IFS trucks (86-94-ish...) This will widen the track width by another 3". Picking the right wheel offset will be somewhat crucial.

Getting the rear axle out to the right width will more difficicult. The use of wheel spacers will probably be needed. FJ45 pickups where available with a full floating offset rear diff. The FJ60 uses a semifloating offset rear diff with c-clip axles.

The axle shafts are the same diameter as a Dana 60 rear end - so they are plenty strong, and aftermarket upgrades are readily available. I think they would be a good choice for an upgrade.

[paul]

they would look almost rigth under a m37

[scottc]

Sounds like I am going to have to do it and see what happens. I have stacks of toyota parts laying around so I should be able to get the front the right width.
Now all I have to do is decide what engine to run. Thinking chevy 4.3 with a sm420 tranny

[Master Yota]

I would shy away from the 4.3 personally - A V8 will fit just as well and probably get better mileage as its not working as hard. Around here 4.3's don't have a good reputation for longevity either - the bottom end seems to suffer an oiling problem, causing spun bearings. They also have a notorious balance and vibration problem around 3000 rpm.

If you're looking to keep the cubic inches down, then I would suggest either a 267 or 283 GM V8 (to keep it in the Generals family). They are easily found, and cost about 2/3rds as much to rebuild when compared to the 4.3... Plus that size shouldn't overwhelm the factory cooling system (ie. radiator).

I used to run a 305/465 combo with the stock powertrain and it was great - ran cool, reasonable mileage, smooth, and reliable.

Take lots of pictures during the swap - we love 'em!

[ausb1]

I would rather use Dana 60s ,i think its sacriledge to put Toyota diffs under a M37 ,i shudder at the thought ! > ? { ? !!!

[Master Yota]

I would rather use Dana 60s ,i think its sacriledge to put Toyota diffs under a M37 ,i shudder at the thought ! > ? { ? !!!

Why? If you look at how a Land Cruiser is built its almost a carbon copy of an M37 (the FJ45 pickup anyway). Toyota may have used a little artistic freedom in the body design, but if you close one eye and squint with the other, you can almost see back in time when a lone abandoned M37 was pilfered from a field in Asia to wind up stripped down in some R&D basement; every measurement being taken down and folded into the design of one of the toughest trucks on the planet today - favored by freedom fighters and explorers the world over... the Land Cruiser...

Besides, there were no M37s in action in Japan where Toyota has its headquarters. Now it would be sacriledge to put Kia parts in an M37 - as they are built in Korea...