TKGN1's SAS 3 Link swap

[TKGN1]

Picking up where I left off, most of the original SAS build was lost in a server issue so figured I would start a new thread... http://toyotaoff-road.com/threads/1621-SAS-swap-01-DC-Tacoma

I also wanted to do a separate build just to give my 2 cents on differences between IFS, SAS with leafs, and SAS with 3 link/coilovers, I'll cover more of this as I go along.

I originally wanted to 3 link when I SASed with leafs but didn't. After wheeling this past year on leafs, I can say that there is nothing wrong with going leafs but I still wanted to do links. Leafs are an easier swap than links IMO only for the fact that there isn't near the fitment issues of getting everything to work/fit together with leafs vs. links. The leafs performed really well for me off-road wise but what I didn't like about leafs was the on road characteristics. I've put 6500 miles on the truck since the leaf swap (July 2013) and haven't had any real issues. I had to work a few bugs out with the steering and a few cases of death wobble but have got most of that resolved.

I finished this past weekend but have to get different springs rates to lower the front, I'm 1-1/2" taller than I was with leafs but was shooting for 1-1/2" lower.
I'll post up progress/build pics later.

 

[TKGN1]

I opted to go with the Trail Gear Tacoma 3 link kit, Radflo shocks and bump stops, and Pac springs.
I didn't get a lot of pics during the build, spent most of my time measuring, tacking stuff on, then cutting off and starting over. (multiple times in some cases, LOL)

Everything went really smooth until I got to the clearance between the frame mount for the shock hoops, panhard mount, and bump stops (mainly driver side).
Had to do quite a bit of measuring and modifying, adjusting for tight clearances.





Frame mounts for the links was pretty easy, only mods I had to was move the e-brake clip and trim the brackets to clear for my slider mounts.

 

[TKGN1]

Biggest challenge was getting everything to clear at full bump one side, full droop on the other. I took the axle up and down turning the steering left/right 20 times probably, a two post lift would have been really nice.

 

[TKGN1]

After 5 days of working on it, I finish welded everything, put it back under and set everything. This is when I found the springs where to heavy (275/350), I ordered new springs from Pac (185/225) and will give those a try this weekend hopefully.
Took it out for testing, drove freakin great but has pretty bad body roll. Will have to add a sway bar soon.





The front tire is not fully stuffed in this pic, rear on opposite is crammed in. This is also a cause of to heavy spring rate on the front.

 

[SamSter0077]

Wow, looks great. Does it sit lower than the leaf setup? be sure and post up a side profile comparison when you get it where you want it.

 

[TKGN1]

Wow, looks great. Does it sit lower than the leaf setup? be sure and post up a side profile comparison when you get it where you want it.

Thanks Sam.
Right now it is higher than it was in the front but the correct springs will fix that, should sit around 1-1/2" lower than it was. I'm shooting for 23-1/2" - 24" frame height.

 

[taco4x4rar]

Nice I'm right at 24" with leafs on 37s, but will likely gain an inch when I swap to tons due to the larger axle tubes

 

[drew02a]

Great thread, nice pics!

 

[Boomtacoma01]

Nice work Todd


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[Silverback]

Lookin awesome Todd!!

 

[yotarob]

You cost me $20! I had a side bet that this would have been done bye Jan 1st.

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[TKGN1]

Thanks

You cost me $20! I had a side bet that this would have been done bye Jan 1st.

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Come on Rob, you had the inside scoop on this bet. Had I known I would have did it earlier and split for $10. LOL

 

[balakay]

Thanks


Come on Rob, you had the inside scoop on this bet. Had I known I would have did it earlier and split for $10. LOL

Lol, spend $1000 to get $10. The American way!

 

[taco4x4rar]

You cost me $20! I had a side bet that this would have been done bye Jan 1st.

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Lol when are we gonna get underway with your 4 runner?

 

[yotarob]

Thanks


Come on Rob, you had the inside scoop on this bet. Had I known I would have did it earlier and split for $10. LOL

Yeah but you bought the link kit 6 months ago!?!?

Lol when are we gonna get underway with your 4 runner?

I'm already making some progress, it's just not coming along very quickly.



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[TKGN1]

Lol when are we gonna get underway with your 4 runner?

Any bets on when its gonna get finished? J/k
Need to get that runner on the road!