Recommendation request on replacing all bushings on old 91 4runner or do a SAS?

[partsman93274]

At only 387,000 miles i had to replace a lower factory ball joint (what poor quality construction. LOL)on my 91 4runner. my question is this. i noticed that control arm bushings are starting to go and im sure the torsion bars are a little tired. do i go through the effort and cost of reviving the IFS front end or just go with a straigh axle swap.
Just wanted some other yota lovers opinions on this. Thx

[Marc P]

That was the condition that led to my axle swap

[Robinhood4x4]

Sure, that's just as good an excuse as any. Is your paint fading too, because that's a good excuse. :D

Seriously though, it comes down to whether you're going to use it on trails that need a solid axle.

[fustercluck]

Cost/benefit.

I'd add the costs of each choice, superimpose desire over the entire equation and see what the answer is. Lot of factors, but if cost is the only concern, I'd say replace the bushings. If desire for a live axle is great enough, it can over-ride the cost differential. Just remember, you may not retrieve the value of your upgrades in cash when the time comes to sell.

Good luck.

[Seanz0rz]

i did the bushings on my 3rd gen (completely different front end, but similar style in terms of bushings). total cost was around 700 for bushings top and bottom, ball joints top and bottom, and tie rod ends. it took 3 solid days of work and a 12 ton shop press, along with alot of swearing and hammering. i would be hesitant to do it again. im sure a shop would have charged me well over 2000 in labor to do it all.

if you want/need a solid axle truck, then i think that is the way i would go. its a fairly easy swap for you compared to a swap for me.

personally, i dont feel a torsion bar suspension is worth the time and effort to revive it at this point.

congrats for making it to nearly 400k! well done!

[partsman93274]

well. the motor is fresh. but i have found several front axles in wreck yards and i like the price and ease of the SAS kit offered by trail gear. I live only 30 min from that shop and would save big on shipping. right now i hit a speed bump at 5 mph and it sounds like the front end is folding under the truck. plus i would like to lock it up and put a marlin on it. SAS is the way to go i guess. where do i find on the tag to see if the new axle ratio matches the rear gears? dont wanna kill my trans case.
marlin is long time away right now.

[Seanz0rz]

best way is to jack up one tire and count dshaft revolutions and tire revolutions.

[Robinhood4x4]

http://www.brian894x4.com/Gearratiosanddiffs.html

http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/