Ok I've been searching the internet and now I'm cross-eyed. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />I'm going to be doing a SAS on my '88 4Runner and need some front driveshaft help. I'm going to be useing a single T-case with a low pinion e-locker and rear leaf springs up front. I'm looking for a long spline shaft or a cheap mod for a shaft that will not break the bank! I have a stock solid axle front shaft and a few IFS shafts lieing around. Can I do anything with what I've got. I need a shaft that spins good cause this 4Runner is my winter ride so no square shafts. Has anyone done anything with implement shafts like what I've seen at Tractor Supply?

For now, run the stock SA shaft.

In the future, you could easily have a 1-2" spacer machined to mount to your transfer case flange, depending on the lift height. This will shorten the distance from the case to the axle. Only caveat to this setup is to ensure that when your suspension is fully compressed that you have enough spline left in order to prevent bottoming out the shaft.


Hey, you said cheap, and I am the king of the cheap!

If you build the square shaft right, and keep it well greased, it will go up to 50mph with minimal vibrations.

Square shaft is the way to go if you want cheap.

Modify IFS/CV joint for more travel:
- http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/cvmod/

If you have enough slip length (depends on how much front suspension travel you have), then a driveshaft spacer would do the trick:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/DriveshaftSpacer.shtml

Otherwise have a shop make the shaft longer w/ a long travel slip yoke. And yes, is possible to use ag. spline in a shaft, but it'll be a relatively loose fit as those splines are made for relatively slow speed (PTO) operation.

Is the SA shaft designed not to pull apart? All the IFS shafts I have the female splines slip right off. Will the CV joint on the SA shaft handle sharper angles than clearancing the IFS CV joint? I'm rotating the axle housing 9.5 degrees to help improve the CV angle also. The spacer is a good idea cause I figure my axle will be 2" further forward due to the rear springs.

Thanks for the links 4Crawler and thanks everyone for the advice.

The SA shaft will pull apart like any other shaft, not sure if there is any difference in spline/slip length between the two shafts. Angle the CV operates at will depend on how much you clearance the inside of the CV joint, I think both joints can end up about the same travel.

Ok I was not sure about the SA shaft cause I almost blew a blood vessel in my eye <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> trying to pull it appart and gave up.

Could be the vent/breather hole in the end was plugged, creating a strong suction as you tried to pull it apart.

Or it could just be rusty and dry. Put one end in a vice and give the other end hell. Hook the truck up with a chain if you have to!

I tried the vice and beat the **** out of it with a BFH the chain was my next plan.