How hard and costly is it to do a Straight Axle swap in
a say a 1988-90 Toyota Pick up.
Does anyone make a swap kit.

Allpro does and I think Marlin does too. As far as installation goes, its fair project. I think all-pro's kit is like 1,500 and comes with everything except the axle and the driveshaft and i'm pretty sure theyre all fairly close in price <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

How hard is it? Depends on your skill level. Can you weld? Do you have something to cut steel with? Have you ever installed leaf springs? If you can answer yes to most all these questions, then it's really not hard, just time consuming.

It can get costly depending on what parts you make and what parts you buy. I'm going to assume you will buy the parts. There are several places that sell the swap kits, as follows


www.marlincrawler.com (i'd highly reccomend this one)

www.allprooffroad.com

www.frontrangeoffroadfab.com

www.bentup.com

just to name a few.

There are things you will need to complete the install such as a crossover steering setup (~$500) new rotors ($100) new front drive shaft ($50-$300) and if you don't already have them, wheels, tires, gears, lockers, etc. Also some little misc. parts like u-bolts, bushings, misc. nuts and bolts, wheels for your grinder, welding/torching gas, welding wire, etc etc

If you get a kit from Marlin it has EVERYTHING.('cept the axle and driveshaft, as stated before.) Then all you have to figger out is how to do the rear.

It took me 2 1/2 whole days to do mine. I did it by myself in the driveway. But I also have a welder, torch, grinder, vise, and every tool needed. If you don't have that stuff, and don't know how to use it, then at least get sombody to help you who has it and can use it. This isn't the kinda thing you half-ass. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> Know what I mean?