After toasty mentioning the Nissan SAS kits being compatible with the Montero. It really got me thinking about diving into a SAS. I had a few Qs about it that the search didn't really clear up. I was wondering about axle options? I want to keep with the factory width (the SR axle width) if at all possible (PA has a thing with fining drivers with tires past the fenders, and can't go more than 3 inches with flares) Also, keeping the lug pattern the same would be nice. From my reading, a D30 would be best if avoided. So I would like to get a D44, What vehicles in the JY would be a good donor? Then of course, the options of leaf vs coil and all...

I haven't really had too many problems offroading with the IFS but I really am starting to get annoyed with the front wheel salute. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I don't have much to offer here, but what about a Toy front end? Same lug pattern and lots of aftermarket support, not sure of the width though. Also, I would try and stay with coil springs, actually coilovers would be sweet!!

I haven't done it my self but from what i read and seen on the JY the early 80's Jeep Wagoner are dana 44 driver side drop and six lug.

That's what Lee_Raider had under his truck with the 36s. He ran the stock 2.6 and tcase in low range all the time though.

off Topic, Happy B-day 87Montero

I'm running a wagoneer axle. Dana 44. Width matches perfect with my montero sport axle, and i'm sure it'd be super close to an SR axle.

Also some toyota axles, though I'm not sure which.

Bottom line is the cheapest option is a D44 from a wagoneer.

They all come with 3 something gears, do you're going to have to get a 4 series case, and 4.56 gears to match your 4.62's, and Manual hubs, cause most of them come with hub slugs.

Those add a few bucks.

I did my sas for under 900 bucks. Lots of fab work on my own, setting my own gears up, scrounging crap out of the dumpster etc. Free take out springs.... Spool... bottom of the barrel stuff ys know. BUT After I got it all in there, and working, I slowly upgraded to a locker, super joints, chromo shafts.. etc. Now I've got a bombproof d44.

Did you go coil springs or leaf springs?

Leaf's, but if you wanted to go coils, all you'd have to do is cut the factory leaf mounts off, and weld on control arm brackets / spring buckets.

I used an early bronco 44, I'd stay away from them and go with a waggy 44. The diff is very close to centered on the early bronco stuff so you have to make it a lot taller to maintain uptravel without the diff hitting the oil pan. Toyota diffs are passenger side drop, so you'd have to run a different transfer case and possibly move your exhaust to make it work.

I am not sure of how much lift I would do, but the engine and drive train I really don't want to modify. I remember reading where LandRaider said the IFS actually weighs more than a Solid axle setup? I mean a little weight loss is always a welcome side effect.