Ok folks, I've been messing around with the idea of a SAS conversion to my '91 V6 ext cab. Although it's still completely stock, I know someday I'll want the SAS...there are just so many reasons why it should be done. But, with the ext cab it sure makes for a long wheelbase. Currently, the truck is in very nice condition as well. It's my daily ride too. What would I end up spending on parts for the complete SAS, done the right way, prolly $3k or more?

Now, if I were to spend that $3k+ on an '84-'85 solid axle, I'd be light years ahead in terms of front end setup. Plus, the body could look like death warmed over & I wouldn't really care, as it would be a trail rig. And if the thing broke, I wouldn't be packing my skil saw, drill & other tools on my motorcycle to go to work!

Let's hear your opinions, thoughts & comments please.

Cheers,
Zach

My understanding is that the stock SAS trucks (ie '85) are not that great off-road. It is only with the addition of several parts that they become a really big advantage off road. This is why it would cost you $3,000 to do your current IFS truck and make is SAS correctly. So this puts you in a $1,500 SAS truck with $1500 in parts to make it work as well as yours with $3,000 worth of work.

If you only have $3,000 to spend, spend it on your current truck.

My opinion: Put a few dollars into your current IFS, wheel it and save your money to buy something when you can spend more than $3,000. BTW the wheelbase it a bigger limitation on your truck than the IFS will ever be.

I agree that a solid axle truck is still going to need a lot of things that you need on a SAS (lift springs, shocks, crossover steering, etc) but if you have a clean, stock truck than you have not thrown any money at yet, I think that you are a great candidate for an early solid axle truck. As you mentioned, the shorter wheelbase will help on tight northwestern trails as well.

I think your on track with the 84/85 idea. If its an off road only type rig you can also save on
lockers, on your truck you'd want air lockers but on the trail rig you could go cheap because
being locked all the time would be ok.When you roll the 85, it will be no biggie. How would
you feel about bring the value of your 91 down 80% on one good trip?

I think you sould go with a older SA truck. I love mine <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />. If you listen to these guys you can a very capable trail rig together for not a lot of money. There are lots of tricks I've learned just reading these guys posts.

How many miles on your truck? How about you trade for my truck. '92xcab 4"lift 2"bl. Still ifs with 5.29s lockrite front and detroit rear. Dual ultimate marlin crawler. There is a bit of body damage but won't charge you for that. Then you can take the cash you were gonna use to buy an older truck and sas my truck and you are good to go! Shoot me a pm! I might be able to come up with an '85 front axle as well.

i'd say the straight axle truck is going to be a little better than IFS off-road stock vs stock. no cv boots to tear.

however, once it has crossover steering and flexy front springs, it's much better than IFS will ever be

im doen a sas on a '88 and your getting yourself into a 4g plus project just for drivable. My allpro kit fornt and rear cost about 2600 and i still need lockers, gearing, driveshaft, 35s, etc etc etc. But... SAS trucks are the SH*T. I think everyone here can agree to that <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

SAS your 91, and then get a cheap commuter car for everyday driving.

It's simple math really... what do you want to pay for: "beater truck" and IFS box or front axle and wheel spacers?

these are really the only pieces that are different between an SAS and lifting a solid axle truck these days..

If you like your current truck - it's size, weight, etc. Then SAS it and have fun.