Solid axle Toyotas were from 1979-1985 in pickups, 84 and 85 in 4Runners, and up until 1997 in Land Cruisers. Other countries had different options available. T100’s were all IFS and were made from 1993-1998. In the US 85 was the last year of the solid front axle.

The process generally costs around $2500-$3000, depending on how involved the engineer needs to be throughout. However, it’s a vital component to ensure the vehicle is legal and safely built.

Simply put: you are taking out the independent axle and swapping a solid axle in its place. Solid axle swap on an ’87 Toyota 4Runner. With a solid axle swap, prepare to rip everything out of the truck pertaining to steering, suspension, and the axle.

For many, a solid axle up front rules off-road. Toyota 4Runners and Tacomas are a perfect example of that way of thinking for many owners who live to off-road. When Toyota dropped solid axles in the U.S. models with the introduction of the IFS-equipped ’86s, many die-hard Toyota off-road aficionados wept.

1985
The year 1985 marked the last year of the solid front axle and the first year of EFI. This makes ’85 EFI-equipped Pickups and 4Runners a key year for those looking to purchase a fixer-upper trail rig.

’86 was the first year for IFS. EFI started in ’85. Arguably the ’85 is the “best” year for the toyota’s.

SAS = Solid axle swap, IFS = Independent front suspension.

So, when it comes down to it, an independent suspension will handle better than a solid axle, making it an ideal setup for higher speeds and smaller obstacles. But a solid axle’s traction on those big bumps and hills makes it the king of crawling.

At this very moment, Jeremy has a Tacoma TRD on the lift and is in the midst of switching out the independent front suspension for a solid axle. While there are both pros and cons to either a solid axle or independent front suspension (IFS), it’s really up to you which way you’d like to go with your own build.

We all know the Tacoma is a traditional body-on-frame pickup. Its rear end rides on leaf springs and a solid rear axle that’s chock full of axle shafts, bearings and a locking differential. It also has brake assemblies and large all-terrain tires at either end.

86-95 Toyota Solid Axle Swap (SAS) Kit 86-95 Toyota Solid Axle Swap (SAS) Kit 86-95 Toyota Solid Axle Swap (SAS) Kit Our kits are comprised of high-quality components. Don’t be fooled by cheap imitations that use inferior look-alikes.

Items most others charge extra for. To install your solid axle kit you’re going to need a rear matching lift kit, solid front axle from a 79-85 Pickup or 4Runner, and a long spline drive shaft. Trail-Gear offers up a Solid Axle Swap (SAS) kit for the Toyota Tacoma.

Its Toyota solid axle conversion kits are user-friendly and affordable, packed with all the parts you need to perform your upgrade. 4WP offers many ways to get the Toyota 4Runner parts you want. Shop one of our 94 store locations across the country, call us toll-free or order your gear at 4WP.

Fits all solid axle equipped Toyota pickup and 4-Runners including SAS factory and conversion vehicles 1979-95. Will fit many other vehicles as well, Tacoma’s, s-10’s etc. Please refer to above dimensions to check if they will fit your vehicle!