Drivetrain help needed

[Izeloz]

Okay, I just bought a '97 Tacoma that is missing the body. I bought it mostly for the engine (3rz) but it came with from (IFS) axles and rear axle. I am trying to decide it I should keep the tranny and tcase from the taco and use the taco box from Marlin for duals or rebuild my W56 and dump dual gear-drive cases in it. I want the most tried, true, amd effective option. Also, what's going to be the best conversion? I want a solid axle, so if I went with the taco I'd have to do a solid axle swap. Which frame is going to be the best and easiest to work on between an '85 toy or the '97 taco? Thanks for any help.

[jdrocks]

the old standby used to be the waggy d44 driver drop at about 61", but now diamond driver drop with all longs stuff, 6 stud, etc. you can argue about which can be built stronger/cheaper, but i'm liking the diamond setup. sas is about the same for taco as hilux, or you could link it with allpoop or similar. if you have a hilux body, you could put it on the taco frame, or hunt for salvage taco cab. it's some work either way, but not hard. I have the parts on hand to do something similar, but i'm fence sitting right now-haven't made up my mind on which way to go.

[FrankenToy]

I'm gonna SAS my '97, too. I've already got an FJ80 front, R-151F and two 4 cyl. t-cases. My Taco has the 3.4L though. Still need to get a 3.0L bell housing and oil pan/pick-up. Just gotta wait until it's warm out.

[bkubisht]

If you want 'tried and true' then I suspect the traditional w56 is the way to go. Those taco box adapters aren't free, and with the rebuilt w56 you won't need to change the crossmember, driveshafts etc.

Assuming you've already got a trail rig this 3rz is destined for.

[4RnrRick]

Since they are both W series tranny's I would just just run the W56 because then you don't have to buy a special adapter to run the gear drive T-cases. Also your current T-cases crossmember will work in teh factory position.

[Izeloz]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I think I'll go with my W56. I have all the parts...just trying to figure out what combo would be best. Also, I have a couple frames to choose from. I have two solid axle shortbed frames or the '97 taco frame. Any opinions on what would be best to use?

[4RnrRick]

Early frames would be better IMO.

The taco frame I believe has a smaller cross-section and I think slightly thiner material..... SOMEONE should confirm that before taking that as gospil!

But I do know that the early trucks have a 100% boxed frame. The frame on the taco is only boxed from the front bumper to the back of the cab.

Guess it also depends on what cab your using, but since it sounds like you don't have a taco cab - then I would use the early frame and cab. Personally I like the higher frame rails of the 79-85 solid axle trucks and the 79-95 2wd trucks for clearing your steering easier for low lift vehicles.

[jdrocks]

Early frames would be better IMO.

The taco frame I believe has a smaller cross-section and I think slightly thiner material.....

taco has slightly larger cross-section, but am not sure how the material compares. the taco frame has a more substantial appearance and is boxed to the first cross member past the bed mount. either generation of frame will work so go with what's best for you.