Need help deciding Rock Box/Toy box & pros/cons - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Ranger Jeffs · 12-11-2003, 02:04 PM

First - Sorry for old subject. I did do searches on this subject as best I could, but still am needing help from wiser ones than me. Total newbie on this issue.

I currently have a 77 FJ40 w/strong 2F, stock 4spd & trnsfr & diffs. Everything else stock as well except for SUA 4" Alcans & +2" shackles & ARB's. Running 35/1250/15 MTR's.

I am anticipating switching to on-hand Aussie 4spd. Looking at either a AA Rock Box or Marlin Toy box to enhance. Don't really want to give up stock R&P's. Like to rock crawl, but like DD aspect too (although not a DD, still like stock performance)

Already planning 1" body lift. Realize need new drive shafts. Know about AA box install in pieces & Toy Box is 1 piece w/new main shaft. Know about difference in ratio options (would like either 3+ for AA or 4+ for TB).

Saw some mention of needing to flip rear springs; is it necessary?; if so, what's entailed?. Any other advice on changes affected? Any pro/con input for both boxes would be helpful.

Thanks

ROCK HUGGER · 12-11-2003, 04:34 PM

I run the AA rockbox in mine. I chose to go that way because it was shorter than the toybox and it was cheaper to get lower gears. You do not need to flip the springs, thats your choice, I did not. My cruiser is soa with 37" inch MT/R's and I still have a 23" driveshaft. Different motor and tranny though. Yeah the rockbox has to be put on in 2 peices but it is not hard, don't let that be a determining factor in you choice.

Mustard Dog · 12-11-2003, 04:46 PM

For me the driveline length was not an issue, I'm stretched out to 108". I got a smokin deal on the Toybox, so that's what I'm running.

I have nothing but good things to say about it

cruzila · 12-11-2003, 05:06 PM

I vote Toybox, but then again I am not unbiased

Look at all the options

price
ratios
quality
installation

then make a choice, it sounds like you already have all the info.

Mustard Dog · 12-11-2003, 05:37 PM

The other plus for me was that I was able to ditch that old style AA crossmember that mounted to the cone, and replace it with a mini truck member. That has seemed to take alot of the stress off the three speed case.

Lemme go find some pics.

Mustard Dog · 12-11-2003, 05:41 PM

Here's my whole assy. with an SM420, Toybox, 3 speed case.

Mustard Dog · 12-11-2003, 05:42 PM

Here's the crossmember.

ROCK HUGGER · 12-11-2003, 07:45 PM

Here is one I saw on the Rubithon this year.

ROCK HUGGER · 12-11-2003, 07:48 PM

If you look close you can see trouble brewing

td · 12-11-2003, 11:07 PM

Rock Hugger, can you please share a picture of rear driveline? is AA Rock Box loud? Can you feel the slop in the driveline even the box is in high? Thx.

/td

TRT2 · 12-12-2003, 07:46 AM

nice progress Jeff...

something lit a fire under your arse considering you let that sweet cruiser sit for years.

Oh, I also recommend the Toy Box... give Marlin or Big Mike a call.

SHREG · 12-12-2003, 08:13 AM

Got a pic of the linkage setup? Thanks

cruzila · 12-12-2003, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ROCK HUGGER
If you look close you can see trouble brewing

That is a repair job

I believe he had spun a rear driveline and limped into camp on the front only.

krcruiser · 12-12-2003, 12:24 PM

i wish I could get the tow box to fit between my ATLS and my SM465. I think it is a great product with lots of real world beating. If it stands up to Scott@rockstomper and his 44's. It should live behind your 2F and 35's.

Radd Cruisers · 12-12-2003, 01:34 PM

H55 H55 H55 H55

If you build it they will come, Oh pleassssse build it.

Rob
www.raddcruisers.sca

Ranger Jeffs · 12-12-2003, 07:16 PM

Thanks for the info so far guys...big help to have this forum out there. Keep it coming.

As I see so far; no one saying I "have to" flip rear springs. If I still wanted to, to make up for Rock Box length, what's it take & what else will it affect?

The responses so far also raise another question...what to do about a crossmember when going w/Rock box betwween Toy 4spd & trnsfr? Mustard Dog used a mini for his; will mine be any different?

PS - Tony, I would have gotten off my arse alot sooner, if you wouda taken "your" Hilux out of my barn two years ago!!!

Ranger Jeffs · 12-12-2003, 09:20 PM

AAAAGH! I wrote Rock Box in my last note above & meant Toy Box!

MD11Fr8Dog · 12-13-2003, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ranger Jeffs
The responses so far also raise another question...what to do about a crossmember when going w/Rock box betwween Toy 4spd & trnsfr? Mustard Dog used a mini for his; will mine be any different?

The ToyBox is a modified mini tcase and has the mounting holes for the mini support!

Here's a pic of my xmember/tcase support!

peesalot · 12-13-2003, 06:15 PM

the pic of the sm420 painted green , I noticed some ribs cast into side of tranny , what gives , did it come from HD application?

Goldilocks · 12-13-2003, 08:46 PM

The ribs are standard on an SM420, which is the green thing in the pictures.

I vote Toy Box and I'm putting one in my FJ55. Of course rear drive shaft length is not an issue for me, not like in an FJ40. I like the flexibility of gearing choices with a Toy Box. It's going to be sweet on the trails in Moab.

HyCaliberConsecrator · 12-13-2003, 08:54 PM

I run the SM465/ToyBox combo. Plenty of gear without any problems. Plus the service at Marlin Crawler rocks.

HCC

ROCK HUGGER · 12-14-2003, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by td
Rock Hugger, can you please share a picture of rear driveline? is AA Rock Box loud? Can you feel the slop in the driveline even the box is in high? Thx.

/td

The Rock Box is only loud in low range with the tranny in 4th gear.
I did not notice any additional slop with it in high or low. Here is my rear drive shaft sitting at ride height.

12-11-2003, 02:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ranger Jeffs Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25179 Location: Gasquet, CA Posts: 22	Need help deciding Rock Box/Toy box & pros/cons First - Sorry for old subject. I did do searches on this subject as best I could, but still am needing help from wiser ones than me. Total newbie on this issue. I currently have a 77 FJ40 w/strong 2F, stock 4spd & trnsfr & diffs. Everything else stock as well except for SUA 4" Alcans & +2" shackles & ARB's. Running 35/1250/15 MTR's. I am anticipating switching to on-hand Aussie 4spd. Looking at either a AA Rock Box or Marlin Toy box to enhance. Don't really want to give up stock R&P's. Like to rock crawl, but like DD aspect too (although not a DD, still like stock performance) Already planning 1" body lift. Realize need new drive shafts. Know about AA box install in pieces & Toy Box is 1 piece w/new main shaft. Know about difference in ratio options (would like either 3+ for AA or 4+ for TB). Saw some mention of needing to flip rear springs; is it necessary?; if so, what's entailed?. Any other advice on changes affected? Any pro/con input for both boxes would be helpful. Thanks

12-11-2003, 04:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mustard Dog Chubby Chaser Join Date: Oct 2001 Member # 7889 Location: Dumb Island Posts: 13,025	For me the driveline length was not an issue, I'm stretched out to 108". I got a smokin deal on the Toybox, so that's what I'm running. I have nothing but good things to say about it __________________ Eric Anderson TIN BENDERS Hendrix XR Chassis #001 Ultra4 #66 4Wheel Parts, Raceline, PSC, Bilstein, Marlin Crawler, Smittybilt, HendriX, PacificFab, G2 Axle, PAC Spring, G&J, MAXXIS Roxy's in the industry and I'm a sponsored professional driver. The two of us together make a powerhouse. Accepting the things I cannot change.

12-11-2003, 05:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
cruzila Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6650 Location: Garden Valley Posts: 5,383	I vote Toybox, but then again I am not unbiased Look at all the options price ratios quality installation then make a choice, it sounds like you already have all the info. __________________ Scott Johnston Rubicon Trail Foundation Founding Director and Past President 2010-2012 WIN a fully built Toyota pickup at Cantina 2013 Davez Off Road and Trail Gear are supporting Rubicon Trail Foundation

12-11-2003, 05:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mustard Dog Chubby Chaser Join Date: Oct 2001 Member # 7889 Location: Dumb Island Posts: 13,025	The other plus for me was that I was able to ditch that old style AA crossmember that mounted to the cone, and replace it with a mini truck member. That has seemed to take alot of the stress off the three speed case. Lemme go find some pics. __________________ Eric Anderson TIN BENDERS Hendrix XR Chassis #001 Ultra4 #66 4Wheel Parts, Raceline, PSC, Bilstein, Marlin Crawler, Smittybilt, HendriX, PacificFab, G2 Axle, PAC Spring, G&J, MAXXIS Roxy's in the industry and I'm a sponsored professional driver. The two of us together make a powerhouse. Accepting the things I cannot change.

12-11-2003, 05:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
Mustard Dog Chubby Chaser Join Date: Oct 2001 Member # 7889 Location: Dumb Island Posts: 13,025	Here's my whole assy. with an SM420, Toybox, 3 speed case. Attached Images __________________ Eric Anderson TIN BENDERS Hendrix XR Chassis #001 Ultra4 #66 4Wheel Parts, Raceline, PSC, Bilstein, Marlin Crawler, Smittybilt, HendriX, PacificFab, G2 Axle, PAC Spring, G&J, MAXXIS Roxy's in the industry and I'm a sponsored professional driver. The two of us together make a powerhouse. Accepting the things I cannot change.

12-11-2003, 04:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
ROCK HUGGER Rock God Join Date: Apr 2001 Member # 4329 Location: Jackson CA Posts: 2,388	I run the AA rockbox in mine. I chose to go that way because it was shorter than the toybox and it was cheaper to get lower gears. You do not need to flip the springs, thats your choice, I did not. My cruiser is soa with 37" inch MT/R's and I still have a 23" driveshaft. Different motor and tranny though. Yeah the rockbox has to be put on in 2 peices but it is not hard, don't let that be a determining factor in you choice.

12-11-2003, 05:42 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mustard Dog Chubby Chaser Join Date: Oct 2001 Member # 7889 Location: Dumb Island Posts: 13,025	Here's the crossmember. Attached Images __________________ Eric Anderson TIN BENDERS Hendrix XR Chassis #001 Ultra4 #66 4Wheel Parts, Raceline, PSC, Bilstein, Marlin Crawler, Smittybilt, HendriX, PacificFab, G2 Axle, PAC Spring, G&J, MAXXIS Roxy's in the industry and I'm a sponsored professional driver. The two of us together make a powerhouse. Accepting the things I cannot change.

12-11-2003, 07:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
ROCK HUGGER Rock God Join Date: Apr 2001 Member # 4329 Location: Jackson CA Posts: 2,388	Here is one I saw on the Rubithon this year. Attached Images

12-11-2003, 07:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
ROCK HUGGER Rock God Join Date: Apr 2001 Member # 4329 Location: Jackson CA Posts: 2,388	If you look close you can see trouble brewing Attached Images

12-11-2003, 11:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
td Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Member # 12184 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 288	Rock Hugger, can you please share a picture of rear driveline? is AA Rock Box loud? Can you feel the slop in the driveline even the box is in high? Thx. /td

12-12-2003, 07:46 AM	#11 (permalink)
TRT2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Member # 5488 Location: Auburn Posts: 1,050	nice progress Jeff... something lit a fire under your arse considering you let that sweet cruiser sit for years. Oh, I also recommend the Toy Box... give Marlin or Big Mike a call. __________________ Tony TLCA #5049 Thieves suck.

12-12-2003, 08:13 AM	#12 (permalink)
SHREG Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Member # 13514 Location: Minnesnowta Posts: 243	Got a pic of the linkage setup? Thanks __________________ Stuff

12-12-2003, 12:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
krcruiser Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Member # 6167 Location: Ventura County Ca Posts: 331	i wish I could get the tow box to fit between my ATLS and my SM465. I think it is a great product with lots of real world beating. If it stands up to Scott@rockstomper and his 44's. It should live behind your 2F and 35's.

12-12-2003, 01:34 PM	#15 (permalink)
Radd Cruisers Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Member # 14670 Location: Nanaimo BC(Island) Posts: 1,107	H55 H55 H55 H55 If you build it they will come, Oh pleassssse build it. Rob www.raddcruisers.sca __________________ Ride it like you stole it.

12-12-2003, 07:16 PM	#16 (permalink)
Ranger Jeffs Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25179 Location: Gasquet, CA Posts: 22	Thanks for the info so far guys...big help to have this forum out there. Keep it coming. As I see so far; no one saying I "have to" flip rear springs. If I still wanted to, to make up for Rock Box length, what's it take & what else will it affect? The responses so far also raise another question...what to do about a crossmember when going w/Rock box betwween Toy 4spd & trnsfr? Mustard Dog used a mini for his; will mine be any different? PS - Tony, I would have gotten off my arse alot sooner, if you wouda taken "your" Hilux out of my barn two years ago!!!

12-12-2003, 09:20 PM	#17 (permalink)
Ranger Jeffs Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25179 Location: Gasquet, CA Posts: 22	AAAAGH! I wrote Rock Box in my last note above & meant Toy Box!

12-13-2003, 06:15 PM	#19 (permalink)
peesalot Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 24859 Location: Where ever my wife says Posts: 4,566	sm420 the pic of the sm420 painted green , I noticed some ribs cast into side of tranny , what gives , did it come from HD application?

12-13-2003, 08:46 PM	#20 (permalink)
Goldilocks Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Member # 22564 Location: Colorful Colorado Posts: 58	The ribs are standard on an SM420, which is the green thing in the pictures. I vote Toy Box and I'm putting one in my FJ55. Of course rear drive shaft length is not an issue for me, not like in an FJ40. I like the flexibility of gearing choices with a Toy Box. It's going to be sweet on the trails in Moab.

12-13-2003, 08:54 PM	#21 (permalink)
HyCaliberConsecrator Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Member # 12091 Location: Easton, PA Posts: 77	I run the SM465/ToyBox combo. Plenty of gear without any problems. Plus the service at Marlin Crawler rocks. HCC __________________ The feet of marching men beat down the fields of last chances.

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