Longtime lurker, first time minitruck owner here. Finally found the perfect truck. Daihatsu Hijet Jumbo. It has a blown motor, so I got it cheap. I haven't decided which route I want to go... Rebuild the engine, and keep it pretty much as is, but the cylinders have bad pitting. Or... Drivetrain swap and solid axle swap SAS. I read this thread years ago, and there are some good ideas there, but I'd like a more conventional front engine/trans/rear tcase, not the fwd motor mounted sideways. https://minitrucktalk.com/threads/engine-solid-axle-swap-build.3306/ Anyways, looking for inspiration or links to other SAS minitrucks. I'm not afraid of the mods, as I did a SAS on my 89 4Runner back in the late 90's, with a Ford 5.0L swap on 37's, as well as a LWB Samurai with Toyota engine/trans/tcase/axles on 38's
I plan to SAS mine this winter with narrow track CJ axles with 2.73 gears and a VW 2.0 gasser with TDI transaxle. I need to get a Golf TDI finished and out of my garage before I start. Too many projects! I did a linked front coil + shock SAS on my 97 Dakota in 2004, been wheeling since 2002 or so. My Mighty Mite is a mosquito repelling engine crane and debris hauler right now, since it's plated I'd like to have it happy for local running around, and I also plan to have it set up as a pit vehicle for the offroad and short course racing my friends and I do. I've got probably 80% of what I need, the major decisions I haven't yet made are tire size and front suspension design, and – related – whether I'm going to throw an Astro box I have in it for power steering or not. I probably will, but I'll definitely have some reinforcement to do for box mounting. I'll probably tie everything together through the front wall to a strong bumper in order to keep radiator room and foot room, especially if I do leaf springs and need front hangers as well. I hadn't searched the topic here yet, I look forward to reading through that thread you linked.
The poster in the link I added also used narrow track jeep axles. Not the strongest axles in the world, thats for sure. My Hijet measures 53.3" WMS to WMS. A toyota axle is only 55.5", and since I have an extra pair, one with an Elocker, thats what I would use if it gets to that point. Might have to search the Astro steering box. I had thought of turning a Toyota box backwards, as well as the pitman arm, to get crossover steering.
There is a company here in Houston that stocks used engines for our trucks...pm me if you need the number....they quoted me $1650 for my Mitsu for a longblock add 200 for the complete motor assembly. (With a six month warranty)
