I probably like the Lexis the best right now. What models and years are the best for our swaps?

 

I'm going to go with a dumb question. I never see any doners from trucks used. Too wide with the factory crossmember? My father in law found a couple mid 80's chevy trucks that are free for taking. One I hear has a big block that did run, and the other maybe a small block. Both with "working" trans. He doesn't know what he is looking for or at, but what are the drawbacks of 2wd half ton swaps? Is there any way to get a decent ride height? If I want to use similar wheels front and back, how does one convert the spindles? I know. I went way off course on this one.

 

Frame width way to wide.

 

Also track width way off, inside fender to fender way off. Would have to fab all sheet metal mounting points ... Too much else ..

 

As far as the Lexus goes it's from an sc 300/ 400. 400 had a v-8 , 300 was a V-6. Springs are really the only difference.

 

I figured that. And even if there was a clean way to narrow the clip, you would have the steering link to remake, and the sway bar isn't going to work either. Hmmmm....Darnit.

 

I spent a little time looking for sc300/400 cars or front suspensions, and they aren't nearly as easy to come by in Illinois as I had expected. Is there an easier way to look? Local salvage places were a strike out.

 

Lexus are popular with drug dealers. Check to see if your county or state has seized vehicle sales. Also check Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market There is a couple sites that sell salvage and collision insurance settlement vehicles cheap. Since the Lexus IRS is also useable you may want to buy a complete donor vehicle and use (they have real nice seats and other upscale accessories) and/or sell off the rest of the parts. Finally check with a friendly local Lexus dealership sales manager to see if they would let you know if they take in a trade they really don't want (year/mileage/damaged) for a small premium than they might get for scrap or auction. There are a lot of salvage vehicles still out there from all the floods and storms. Finally check craigslist for your area and surrounding areas.

 

Just for fun I checked my local CL, there were 4 SC's for < 2K. And a 94 parts car for 450.00 plus 2 other SCs being parted out without prices. They are out there.

 

How much do you get when you go to scrap them then? I hear all the stories of getting the complete ifs for $300. Maybe not for the Lexus?

 

Those deals are out there, you just have to look. I.e. the whole car for 450. above. That's front and rear suspension, wheels, interior. possibly engine and/or tranny (depends on why it's being sold as parts car. Even a complete running car for 2K is less than basic MII kit! Sell body parts for 500 - 1K, engine and tranny with computer for 500-600 (or use like Lexco is doing, the SC400 is 288 HP, 100 HP more than Ford 302, 318 Ft# torque all aluminum lightweight engine! + OD tranny.)

 

Guys, there seems to be some confusion over the springs on a Lexus IFS.
The springs from the donor car CANT be used on our F100 frames, way too big and long, you need to run a hot rod type coil over using a spring rate suitable for your vehicle weight.
Engine/ tranny choice will help determine whats needed there.
So makes no difference if the suspension comes from a SC300 or SC400. John

 

I guess I wasn't clear either. That's what I meant by it didn't matter which you used (the 300 or the 400) All other parts were the same.. My bad . Thanks John..

 

Just thought id clear that up for those not too familiar with this particular IFS, all good.
Getting the keys to my new workshop today, can't wait to get setup and have some space.

John

 

That does take some of the gloss off of this swap frankly. That's a pretty expensive part that will be added to the build.
I don't intend to use an independent rear suspension because I don't trust the half shafts with possible trips to the drag strip.