FJ Cruiser Solid Axle Swap Cost Breakdown!!

[@BREAKOVERPARK]

Ken you're the best. Finally a youtuber that provides the reality of living the off-road dream.

[@knightrc]

the dream cost a lot.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Love how you made the pricing like a salesman and a GameShow host at the same time ken

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

My favorite FJ Build of all time bro

[@v8felon]

31k 🤯 lol thought it was a budget build but those smiles make it worth it glad you stayed with the FJ versus jeep

[@DISOPtv]

Imagine if he wasn't doing most of the labor :D

[@rchiggs1]

One of the things I definitely like about this channel is that it continues to confirm for me that the overlanding route is the correct one for my FJ build. The 3" lift I installed and my 33"s are more than enough for me. lol Very educational though to see how far things could be taken if one is so inclined!

[@vinceimp9581]

Even as a jeep guy myself I really appreciate this build and how unique it is in comparison to what is usually out there. Paul from Fab Rats still has my favorite FJ build (FJ45) but this is just as awesome and something to enjoy. As long as they aren't rusting away just sitting somewhere and actually get used its always worth it.

[@tonytrumble]

I've been dreaming of doing this exact type of build. Love the FJ Cruiser too

[@wontontacoadventures]

Hands down to you Ken…. not only it’s a costly build but also very nicely put together for someone that has never done a SAS job before. You definitely deserve that sticker BUILT NOT BOUGHT!!!! Thanks for the break down….

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Them 17 inch spiderlok beadlock wheels are sweet

[@Blue-P51]

…… and the fun to go with it, not to mention all the videos for our entertainment.. PRICELESS!!!

[@toddeliott20]

“Turning dollars into noise”. My favorite thing! Thanks for your honesty!

[@offroadhub.official]

Dollars into noise! I like that!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Almost 8 grand not bad for both axles and man that atlas transfercase is sweet

[@Matt-lf4rw]

Worth it!! This FJ is so sick looking!! Looks so fun!! Good Job!!

[@rockmanagementoffroad9462]

Thanks for the breakdown! I'll reference this video to those who tell me I could have SASd mine for less. You did prerry good on cost tho, a lot of SAS builds are way higher with less beef.

[@westofthesoutheast1712]

I’ve heard it said that “It’s impossible to spend too much money on a good hobby.” I’ve enjoyed the build videos and the rides. Thanks for sharing.

[@naterater2330]

I was definitely curious as well, very mind opening. I appreciate your openness about the full breakdown. I just sold my FJ and got a JL Rubicon and even to put 37's properly it'll cost around $10k installed by a shop with stock Axles so all power to you for saving all that and doing it on your own. Definitely worth it.

[@ericmillier6652]

Nice to see actual numbers

[@jcheng1020]

Such a clear and concise picture of the build cost. I'm doing RCLT but I almost wish I went this route. Looks like I'll be spending another $31,000 in a few years.

[@huckjones9521]

did you have problems with the RCLT?

[@jcheng1020]

@@huckjones9521 I have not completed install. Currently I have the LCA tab gussets installed and steering rack and sector shaft installed. The plumbing for the steering is not yet installed because my high pressure line (hard steel line doesn’t line up for the fitting to thread in. I will need to remove the whole line and bend it to where I need it. Currently away from home for a month so that’s where I’m at. Once I finish the steering it will go fairly quick. My spindles are fully assembled and I have all the parts I need.

[@Colorado4x4]

Thanks for sharing this Ken! It bothers me that most channels don’t share this stuff! Like you said, people want to know because they’re thinking about doing an axle swap and you think “I can pick up a D60 for a couple hundred bucks!” 😜

[@offroadhub.official]

It adds up quick! And yes, you can pick up a D60 for a couple hundred bucks... But then! 😂

[@Colorado4x4]

@@offroadhub.official it’s just funny. Thanks for doing this because like I said no channels do it that I have seen. And that was my thought some years back. And then you add it all up and you’re like “what the heck!“ 🥳

[@tomn5716]

Experience of building your own rig…priceless.

[@DUNEATV]

Thanks for coming to AZ 🌵 Ken….it was great to meet you! Riding with you on Terminator was epic!!!

[@offroadhub.official]

Next time we'll do something scarier! 😉

[@DUNEATV]

@@offroadhub.official Anaconda 🐍???

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Very neat breakdown of the pricing. I’ve wondered what the lower end would cost for something like a SAS, sort of like the All Pro SAS kit they sold once upon a time where you are only swapping the front axle and a lot of the parts come in kit form. They even sold a front axle itself once upon a time but I’m not sure what type it was. But either way I know it would get up into the tens of thousands for sure!

[@offroadhub.official]

Getting into this I quickly realized that nobody sells a "kit" for the FJ, at least not anymore. Even the guy in Southern California that was selling a "kit" was really just reselling parts from other companies that he was bundling together. A real kit would be nice, but I honestly doubt there would be enough of a market for it, which All Pro probably also realized.

[@harrywalker5836]

fitted d44 to 82 bronco. cost. 5 days & $1800.. inc. drilled slotted 8 stud. with l/b locker....[ rear diff, best with a chev 12 bolt, front d60.]. i have a 2002 s/duty cab,chassis,canopy,alloy. no need for any mods. 4.11 diffs, 1356 transfer, 4.2tdi MWM, 700nm.. 12.5 lt 100.. cost, in aus,. 25k..job done.. no computer,no glow plugs, all mechanical..winner....

[@iankovac1878]

So Trail Gear has the stuff for old Toyotas. If you are looking for an SAS, for a passenger drop Toyota, it is much cheaper than driver drop. I had a 87 4runner with trail gear kits front and rear, 85 front axle ifs rear, spacers on the front. Armor 35's 5.29's and a tricked out cyl head. Was at 4.5 inches of lift. 22 inches of total front axle travel (up and down included) 16 rear. After a soft top the power greatly improved. So over all (this was also 12 years ago prices went up a bit) $6000 for suspension, Tom Woods shafts, and Yukon gears and 2 lockers (to my door). The sliders and front rear bumpers were $1500 made a custom spare tire holder from a Jeep cuz was not offered yet. Engine and soft top with interior cage was another $3000. Plus install that I did a good bit of myself/with friends. So about 10k 12 years ago now like 16kish depending.

[@OrangeBoxxfab]

Well worth ever penny of it. One Bad ass FJ Cruiser!

[@gammaboxer9765]

Thank you for the breakdown, Ken. That's a lot of hard earned coin to part with, however, you have a very unique rig and are part of a very small club of SAS'd hardcore FJ's. Cheers 🍻

[@protacodan3800]

It all adds up. Built not bought the new lines your now capable of doing “ Priceless “ great job Ken.

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks Dan! When are we building you Tacoma?

[@k1j2f30]

Great breakdown of what you did to your FJ. I watched your entire build, every video, and while you did give the total for just the solid axil swap and everything you did under the truck. I remember a considerably lot more money spent on body panels, parts and sheet metal, ect you put into the entire build, Including a big scam job on parts overseas for the air breather (money you never got back)! So, I'd have to say Ken, your entire build was, at least 10- 15K more than the 31K you gave us! It's truly been a pleasure to follow along through your build and watch the progression of the "new FJ" and your travels after completion! I am so jealous and...impressed!

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for following along! I didn't figure the failed snorkel in because it's not really part of the axle swap. And I did calculate all the sheet metal into my figures. It all adds up quickly!

[@terryberg]

I'm sure he's happy you reminded him of that scam.

[@allennolden8735]

If your that level of off road enthusiast. Then totally worth it!!

[@tquattror2258]

Great video. I too get this question a lot of my 5th gen 4runner sas. No it's not cheap regardless how you go about doing it, but the years and years of fun we will have with family and friends is worth it to me. For me, my kids love it and I want to take advantage of them going out with me as long as possible

[@offroadhub.official]

There is some truth to the saying, "you only live once."

[@tlove14u]

The gold Standard for FJ builds

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you!

[@elijohnson8323]

people have no idea what it costs in time and labor to do a swap like this correctly. They hear they can buy a set of one ton axles for a grand and think that is all it costs. I just put one tons under my tube chassis toyota buggy and spent well over $10k. It would have cost as much as what you spent but I was able to re-use my driveshafts and some of the links as well as I already had my suspension. I thought I could do it for $5k but I blew past that in just gears, locker, and axle shafts. I made all my own tabs but I did purchase the two trusses needed. That saved me probably a grand.. Heck, I bet I have $400 in brake cleaner. LOL. Great video. Glad I stumbled across your channel today.

[@offroadhub.official]

Things really add up! $400 in brake cleaner 😂👍

[@Josh-nf4gp]

totally one of the coolest FJs around! nice work on the build and keep doing cool trips with it! thanks for sharing

[@330JFOX]

Ken, great job!!!! Forget all the trolls to afraid to build or post for everyone to see the win’s and fails/redos Only thing that matters are you happy!!!!!!!

[@jcurbin305]

Man, that's just amazing work. My hat's off to you, sir. You have a new subscriber here.👏👍

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you!

[@eqlibrium854]

Excellent. I agree... 100% worth it.

[@MtHoodMaster]

Nice breakdown. Really have been enjoying watching 4x4 journey!

[@eddiegray1979]

Nice presentation

[@joefuller3467]

awesome build!

[@KL00100]

Worth every penny.

[@scottyh72]

Awesome! I love the "it's a bargain!"

[@vinr6867]

The 4x4 Professor.

[@iddddaduncan]

Beautiful rig!

[@FROADER]

That's a lot of money, but I'd say you already got your money's worth from the experiences you've had since you finished the build and those will only continue. I've got a 2006 GX470 that I want to eventually get 40s under, so your "build series" has been a huge help on knowing what I'm up against when the time comes. Nicely done, sir. RCLT is an option, but i like the solid axle feel having had a ford Explorer that was SASed.

[@offroadhub.official]

Yes the GX is essentially the same underneath. The RCLT isn't any cheaper. I spent 5200 on the front axle and 2200 on the PSC steering. RCLT is about the same after you buy the RCV's and the Mar-rack.

[@madhatter798]

Good job Ken.. You are always keeping it real...

[@emon9127]

Cool to see a real breakdown of the cost. I knew it would be steep but not quite that steep! You saved yourself so much money and I’m sure headache by doing the labor yourself. Job well done!

[@bubbasdually]

oh we are doing a project like this for sure

[@mikes4x4garage]

Nice build! It gets expensive quick, I know all too well

[@Nick.Barnes]

ken you did the unthinkable!! some of our wives watch this or may overhear such things like 30k haha. a long time ago i kept all my receipts and information on the jeep and what i was putting into it, still have the folder somewhere, but after so many years and so many different ideas i gave up tracking what i'd put into it... but i get it, i didnt have an audience wondering and questioning.. just my dumbass always wondering why i'm broke lol. all jokes aside, you did a great job on this build, it was fun to watch you learn and grow the entire time and gain more confidence as you tackled each project and its really badass to see that you took it out and wheeled the hell out of it and brought it back in one piece, a great sign of a well built rig. the biggest eye opener i got out of all the dollar rollups in this was the full axle build, crazy how 300 bucks turns into 7500... 1ton is in my future some day, i can only imagine what 7500 will inflate to by the time i get there lol... great job ken!

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks Nick! I had the same thought. Somebody is going to be watching this in a few years, and wish it could be done for $30k. 😆

[@krashnpa]

Sometimes it is about what the CFO don't know, don't hurt the CFO.... lol. Good run down!

[@offroadhub.official]

Money... it's a fickle thing.

[@frankk2351]

Ouch, thanks all your work on this. You cover more trails than anyone else I know

[@offroadhub.official]

I do get out quite a bit!

[@joshuasteel2109]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@Creamer91]

The cost is crazy but it’s the reality of things. Awesome to see real world prices of building a legit rig

[@marklowe330]

Ouch! It's worth it if you go out and have fun. Good job on your build.

[@MrTdowell]

Thank you for sharing!

[@pointblankyt9878]

Nice thank you for the contact keep up the great work hope the channel continues to grow

[@sammythebear6448]

Great work Ken. Worth every penny. I agree with your logic.

[@snakehead324]

Have thought about swapping a solid front axle into a gx470. Probably going to keep the ifs. Sweet build though.

[@toddr1124]

Yup, 4x4 builds ain't cheap! There are plenty of "cheap build" videos out there, and they usually include plenty of "I already had this laying around," or "I got this from a friend" type stuff, so I appreciate your laying it out there. Personally, I'm in the middle of a Grand Cherokee build, and recently tallied up all the parts costs so far... it was a bit higher than I expected. LOL Such is the hobby! 🙂

[@offroadhub.official]

Things add up quick!

[@craigmorris4730]

The best parts available....Which means you gotta pay to play...That's just the nature of. The beat.....People have to realize your truck is done and not for wanting for anything... I am very proud of you and your truck....You

[@offroadhub.official]

Pay to play for sure! And while I know these things are never "done," I'm pretty happy with where it's at!

[@RIDEONDIRT14]

Awesome video

[@joerouth6255]

I myself own a two door wrangler however I always thought FJ’s had the coolest advantage of having that suicide door which makes them perfect in length and utility

[@vimejiasve]

Thanks for the info, you really are a humble person, you do a great job, is a beast rig

[@gregyoung46]

And you have increased your skill level and bought more tools! Which are both a good thing to have.

[@skyroninfjscififjcruiserby8352]

Awesome brotha we will wheel again for sure

[@dennyclawson4889]

I like it! Great job.

[@montesamapping]

Finally I found this upgrade video ! I agree with you logic, buying a new vehicle means to loose 30% of value in 2 years, instead buying an old one you can spend your money in making upgrades you had better or you think worth! The only question is: how can you be sure all the parts are suitable for the shocks they will have to face without breaking? Is not an easy matter to calculate the strengths stressing each part during hard jobs... I hope the best for you !

[@offroadhub.official]

Thank you!

[@troysmith5331]

Thank you for taking the time to do the cost breakdown excellent build by the way great choice and base vehicles being a mechanic from my point of view the FJ is a lot more dependable than jeep ever will be sorry Jeep guys but when your vehicle stands for just empty every pocket your decisions on you and before you Jeep fans bash me yes you can sink a ton of money into anything and make it usable my honest opinion Jeeps are just an over price metal tub with a bunch of plastic put into it once again excellent build beautiful rig happy Wheeling

[@LongVideosToKeepComputerAwake]

True, we bough a jl jeep and I was surprised by how cheap they are built nowadays. In the 70s jeeps were bulletproof.

[@banzaibadger]

Hope to see the FJ in action after the upgrade.

[@offroadhub.official]

There are several videos of it in action! 👍

[@StevenGirt]

Thanks for the details and list. Watched most of your videos and inspiring for the build to all the wheeling. I have a 16 Tacoma that I bought with the intention to solid axle due to undercarriage damage. The cost was a bit intimidating, so fabricated new a arm mounts and installed a drop bracket to allow the front end alignment to be done. Like you bending your tie rod in a previous build, the ifs just isn’t there like the solid axle. One day I’ll drop solid axles under the Tacoma. Enjoying your videos. Keep it up.

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks for watching! The cost can get intimidating really fast!

[@harrywalker5836]

@@offroadhub.official you saved that much money, & gained a sht load of knowledge.. excellent job.. most people would spend the 20k, & still be dumbasses. not knowng a spanner from a torch..oxy that is. i do all my own work. hard to find competant people that care..we dont have any,of those parts stores her in aus. as ive said. 2" lift is it, unless you get it engineered,,,for 2.5k.. bs..our 4x4 laws are same as cars. no difference..we need to be a state of the u.s. seeing pine gap is here..

[@offroadhub.official]

@@harrywalker5836 I'd love Australia to beat part of the US... Just because I might move there. 😄

[@nwbronco1972]

Bought a KP Dana 60 and 14 bolt to swap into my 72 Bronco a few years back, then tallied up the cost to get everything where I wanted with all the supporting parts, ended up deciding to part ways with the one tons and just stick to stock axles with 35s.

[@squirrelmaster1225]

that's awesome, just found your channel, and had no idea you did all that work in your garage. that's a ton of work, nice work. You have done well : ) and well worth it, ill take a FJ over a jeep any day of the week. : )

[@offroadhub.official]

Thanks! Glad you found the channel!

[@armygreenfj3924]

I thought about buying a square body K5 Blazer. But after watching this and seeing how awesome your FJ looks I may just SAS my FJ.

[@offroadhub.official]

I'm really pleased with how my FJ turned out. Hopefully you've watched my sas price breakdown video as consider your options. Any build can get expensive of course. 👍

[@armygreenfj3924]

@@offroadhub.official yes I agree. I’ve already been quoted and the price range is about similar to what you said. Between 40-60k.

[@armygreenfj3924]

@@offroadhub.official the question for me is am I able to drive it on my off road trips or do I need to tow it?

[@offroadhub.official]

@@armygreenfj3924 the crazier you go the less highway drivable it gets generally. Everything is a trade-off.

[@craigmorris4730]

Kin your built a beast of a truck.And you know what?You did it right.If your gonna take on a project like your truck. Do it right the first time.....And to do it right requires having

[@RockLander818]

Thank you for a detailed breakdown! Love that you did all of this yourself!

[@czar2230]

Great Video - Thank You!!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yep, my liberty isn’t getting a Solid axle lol. Sweet build!

[@offroadhub.official]

How about on the Cherokee?! 😉

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

@@offroadhub.official Sean would never lol.

[@dundeeecroc]

Ken, you're an awesome fabricator!! very proud of your work!! worth every dollar!! wish I could hire you to do some mods to my 1985 4runner SR5 5 speed.

[@offroadhub.official]

Nice! I would love to have one of those!

[@Reecesavage-Alwayswin]

Love the content.

[@Tonnsfabrication]

Finishing up my Samurai build and my best friend whom helps me said he's been losing sleep over what I spent to build it. We've been wheeling for about 30 years and built about ten rigs in that time. Buying off road products these days is darn near like buying bars of gold with diamond laces tied in a ribbon. Yes I could have built an old trail beater but that's just not my style, I like nice shit and I want it to look good as well as be dependable.

[@msalmi99]

You're brave twice. To do the project and to reveal the money. Thanks

[@cenccenc946]

o.k., now I just feel guilty about not watching more of the advertising on your channel. 😆 🤣 😂

[@offroadhub.official]

😁

[@TrashPandaGarage]

Great cost breakdown video, Ken. I would add that the background music you used has a very "The Price is Right" vibe to it ;)

[@offroadhub.official]

I'm glad you liked it. 😉

[@killermed95]

😮

[@Michaelscissorhands]

You’re a badass-love your vids

[@terryberg]

Yes, I do still plan to do a build like this, perhaps not to this extreme. I don't think I need 1 ton solid axles, and probably don't need 42" tires. And there probably is less expensive transfer cases out there that would eliminate the need for the thousand dollar drive shaft. I'd probably still go with the hydraulic steering and coilovers would be a must. And about paying someone else to do the work...... that would defeat the whole purpose of the build. The purpose of the build DIY has to do with pride. I don't care about someone's vehicle if they paid some professional to do it for them. But I'll be hella impressed and have a lot of respect for the guy that does the work himself. This does not include having to send some stuff out to be done or fabricated, sometimes it's safer that way. Cheers to a job very well done. I don't think you'd enjoy this as much as you have been if you had some professionals do it for you. Now, how did you pay for it all? I've done the math, and I don't see how your youtube channel makes that much money. Although, I will add that it should be. I've steered many people to your channel, but I just don't have millions of friends to send over. Perhaps the rest of your subs could spread the word. This channel deserves more subscribers and a ton more video views.

[@offroadhub.official]

There is certainly a lot of satisfaction that comes from doing it myself! Having somebody else do it might be nice though... if you don't have the time or skill to do it yourself! Thanks for steering people to the channel, I really appreciate that!

[@alexlongpre4527]

Ouch!!! I was toying with the idea for my 3rd gen 4runner... I might take it easy for a while with the IFS hahaha

[@filthyheathen1504]

My man! I knew you’d do it! Thanks!

[@offroadhub.official]

Now we've got that out of the way... 😆

[@craigmorris4730]

You haven't mentioned it but I assume your not doing Moab Easter. You have. Given us so much trails and excellent videos..Damn It is water under the bridge I could have driven up to Maze to watch you guys.You were one trails my dual sport could not go on....Please let us know know what your doing ..My self I will make time to meet you at trail head... i knew lots if Colorado trails but nothing like you have done...Difficulty wise...14000 Mt Anterior.14000 Mt. Bros and Mt Lincoln are easy beautiful scenery stuff.. Probably feels good to be home..... Thanks again for sharing your truck with us.....and letting us ride along.Did you have a name for your truck????

[@offroadhub.official]

I was hoping to make it to Easter Jeep Safari, but I can't. I'd love to have you join me next time I'm in Sand Hollow! I've got a name, coming soon!

[@kart_racing8566]

Toyota all the way sick build brother !!!!

[@PeteHemdem]

Plus 900 hours labor time. Yeah, I'm not going there with the solid axle thing.

[@offroadhub.official]

900 hours?! 😄Maybe! It's not for everyone!

[@johnb-ke9xi]

thanks for sharing this info, i'm sure it mostly for curiosity's sake that people want to know the prices. I've watched every video since the build was completed and now looking at my '12 4runner TE and ahh, i think i'll just keep it on 33's for a bit ;-) take care!

[@forreststrong797]

That's not too bad really. I have about twice that into building my cherokee xj myself but I went a bit crazy and did everything exactly how I wanted.

[@grantmiller5921]

It’s crazy what drive shafts cost that you beat on the rocks.

[@drchinoracing]

Love ur built 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@brettbenoit454]

It's a great build! 42 is a lot of tire. Curious how you insure it. My son had a nice SAS late 90 Toyota extra cab with 37 well set up. USAA said if it got totalled they would pay high book at the most which was half of what he paid

[@offroadhub.official]

I'm not worried about insurance. There is almost nothing that could "total" it as I would just fix it or rebuild it into something else.

[@bassstudent4life]

Who made your front bumper? It's beautiful.

[@offroadhub.official]

@@bassstudent4life metaltech. But I've cut quite a bit off of it.

[@addisoncoleman9571]

I’m doing similar build using a diamond fj80 axle w driver’s side drop. Should have axle housing by end of next week. Last part I need. Met a few of the other guys w sas fjs at koh was hoping to run into you

[@offroadhub.official]

Sorry I missed you!

[@Krystof.Veritae]

Inspiring sir ......wow its very enlightening mate \-/

[@zip7806]

Great Job. its $10.000. Less than the Price of a Stock RAM 2500 Diesel. You can out Traverse it on any terrain.

[@dereksmith5551]

I will offer 10 grand for the rig LOL great video my friend !!!

[@cadilakisrodcustom]

I bought my xj with the intentions of doing tons and 37s or 40s, until I realized how expensive it was gonna be, so I just lifted it a little more, bought new tires and a spartan locker 🤣 thank you for the breakdown Ken, not many other wheelers would break it down like this. By the way, you sound like an announcer for the price is right.. 🤣

[@offroadhub.official]

It's an XJ though, so you can tackle buggy lines on 33's and a rough country lift! 😄 I'm glad you like my announcer voice!