Hi Jacka2, Toyota started building the true one ton in 86, when in 86
they were available I'm not sure, mid to later models? they were only
available as a cab chassis unit, not a pickup. In the early 80's
toyota built the pickup in the standard, 3/4 ton, and 1 ton, they
were just the standard truck rear axle with extra leaf springs,
nothing special, the 1 ton had 2 or 3 extra leaf springs and 6 ply
tires to give it the 1 ton rating. The early motorhomes were just the
standard rear axle with extra springs or overloads for increased
weight capacity. The true 1 ton floater axle was designed for the 86
and newer chassis but would fit back to 84 with no changes. If
swapped into a 79-83 chassis the axle would fit the frame width fine,
the E brake connection was no problem, the bottom Ubolt plates were
different, the early models had the shocks both on the same side
where the newer models had the staggered shocks and the kit supplied
the newer staggered type plates, and the wheel cylinders needed to be
changed in the rear to the early size, but were supplied in the kit.
If swapped into a 78 or earlier chassis the body style that still
had 4 headlights, the spring pads on the differintial had to be
removed and moved inboard an inch or so because the frame width is
narrower, the Ubolt/shock plates needed the same side style as the 79-
83, I had to fabricate mine, the E brake had to be adapted to hook up
to the early style, not a big problem, and the driveline flange on
the rear third member had to be changed to the early style to fit the
ujoint bolt pattern, and also the wheel cylinders were changed to the
early type. It was a bit of work but not a real tough job and the
piece of mind was worth it knowing the rear axle wasn't going to
break off at some unknown time. Also if a person does make the
change, try to get the 1 ton rear springs along with the axle, they
are pretty stout and easier than having to build up a set of springs
like I did.
