I got a pair of toy axles but I know sami axles are strong and there are more parts for them than ifs. and alot simpler. Plus i hope to use stock gears from the tracker. how much shorter is the sami axle.
The problem with Samurai axles is the width, as well as the strength of the birfields. The width of a Samurai axle is 51.5 or 52.5 (I've been told both
) and, the Sidekick width is 57.5. So, basically, you're losing 3 inches on each side. The birfields then become a problem, because you are putting an axle made for a lighter vehicle onto a heavier one. And, if you want to try to cope for the width cheaply, you'd probably put offset rims as well as wheel spacers on it, but your "scrape ratio" goes up, as well as the wear/ pressure against those birfields.
We created our own Samurai front end at one time - we lengthened one side, and put a custom axle in it, with double tough birfields and chromoly shafts. We also trussed it. It was very strong. We gave this up though, because now, the Sidekick rear couldn't handle the abuse we were giving it, and kept breaking axles. We had a lockrite in the rear of that axle, as well as a spool, giving it a shot with both.
But, in the end we ended up going with Toyota FZJ80 Landcruiser axles. WAY strong, perfect width, high pinion and electric lockers.
IMO for most SAS guys, going with Toy Minitruck axles are the way to go!
Also, yes, the front differential from your sidekick will fit into the front of the samurai. However, the rear will not fit into the rear of the samurai, it's too big. The front differential is aluminum however.
See my sig, go to my site you can see some of my SAS work done, if you like.
