1986 SunRader 5 to 6 Lug Front End Replacement

[RaderDog]

I know this topic has been covered. I have read all the posts. I found a front end just want to make sure it has all the parts I need. Also whether I should be concerned about condition. I have to buy it all It has a complete rear end as well. I am located in the Pacific Northwest if anyone needs anything. Otherwise anything unused will go to a parts yard or metal recycler. Thanks.

[thewanderlustking]

That is WAY more than you need.  The hard parts to get are the spindle extensions on the front, and a full set of matching wheels.  All I did was take the brake hose off the caliper, pop the tie rod off, then unbolt the balljoints, and took the whole spindle/brake assembly.  I probably took the extension thing off to lighten it up some.  

 

There was one gotcha when I got home.  The balljoints, I'm not sure if it was one or both, had to be popped off the spindle.  I think I had to remove the caliper and the bar the tie rod bolts to do this.  But it wasn't a big deal.  It took less than 45 minutes.       

 

As far as condition, well you "should" replace the expendables anyways.  Brakes, balljoints....  

 

Once you get into it, it's super easy to figure out.  I read a bunch of threads and overthought the whole process too as I was going to try and replace it all with new parts.  But getting those dually extenders for the front is impossible.  So when I found the truck I wanted them off, it was so simple to just take the whole spindle and sort it out later.

 

There is one small catch possibly to this swap.  The calipers are bigger, a bonus.  But the master cylinder should be switched out to match.  I swapped mine out.     

Edited March 23 by thewanderlustking

[extech]

i don't know about spindle extensions. i kept the original spindles and replaced the hub and rotor, caliper and backing plates.  i think there was an issue with the lower ball joint being replaced , but can't remember

[RaderDog]

I will have to take it all. Separate what I need and take the rest to the Metal Recycling Center. Should get enough💰to buy enough 🍺 to do the job. So condition looks ok? Thanks.

[RaderDog]

They also have a complete rear end.

[fred heath]

The rear axle with wheels is hard to find. If you have the room to store it, the assembly can be worth up to $1K.

People are always looking for this item. Try advertising the rear axle with wheels on eBay or FB marketplace.

[RaderDog]

2 hours ago, RaderDog said:

They also have a complete rear end.

I wish I could.

[RaderDog]

On 3/23/2025 at 9:19 AM, fred heath said:

The rear axle with wheels is hard to find. If you have the room to store it, the assembly can be worth up to $1K.

People are always looking for this item. Try advertising the rear axle with wheels on eBay or FB marketplace.

There are actually two rear ends here in the Portland, OR area. Here is the listing for the other.

 

https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pts/d/longview-toyota-motorhome-rv-dually/7826127689.html

[RaderDog]

First of all I want everyone to know that I went through a ton of the post on the site regarding this subject. I went today to see the Front and Rear end. It was purchased in a Foreclosure sale. The vehicle was not there only the frame but he was told it was from a Toyota Motorhome. The owner is a mechanic and is very willing to work with me on it. I am using the photo below posted on the forum for a 6 Lug Front End Replacement. I understand the parts that will have to be replaced (Bushings, Brake Parts etc)  during the install. There is a 1 Ton Rear End that is available for free (don't have room to store). I have included a photo of both pieces below. I appreciate any help you all can be.

[RaderDog]

Here we go. The owner is willing to take apart the Front End and give me the parts I need. I just want to make sure of three things.

 

1) Is it the correct Front End for my 1986 Toyota SunRader (The Rear End was replaced under warranty. I have the Paperwork from the Dealer that did the work. So I don't need the Rear End).

2) Does the condition of the Front End look acceptable?

3) Are there any parts I should take additionally to have a successful swap? (Once again I am going off the photo above posted on the site for reference)

 

I will be taking all six wheels and tires and sell my existing set.

 

 

[MaineJed]

This looks like a gold mine to me, It will

fit your front end yes. Take as much as you can store, they are getting harder to find. Take the wheels at the very least

[extech]

i would take the upper and lower control arms with the spindles.  save the alignment shims from where the upper arm mounts. if the center link is there take it with any other linkage

[RaderDog]

I have a question regarding any parts I should take from the Rear Axle. There is a bar that runs side to side that is not on mine. Thanks.

 

Top photo is my rear axle.

 

 

[linda s]

That's a sway bar and they make a huge difference in how your rig handles on the road. Grab it. Can't figure out why your rear axle looks so different. Maybe someone else here will know.

Linda S

[extech]

i don't see the sway bar end link mounts on your frame.  should be a tab with a hole welded to the frame.   might be there . just cant see.    

   the two axles look the same to me

[linda s]

Looked again and I do see the mounts for sway bar. Look to the left on the axle and there are 2 empty holes there. On the right they are there but it's dark and hard to see. You should grab them for sure. 

Linda S 

[RaderDog]

Here are a couple photos of those holes. In my Renovation Adventure I have learned to take a lot of photos so I don't have to keep goin back out and lookin everytime I need to figure something out. Thanks.

 

I also have included another angle of the Rear Axle I'm going to leave (without wheels and sway bar so far)

 

 

Edited April 6 by RaderDog

[RaderDog]

I really appreciate the help. With the renovation I don't really have room for more parts at the house. I wish i could just take it all. I just want to make sure I don't miss something and have to find it later. Here is what I'm going to take the rest the Owner is going to take to the junkyard or metal recycler. Here is what I'm going to take so far.

 

6 Tires and Wheels

My plan is to Sell the 4 that are on my SunRader (they are in better shape). These I will have Les Schwab sandblast and repaint probably Black.

 

Front End

Upper and Lower Control Arms with the Spindles

Alignment Shims from where the Upper Arm mounts

Center Link and any other Linkage

 

Rear End

Sway Bar

???

 

 

Edited April 6 by RaderDog

[extech]

for sure the sway bar. really worth having even if you have to have someone weld the end link mounts on.   

  also i noticed your exhaust pipe is kinked where it goes over the axle.    can't let that be

[Ssunrader]

So is your frame fully boxed, aka 1 Ton spec?

 

Wondering how that would work with the beefier suspension if not…

[linda s]

He's taking all of this of a dually motorhome chassis. No reason it won't work on his

Linda S 

[Ssunrader]

I can see where it came from, thanks.

[RaderDog]

On 4/4/2025 at 12:15 PM, extech said:

for sure the sway bar. really worth having even if you have to have someone weld the end link mounts on.   

  also i noticed your exhaust pipe is kinked where it goes over the axle.    can't let that be

 

Here is a better photo of the exhaust pipe. I don't think it is kinked. Thanks.

[RaderDog]

20 hours ago, linda s said:

He's taking all of this of a dually motorhome chassis. No reason it won't work on his

Linda S 

 

Just to clarify. I am not taking everything just the parts I need. The rear end on my 1986 SunRader was replace under the recall. The only parts so far that I was planning to take is the sway bar from the rear. Is there anything else? Thanks.

[linda s]

Not that I can think of but just so you know, my 86 Sunrader came with a sway bar so this one should fit yours

Linda S 

Your 86 should have come from the factory with the full floater. Any truck made after 8/85

[RaderDog]

Hello again everyone. Once again I appreciate all the help you have provided. 

 

I have finally found a Suspension Mechanic that I trust. Old school guy in the country. Because of this I need to get the parts list correct so I can take the SunRader and all the parts to him one time. I have already met with him. He has a Garage Pit so it was really easy to see everything and we have gone through the entire vehicle.

 

One of the things that I am a bit confused about is since I am installing a front end from another vehicle I don't have a VIN to use to identify parts.

 

Here is the list of parts he came up with. Can you take a look and see if we are missing anything. 

 

Front End 5 lug to 6 Lug

Shocks
Rotors
Pads
Calipers
Bearings 
Seals
2 sets Upper Bushing
2 sets Lower Inner Bushings
Stabilizers Link kit
Strut Rod Bushing
Axel Grease
Brake Lines

Angel Tits (As Needed)

 

Notes: Someone had mentioned that I needed a new Master Cylinder as well

 

Rear End Service
Shocks
2 Sets Leaf Spring Bushings (2 Bushings each)
2 Shackle Bushing

 

Differential Service

Differential Front Seal
Differential Front Nut
Carrier Bearing 

 

 

[RaderDog]

Another Question

 

My SunRader has

 

Yokohama Super Van 356 

185 R14 8PR LT

Load D 8 Ply

 

The tires on the rear are 

IRIS Stormy (a cheap Walmart Tire)

195 R14C

Speed Rating R

Load Range SL

Load 106

 

Any Tire Brand/Make/Size recommendations? I would like something aggressive without compromising MPG. I appreciate the help.

[extech]

don't remember exactly, but i think i had to replace the steering arm with the one from the 1 ton. didn't swap the spindle.

[RaderDog]

Anyone out there?

[linda s]

Try going through this thread m might have info that can help

Linda S 

[linda s]

I don't remember anyone changing out the entire front end. They just replaced the wheel hub

Linda S 

[extech]

found some pics from when i swapped mine

 you can compare calipers, caliper mounts and dust shields. can't see the difference in steering arms

[RaderDog]

On 8/23/2025 at 5:10 PM, linda s said:

I don't remember anyone changing out the entire front end. They just replaced the wheel hub

Linda S 

Linda,

I always appreciate your feedback. I have gone though the entire site for Info. I think I have most of it figured out. I am terrified of the day all the parts arrive. I read this one again. Thanks.

[RaderDog]

On 8/24/2025 at 2:29 PM, extech said:

found some pics from when i swapped mine

 you can compare calipers, caliper mounts and dust shields. can't see the difference in steering arms

 

I appreciate the pix. Thanks.

[RaderDog]

Couple questions. After reading a lot of post I have seen that I need to replace the Brake Master Cylinder for a heavier duty one? Any thoughts. Thanks.