09-25-2007
I've completely redid the front suspension with drop spindles, Toyota front 5-lug conversion, new shocks, urethane bushings, and new calipers.
Here's what I did for my Toyota front 5 lug swap swap.
Needed Reused Parts:
MM/D50 brake dust shield
MM/D50 spindle nuts & washers
Toyota hub dust cap
Toyota bolts for rotor
Parts Needed: Cost: Notes:
2 – Toyota 5-lug front hubs, dust caps, bolts for rotors $23.42 Salvage yard (from pre-95 2wd pickup)
2 – Toyota Tacoma (95-97) Front Rotors $31.98 Partsamerica.com (or use pre-95 2wd pickup rotors)
2 – Toyota Front Outer Wheel Bearings $7.58 Partsamerica.com (recommend replacing)
2 – Toyota Front Inner Wheel Bearings $7.78 Partsamerica.com (recommend replacing)
2 – Toyota Front Inner Wheel Seals $7.78 Partsamerica.com (recommend replacing)
2 – New Cotter Pins n/a (Do NOT reuse old cotter pins)
10 – MM/D50 4x4 Rear Wheel Studs (Optional) $11.80 Partsamerica.com (.29” longer)
TOTAL = $90.34
The swap is straightforward (If you’re just swapping hub assembly go to step 7).
Here’s a diagram for reference, specifically part numbers 1 thru 8.
1) Remove brake caliper and bracket. Then remove MM/D50 hub assembly.
2) Next reassemble the Toyota hub if needed. First press in new outer and inner bearing races. (Note: You will need a bearing race driver kit, which is normally available for loan by most parts stores.)
3) Also, press in studs if needed. I replaced the studs with MM/D50 4x4 rear wheel studs which are over .29” longer then stock. (Note: The MM/D50 and Toyota stock studs are the same length)
4) Install Tacoma rotors onto hub. Reuse Toyota bolts and washer. (Note: MM/D50 rotors use a bolt and nut setup, so they will not work. The Toyota bolts into threaded rotor.)
Here’s a pic of the hubs.
Side view
5) Pack inner bearings with grease and install inner bearings and seals into hub.
6) Pack outer bearings and set aside.
7) Install hub assembly onto spindle.
8) Install outer bearing, MM/D50 spindle washer & nut. Torque nut to 22 ft-lbs, loosen nut, and then retorque nut to 6 ft-lbs. Install new cotter pin. (Note: Do NOT reuse old cotter pins.)
9) Install Toyota hub dust cap. (Note: The MM/D50 cap will not fit.)
10) Reinstall stock caliper and bracket. Check to see if rotor and hub clears bracket. (Note: If you use the Toyota pre-95 2wd pickup rotor, use a 1/16” spacer/washer between spindle and bracket or trim bracket if needed. This needs to be done to center caliper with rotor)
11) Here’s the completed swap.