to 350 or not to 350

[ndoerr]

I have a 1980 Toyota 20R 2WD pickup that I have taken down to the frame, and pulled the engine. I am going to put a 1975 Pontiac 350 motor in place for the 20R and a 350 tranny in place of the old one....I was wondering since Toyotas are indestrucable that if the rear end would hold up to the huge gain in horsepower coming from the 350. Personally I think the rear end will hold up only if I dont rod the piss out of it. Any input on this please reply.....ndoerr

[ndoerr]

Also which would work better to support the weight of the 350 and trans...a coil over suspension, dial shocks, or an air ride.. also i do not want to spend alot of money...ndoerr

[fourwd1]

I don't know if the 2WD rear will hold up to it, unless it's the larger 8" 1-ton rear.

I have a Buick 231 V6/TH-350 combo in my 83 4WD p/u and the 8" rear has held up fine, but I don't have the HP a 350 V8 has either.

You definetely need some suspension beefing to handle the weight. Better/dual shocks isn't even close. Also, do you have clearance for the oil pan, etc ?
A 2-3" BL also, to give you more room.

[littlejuice]

the 8in 1 ton rearend has size axle shaft as the ford 9in