2wd to 4wd conversion

Derpy Derek · 07-13-2010, 03:05 PM

I've been thinking this over for a while now, and I have decided I would like to try and convert my 2wd prerunner into a 4wd truck so I may have more capability off the road. (Planning on going to pismo beach someday)

I have heard it is an expensive process to do so, but could anyone explain how it would be done and what the cost estimate would be?

4X4_TRD · 07-13-2010, 03:08 PM

If you're not planning to make it a hardcore trail machine I would recommend selling your truck and buying a 4x4.

MyToyTaco · 07-13-2010, 03:11 PM

You can conquer pismo in your 4x2. Maybe not ALL the hills, but you'll be able to get around no problem. Just gotta know how to drive it on the sand.

oh and I 2nd what Justin said~~^

johnw · 07-13-2010, 03:11 PM

well 4x4 trd in all honesty you should have asked if he wanted to make it IFS or straight axle. it would be cheaper making it straigh axle if it aint a 4x4 because you would have paid extra for 4x4 and thrown all that extra away that you paid for..... sorry if you dont understand i barely do

whippersnapper02 · 07-13-2010, 03:12 PM

You can't put a price on something like this. Some people have hook ups and can get parts cheaper than most and other pay full price. Also can you do the work?

As said above buy a 4wd truck or do a bit more to your 2wd and learn some offroading techniques.

4X4_TRD · 07-13-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnw

well 4x4 trd in all honesty you should have asked if he wanted to make it IFS or straight axle. it would be cheaper making it straigh axle if it aint a 4x4 because you would have paid extra for 4x4 and thrown all that extra away that you paid for..... sorry if you dont understand i barely do

True, that's why I included the "If you're not planning to make it a hardcore trail machine."

johnw · 07-13-2010, 03:16 PM

well not even that it might be still cheaper to do straight axle and stay still kinda small no extreme but we kinda need to know what type of budget and what type of 4x4 swap

Austin78 · 07-13-2010, 03:18 PM

Just buy a 4wd, I do not think it is worth the time and effort.

4X4_TRD · 07-13-2010, 03:22 PM

His truck is an '08. You're telling me that a straight axle swap would be cheaper than selling his 2WD and buying a used '08 4x4?

johnw · 07-13-2010, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4_TRD

His truck is an '08. You're telling me that a straight axle swap would be cheaper than selling his 2WD and buying a used '08 4x4?

idk maybe like somebody said above you dont know the kind of people he might know

jdmcq · 07-13-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taco4x4rar

If you're serious about it what are your intentions? IFS 4x4 or solid axle 4x4 depending on wheather you just want a little more traction or wanna run some really hard trails, see hammers for hard trails.
Keeping the IFS the easiest way to do it on the latemodel would be to simply buy a wrecked/totaled 4x4 and start swapping everything that was needed then part the rest out or send it off the the scrap yard.
For a solid axle the game changes a little, and it's not a recommended DIY route as you will litterly be cutting everything off the frame rails to slip a new axle under there, there is great debate on which axle is best and which transfercase setup is best however expect a solid axle swap to be quite expensive(5-10K min) and time consuming.

I agree. It really is not a mind numbing conversion provided that you have the right parts. Really just a bolt on conversion, the wrecked 4x4 is a good way to ensure that you have everything you need. This is also way cheaper than going SAS.

4X4_TRD · 07-13-2010, 03:28 PM

Somebody you could talk to would be awsumdc. He might be able to give you some insight as to what is included in a task like this.

FearNothing321 · 07-13-2010, 03:30 PM

I'd personally buy a sand rail and take it to Prismo.

Fire931 · 07-13-2010, 03:30 PM

i've got a transfer case you can buy!

but yea its basically just a matter of acquiring all the parts yours doesn't have an bolting them on.... parts to include but not limited to...

transfer case, front driveshaft, front diff, two front cv axles, spindles, hubs, 4wd ecu... not real sure if the prerunners already have all the wiring in place and its just tied up out of the way or if you would have to acquire all that as well.....

whippersnapper02 · 07-13-2010, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearNothing321

I'd personally buy a sand rail and take it to Prismo.

That or a quad or bike. You can way more fun with a toy than a non long travel truck.

Derpy Derek · 07-13-2010, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taco4x4rar

If you're serious about it what are your intentions? IFS 4x4 or solid axle 4x4 depending on wheather you just want a little more traction or wanna run some really hard trails, see hammers for hard trails.
Keeping the IFS the easiest way to do it on the latemodel would be to simply buy a wrecked/totaled 4x4 and start swapping everything that was needed then part the rest out or send it off the the scrap yard.
For a solid axle the game changes a little, and it's not a recommended DIY route as you will litterly be cutting everything off the frame rails to slip a new axle under there, there is great debate on which axle is best and which transfercase setup is best however expect a solid axle swap to be quite expensive(5-10K min) and time consuming.

Dang, I shoulda thought about this when I picked the truck out. I gotta face the truth that I won't be able to afford all of this. I'm wondering if the best alternative for better traction be to have differential lockers installed since I won't be able to afford the 2wd to 4wd conversion?

The reason why I'm trying to figure all of this out is because I have a fear of getting bogged in the mud or sand depending upon where I am, so I want to try and get the cheapest and most effective setup to get better traction while off roading anywhere.

cummins6speed · 07-13-2010, 03:39 PM

I am still not convinced that the prerunner and 4x4 spindles are any different so I think you would just need 4x4 hubs and unit bearings

jdmcq · 07-13-2010, 03:41 PM

PreRunner and 4wd spindles are the same.

Here is a pretty good write up on the process (although on a 1st gen Tacoma)

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27216

MotoXdoer · 07-13-2010, 03:43 PM

find someone off rocksolidtoys who still hastheir cvs, mounting hardware, drive lines. then buy a "lefty" marlin crwaler box. no need for the bs wirind and/or finding 4x4 switch, dash panel. much easier. i figure 3k to do the conversion. 2k for crawler box, then someone who has the leftover taco parts. also will need a t case mount for the crawler box. this is going to be my route. either 4x4 long travel taco or solid axle swap

hansonian · 07-13-2010, 03:44 PM

There's a few guys over on ttora.com with the 2wd to 4wd conversions. If you're doing the work yourself I say go for it, if you're sending out you'll probably be better off money wise just trading the truck for a 4wd.

07-13-2010, 03:05 PM	#1
Derpy Derek [OP] Derp Name: Derek Joined: May 2010, #36868 Location: Tyler, Texas Age: 21 Gender: Male Posts: 5,428 2012 TRD Sport 4x4 DCSB 2012 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Stow-away roof rack. Entune navigation. Aero Turbine 2525 muffler.	2wd to 4wd conversion I've been thinking this over for a while now, and I have decided I would like to try and convert my 2wd prerunner into a 4wd truck so I may have more capability off the road. (Planning on going to pismo beach someday) I have heard it is an expensive process to do so, but could anyone explain how it would be done and what the cost estimate would be?

07-13-2010, 03:11 PM	#3
MyToyTaco ╒╪╕ Name: Nick Joined: Sep 2008, #9417 Location: port hooey noomy Age: 30 Gender: Dude Posts: 4,188 05 Silver DC 4x4 2005 Double Cab Automatic	You can conquer pismo in your 4x2. Maybe not ALL the hills, but you'll be able to get around no problem. Just gotta know how to drive it on the sand. oh and I 2nd what Justin said~~^ __________________

07-13-2010, 03:41 PM	#18
jdmcq Senior Member Name: John Joined: Nov 2008, #10561 Location: The Mushroom Capital of the World Gender: Dude Posts: 38,191 2006 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V8 2006 Automatic 4.7	PreRunner and 4wd spindles are the same. Here is a pretty good write up on the process (although on a 1st gen Tacoma) http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27216 __________________

07-13-2010, 03:43 PM	#19
MotoXdoer taco? Name: Nate Joined: May 2009, #17677 Location: San Luis Obispo, Ca Age: 23 Gender: Dude Posts: 1,644 06 Prerunner 4.0 a/c beast 2006 Access Cab Automatic 4.0 soon 2b supercharged!! k&n cai 63 series intake, blacked out headlights, blacked out tailights, magnaflow pro offroad 17115 dumped, URD competetion y-pipe, total chaos 3.5" long travel, fox 2.5x8" remote resevoir shocks, allied 4" spindles, toytec 2" AAL, 20% tint up front and 5% rear, satoshi grille, ddm 50w 6000k hid's. wet okole custom trd seat covers with heaters. 4:56 nitro gears with arb rd129 air locker, arb ckmta12 dual air compressor.	find someone off rocksolidtoys who still hastheir cvs, mounting hardware, drive lines. then buy a "lefty" marlin crwaler box. no need for the bs wirind and/or finding 4x4 switch, dash panel. much easier. i figure 3k to do the conversion. 2k for crawler box, then someone who has the leftover taco parts. also will need a t case mount for the crawler box. this is going to be my route. either 4x4 long travel taco or solid axle swap __________________ my build http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/bui...ers-build.html honda motorcycles!!!

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07-13-2010, 03:08 PM	#2
4X4_TRD Senior Member Name: Justin Joined: Jun 2009, #18577 Location: San Diego, CA Age: 32 Gender: Male Posts: 368 '03 Jeep RUBICON 2003 Manual 4.0L inline 6 No front sway bar (does that count?)	If you're not planning to make it a hardcore trail machine I would recommend selling your truck and buying a 4x4.

07-13-2010, 03:11 PM	#4
johnw Banned Name: john Joined: May 2009, #17381 Location: orlando florida Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 8,089 06 prerunner v-6 4.0L 4 door 2006 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L V-6 well you asked for specs..... 06 trd sport speedway blue V-6 4.0 camburg lift spindles extended travel icons total chaos lowers allpro 4" leaf pack 17" xd hoss rims 305/65/17 mickey thompson baja atz Allpro hybrid bumper with 3 kragen HID lights color matched headlights grill craft grill AFE stage 3 CAI wicked flow muffler under cover bed cap inside i have..... wet okole real tree camo seat cover blue oznium dome light stealth sub box with 2 10" kicker comp subs kicker 400 watt amp weathertech floor mats	well 4x4 trd in all honesty you should have asked if he wanted to make it IFS or straight axle. it would be cheaper making it straigh axle if it aint a 4x4 because you would have paid extra for 4x4 and thrown all that extra away that you paid for..... sorry if you dont understand i barely do

07-13-2010, 03:12 PM	#5
whippersnapper02 Banned Name: Christian Joined: Dec 2009, #27905 Location: Yorba Linda, CA Age: 29 Gender: Dude Posts: 35,663 10 MGM TRD OR 4wd Auto DCSB 2010 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 Banks Monster Exhaust, Pop n Lock tailgate lock, Hook-Ups tie down brackets, USA Spec Ipod adaptor, WO seat covers, color matched grill with Grillcraft insert, Tuffy locking bed box	You can't put a price on something like this. Some people have hook ups and can get parts cheaper than most and other pay full price. Also can you do the work? As said above buy a 4wd truck or do a bit more to your 2wd and learn some offroading techniques.

07-13-2010, 03:16 PM	#7
johnw Banned Name: john Joined: May 2009, #17381 Location: orlando florida Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 8,089 06 prerunner v-6 4.0L 4 door 2006 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L V-6 well you asked for specs..... 06 trd sport speedway blue V-6 4.0 camburg lift spindles extended travel icons total chaos lowers allpro 4" leaf pack 17" xd hoss rims 305/65/17 mickey thompson baja atz Allpro hybrid bumper with 3 kragen HID lights color matched headlights grill craft grill AFE stage 3 CAI wicked flow muffler under cover bed cap inside i have..... wet okole real tree camo seat cover blue oznium dome light stealth sub box with 2 10" kicker comp subs kicker 400 watt amp weathertech floor mats	well not even that it might be still cheaper to do straight axle and stay still kinda small no extreme but we kinda need to know what type of budget and what type of 4x4 swap

07-13-2010, 03:18 PM	#8
Austin78 Junior Member Joined: May 2010, #38012 Location: Henderson, NV Gender: Male Posts: 8 TRD Off Road 4x4 2008 Access Cab Automatic K&N Intake, Flow Master Dual Exhaust, I-pod Interface Kit Revtek 3" lift/leveling kit 265/75r16 BFG AT	Just buy a 4wd, I do not think it is worth the time and effort.

07-13-2010, 03:22 PM	#9
4X4_TRD Senior Member Name: Justin Joined: Jun 2009, #18577 Location: San Diego, CA Age: 32 Gender: Male Posts: 368 '03 Jeep RUBICON 2003 Manual 4.0L inline 6 No front sway bar (does that count?)	His truck is an '08. You're telling me that a straight axle swap would be cheaper than selling his 2WD and buying a used '08 4x4?

07-13-2010, 03:28 PM	#12
4X4_TRD Senior Member Name: Justin Joined: Jun 2009, #18577 Location: San Diego, CA Age: 32 Gender: Male Posts: 368 '03 Jeep RUBICON 2003 Manual 4.0L inline 6 No front sway bar (does that count?)	Somebody you could talk to would be awsumdc. He might be able to give you some insight as to what is included in a task like this.

07-13-2010, 03:30 PM	#13
FearNothing321 Do you know Tyler Durden? Name: Tony Joined: Jun 2008, #7539 Location: Tampa Fl / Palm City Fl / Tequesta Fl Age: 24 Gender: Dude Posts: 6,537 08 PreRunner SR5 TRD Sport 2008 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Sirius Sat radio, Scanguage II, N-Fab 2" side steps, Corbra 18wx, 4ft Firestik, Maglite mod, Bestop, Nitto Terra Grapplers....so far	I'd personally buy a sand rail and take it to Prismo.

07-13-2010, 03:30 PM	#14
Fire931 Senior Member Joined: Jan 2009, #12687 Location: VA Gender: Male Posts: 3,277 00 4Runner Manual	i've got a transfer case you can buy! but yea its basically just a matter of acquiring all the parts yours doesn't have an bolting them on.... parts to include but not limited to... transfer case, front driveshaft, front diff, two front cv axles, spindles, hubs, 4wd ecu... not real sure if the prerunners already have all the wiring in place and its just tied up out of the way or if you would have to acquire all that as well.....

07-13-2010, 03:39 PM	#17
cummins6speed Senior Member Name: Brian Joined: Jan 2009, #12426 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Age: 25 Gender: Male Posts: 1,954 '05 4Runner Limited Edition 2005 Automatic 1GR-FE Custom extended travel 2.5" King RR coilovers, 1.25" Camburg uniball uppers, homebuilt tube bumper	I am still not convinced that the prerunner and 4x4 spindles are any different so I think you would just need 4x4 hubs and unit bearings

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07-13-2010, 03:44 PM	#20
hansonian swims with fishes Joined: Jul 2010, #39777 Location: Tampa, FL Gender: Male Posts: 76 2007 Double Cab PreRunner SR5 2007 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 Liter Stock	There's a few guys over on ttora.com with the 2wd to 4wd conversions. If you're doing the work yourself I say go for it, if you're sending out you'll probably be better off money wise just trading the truck for a 4wd.