2000 Tacoma Prerunner to 4x4 conversion

Some cutting, trimming, and spacers up front to fit 35s with full clearance! No easy task... 35s are no joke!!! My truck is no pavement princess, she is a sucia and it's more of a daily expo vehicle. Still waiting to get some bends in on the eco cage at some point.

 

Is this just a factory 4x4 tacoma speed senor? Im running into the same issue. Im converting my 04 prerunner using a 96 4runner as a donor. the transfer case plug looks identical. I'm guessing ill need to buy an 04 4x4 tacoma VSS and use it to put in place of the plug? thanks

 

You got it man! Just pull that plug out and install a Tacoma CSS sensor. I'd go with one closer to the ear of the transmission. I pulled mine from a junkyard for only a couple bucks! Good luck man post some pics of your ride when you get it done!

 

Sweet! The factory VSS on my prerunner is too small for the plug hole. What do you mean by the one closer to the ear of the transmission?

 

Sorry I mean Year! Haha you should be able to use anything 96-03

 

A 1

 

@YotaGurlIAm i don't know if you ha e seen this thread but maybe some motivation?

 

Hahah yeah dude I've seen like every conversion thread on this site. I need to "catch up" after buying all the parts Hahahah I swear I'll get that tranny out of your storage asap tho

 

Your tranny isn't bothering anyone and can stay for the the next 6 months if needed. I'm the only one who uses the storage. I just want to see the conversion done and you on some trails!

 

This is legit light work! I am willing to lend a hand to anyone local. It's as simple as swapping out a transmission, driveshaft. Lengthen some wires, find a speed sensor. Install a front drive axle and cv axles wich is awesome because you learn a skill where you can fix your rig confidently because you basically get to put it together. Super fun super easy swap, did it in my garage and I'm a 22 year old father of a 1 year old haha no excuses turn some wrenches!

 

I' doing a 3.4 swap on a 4 runner right now... now that's not quite as easy but I'm getting there!

 

Robert

Where are you located ? Do you have a shop ?

 

ok, i found a senor on ebay im gonna try. ill let you know how it works. Ill also post some pics soon when its done!

 

Taking the transmissions today to get the tailshafts swapped. The tranny out of the 4Runner had different solenoid wiring and a TV cable. Not to mention it had 279k miles on it. Mine only has 110k. Found a guy to do the swap for $190 so that's a no brainer.

 

Avondale, AZ. And nope I did my whole swap in the garage.

 

Could you please post a link to the transmission conversion video, thanks!

 

Robert congratulations on your conversion, you are a true inspiration to all us prerunner guys and gals who dream of converting our babies to 4x4. While it has crossed my mind to sell and buy a 4x4, I always find myself coming back to one simple truth. I love my prerunner, and it has sentimental value, and I know that there are many individuals like us who simply love their trucks and would prefer to put in the wrench time rather than to sell their baby, only to get an unfamiliar bag of mysteries.

I do all the maintenance on my vehicle, so far that is, oil changes, brakes, tire rotation, I know, simple stuff, but I'm new to this and bent on becoming self sufficient regarding vehicle maintenance. I will convert my prerunner to 4x4 one of these days, but in the meantime I'm gathering parts and doing my research. My prerunner is a NON trd and I want a locking rear differential for when I convert. A cpl of questions.

1. I found a 1998, 3.4 trd 4x4 being parted out. It has the locking differential I want but I'm unsure if it will fit as I have a 2004, 2.7 prerunner. If it will fit, will it only work with a 4x4 transmission, or could I hook it up to my prerunner prior to the 4x4 conversion making it a prerunner trd?

2. When shopping around for a 2.7 4x4 transmission, how does one investigate if the transmission their pulling off a donor is worth a damn? Ideally the individual your buying the part from is honest and has records but say your only options are from a salvage yard, is their anything you recommend when looking for transmissions to validate their functionality?

Thank you for your insight Robert, I'm sure I will have more questions for you, your time is much appreciated!

 

What's your location? You should put it in your personal details under "You" at the top of the page so we can help you find parts regionally.

With a manual trans you can check the oil by letting some out and seeing if it has metal flakes. You can row through the gears to see how it shifts. Make sure the input shaft rotates smoothly and rotates the transfer case in 4x4 if it's connected. Other than that you can inspect the shifter ball bushing and seat.

Locking diffs were sold on prerunners and 4x4 so you could swap the axle before converting to 4x4, but you have to check to see if its gear ratio is the same as your current diff or the ratio you're looking to end up with. I'm pretty sure you're existing driveshaft should work as well. @mechanicjon sells wiring harnesses for the e lockers that are a good alternative to going through the trouble of installing a stock locker harness.

Check to see if the axle you're looking at has ABS if you already have it.

 

Thanks for the info Dalandser, I didn't even think to check for ABS, good looking out! I live in Pensacola, FL.
How does one figure out what their current differential gear ratio is, is it in the vehicle owners manual? Similarly how would I would I establish what the donor differential gear ratio is?

 

Read this - it explains how to find your truck's gear ratio.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-gear-ratio-chart.365138/

Any reputable dismantler will have the gear ratio written on the axle and probably have the vin for the truck it came from and the gear ratio in their computer. If the vehicle is still in one piece they can check the door sticker. Last resort you can count the number of times the wheel hubs turn to the number of times the driveshaft flange turns. Usually knowing the year, transmission, and engine combo will give you enough info to go off of. You can always call a dealership with the vin and they can tell you too.