Converting 2006 Toyota Tacoma from 2wd to 4wd

I now know 3 people doing the conversion on 1st gens.

 

How? If he can source the parts for a good price he’ll easly save 3-4K by the time he looses money on trade in and extra cost of same year 4x4

 

Thanks

 

Is it possible that the parts would be cheaper for me since I live in Georgia? I wouldn’t mind keeping it automatic. Manual would be a plus but if it’s half as easy and cheaper then I’ll just keep it auto. Leaning more towards Manual tcase instead of electric.

 

Like I said. 4Runner, I used an auto tranny from them, exact same A750F plugged in and runs. No computer codes.
I chose the 4Runner tcase because 1 I don’t mind wiring, 2 I wanted awd and 4wd (yes there different), 3 I got all my parts from a salvage yard for ~1.5k. Literally everything but the new hub assemblies

 

The wire harness works just fine. That is about 4 connectors that are not used by the auto trans. You will have to figure out wiring for 4x4 indicators, cruise control to work, reverse lights to work. an ecu from a manual truck programmed to work. The dealer did that for me. They programmed my vin into the junkyard ecu and they had to program the anti-thieft module as well. But my stock key and everything works.

 

If your state has emisons making it all wheel drive may be a problem. Look into that.

 

I would use the t-case out of an FJ-cruiser auto trans. It will bolt right up and it's a manual shit t-case. Only wiring for the indicators if you want them.

 

@twotwentyswift
That is where EBay and junkyard help. A lot of the places will offer a warranty. An at even offers a extended warranty. I messed up and did not get the extended warranty. So I have a bad t-case that jumps out of high gear sitting the garage.

 

I am in the process of finishing up my Prerunner to 4x4 conversion until injured my hand.
Cost me $1900 few parts that's new. Not sure yet if I have to modify Y-pipe.

 

I bought a Doug Throlley y-pipe. Fits both 4x4 and 2x4

 

^^^^ much better idea!

 

I did a 2005 PreRunner to 4x4, check out the build thread below.

I’d recommend keeping auto and adding auto FJ t-case.

 

How often are you going to use the 4x4? I think you’re better off with a rear locker, you’d be surprised what a rear locker does on a 2WD.

 

Sound advice from @rheath08. This does take some $$$ and time. Having done many engine swaps and other custom work the planning and parts gathering stage is the most important for things to go smoothly. Do not leave any stone unturned in your research. Rock solid toys has a thread on here where they did the conversion and added a crawl box with the FJ transfer case but that thread was really detailed with what needs to be done. The FJ T-case adds simplicity as it requires no wiring for the shifting mechanism. Also go on the SAS page and the guys who are doing that see if you can't source a lot of the parts from them of what you'll need. You may also get some nice suspension out of it as well. You have to be ready to spend some $$$ it will cost.

I bet those who are discouraging because of cost also go on the solid axle swap page and give props to those who tackle that project which is much more involved and costly.

 

lol still no where near as capable as a 4wd...ever

 

This is a true statement.
I put a TruTrack limited slip in immediately before I did the conversion and it made a huge difference.
Regardless of doing the conversion or not I’d recommend this to anyone. Its a $500 job, huge upside.
If doing the conversion this should almost be mandatory too, if not a locker. I started doing light wheeling with a buddy and his open diff front/rear 4x4 Wrangler; I’ve had to pull him

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/free-wheel-hub-conversion.511528/

You might as well do this, you have to buy CV axles and hubs anyway- nearly the same costs. This will allow you to delete your ADD actuator, no electronics to deal with.

 

Yeah but you can't just go down the street and buy a SAS Taco...

How much more are 4x4 rigs than Prerunners? I thought in my area it was only like $2-3k, but I could be wrong since I never shopped a 2wd rig. But if you don't stand to save any money doing this then it seems like the rational solution is sell it and go buy the one you want.

 

You can do this conversion for 2-2500 easy. I did mine for 2500 and I had to ship parts from west coast to Hawaii; if I was still in Washington I could have did it for 1500-1800.
This makes perfect sense- I keep the truck I’ve built exactly the way I like and I add 4x4 for the same premium as the dealer sells it for.