PreRunner confusion version 2

hello all. Up until yesterday I was under the impression that PreRunners were two wheel drive. I have a 99 Tacoma (or Prerunner) but it is in fact, without a doubt, a 4x4. My title lists it as a PreRunner, the VIN indicates it’s a 2 wheel drive PreRunner. See photo. All the glass is etched w/ VIN # too. Everything looks original, I suppose the entire body could have been dropped on a 4x4 frame but if it was done they sure did a fine job. Just tossing it out there, looking for insight. Thank you

 

PreRunners are built on the 4x4 frame. You can convert it to 4x4 very easily.

My truck is a converted PreRunner 4x4. I did it myself, along with many other people on this forum.

Can you take some pictures of the VIN sticker and the transmission shifter? ADD or Manual Hubs?

 

Prerunner Tacomas are 2wd built on the 4x4 frame. Both have 6 lugs. My guess is someone converted. Many people have done that on here. It is 99% bolt up if you use the ADD hubs and 100% if you go manual hubs

 

The only trucks that left the factory designated PreRunner that are 4x4 have been converted - usually by locating/procuring/installing the 4WD components; Transfer case, front diff, 4WD selector, front driveshaft, CV axles and 4WD spindles (plus a few other items).

It's not a complicated process. There are a number of us here on TW that have accomplished this...

 

You were one of the inspirations for my conversion actually. Haha.

 

In my best old man voice "I remember when you could count all the 4x converted prerunners in CA in one hand"

Feels good to be inspirational, but I was inspired myself by others; Hytenor, Drabnor, SARSquid, etc... (back in the TTORA heyday)

 

This is interesting stuff. I bought it 5 yrs ago, my hat is off to those who converted it cuz you would never know it wasn’t from the factory, including the interior (4x4 lever etc) this also explains why Orielly tried to pursuade me that the alien looking ball joints on the counter fit my truck. THAT is a story for another day. NEVER, EVER buy suspension/ chassis parts from those stores. Junk. Napa or Toyota unless you want to do it several times. Thanks again

 

Ps, manual hubs... thanks again

 

well yeah...

But I'm interested in why the ball joints would have looked "alien". It does not matter if it's a 4wd or a prerunner, the balljoints would be identical.

The best way to think of a PreRunner is it is a 4x4 that had the transfercase and front diff removed (or just never installed). Everything else is identical. Suspension, shocks, frame, body, etc...

You just don't get the "4x4" on the rear mudflaps, lol

 

Maybe because they were for a 2 wheel drive? They obviously weren’t right, they gave me the proper “high end” 4x4 ball joints which failed in 4mo, they honored the warranty, gave me a new set which are now bad in less than 5mo. Being a mechanic myself, I can assure you the quality of those aftermarket parts is horrible. They say they will refund me when I replace them w/ OEM but who knows.

 

So to close this out, when I buy parts for this thing I guess I just say 99 Tacoma 4X4 2.7? I am giving myself a headache. Lol

 

the 5 lug and the 6 lugs are completely different designs, and it wouldn't even bolt up.

Not to start a balljoint thread (there are plenty of those, lol), I've been running 555 from lowrangeoffroad for a while now. I had cheaper Moogs before that lasted ~6 years before I replaced them (with the 555's).

OEM is going to be the "best", but at double the cost of the 555's. Just food for thought.

The main issue with the BJ failure thing (just google tacoma balljoint failure) really, is that the balljoint is a terrible design from the start because the ball is under tension from the spring. If it fails, it does so catastrophically. Add to that Toyota had an issue with quality control on some of the earlier BJs so there was a recall.

 

PreRunner and 4x4 are the same. You'll be fine for whatever part you need

 

Welcome to 'our' world - Soon you learn what you specifically need and not listen to the counterperson at the autoparts stores. When at all possible, take the old part in with you so you walk out with the correct part

 

I’m looking into doing the 4x4 conversion on my 99 prerunner what is some good tips

 

A list of threads you can start reading... Trust me when I say research is definitely required with this one. I'm currently working on this and kind of regret not starting a 2->4 Conversion thread in the build section. Might still do it.

Start with the threads below.

You're going to want to track down a Factory Service Manual if you don't own one already. It will cover just about every repair/mechanical procedure and is a must have. You should be able to locate an electronic version floating about. If not, try eBay.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frenchtacos-2003-4wd-conversion.442734/#post-12884808

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4x4-conversion-option.612465/page-2#post-20861795

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2000-tacoma-prerunner-to-4x4-conversion.464436/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lfaubs-4x4-conversion-camper-build.420105/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mstryotas-1st-gen-build-4wd-swap.447950/

This one has some relevant info -
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...or-the-1st-gen-tacoma-3rd-gen-4runner.460180/


Shoot me a message if you have any questions. Good luck and welcome to TacomaWorld. Get Ready...

 

The Vin will always tell you the specs when it came off the line.

The fun part is not knowing where the parts came from with the adventures I get into.