4wd conversion shops??

Would this work for my truck as a parts truck? I have a 2003 double cab prerunner.

https://fayar.craigslist.org/pts/d/berryville-toyota-tacoma-98-v6-4x4-for/6865107082.html

 

Its not the best fit but yes some stuff will work. you want to find one with manual hubs and a Jshift transfer case ADD is a lot more work. Also I think the 03-04 automatic trans missions are different.

 

Yeah not a bad deal.

Maybe I got a lot of parts left from the last 5 and I need to do work on my 97

 

2nd Gens are bolt on as well. Pre-Runners and 4wd use the same frames. Probably the same for the 3rd Gens as well.

 

The 2nd gens in order to convert need a crossmember welded in for the trans or t-case don't they? Not that that's a hard thing to do if you have the skill to do the swap

 

also there is no manual hub set up. a lot more work to do

 

More electronics/wiring to contend with I've heard, yeah

 

I'm not sure now. I thought they used the same frame for both 2 and 4wd.

 

Now since you have a 2003 it will be significantly more difficult. This limits you to only 2003 and 2004 parts trucks since Toyota started using an electronic throttle system (ETCS-I) in 2003.

You can only use 2003/2004 transmissions, or you can swap valve bodies or the output shaft which requires tearing down the transmission.

 

@mjhenks converted his 04 Prerunner. He got all the manual hub parts from me and then a transmission and Transfer case from other guy. This may be your best path with a newer truck. His build page will have lots of good info for you.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/matthews-jade-green-4x4-conversion-and-other-upgrades.579846/

 

Ive been thinking about doing a manual hub conversion for my 2001. Is it worth it? What are the benefits other than less wear? What are the drawbacks?

 

Manual hub CV axles are weaker than ADD axles.

Manual hubs mean your CV’s aren’t rotating when the hubs aren’t engaged.

 

So manual hubs equate to less wear, but easier breakage? Is that really it? That doesn't seem worth it.

 

Aren’t manual hubs the ones you have to physically get out of the truck and lock in?

 

yes

 

Yes. This is the easiest way to do a 4WD conversion since it is all mechanical. The other type is ADD (Automatic Disconnecting Differential) which is activated with a vacuum or electronic actuator on the differential. This means you don’t need to leave the cab, it’s activated on the fly.

ADD a required you to run VSV’s (vacuum switching valves) as well as the wiring associated with it.

 

People like them because it's an easier setup to maintain (generally) as there's no electronics involved, which also makes it more reliable long term as far as that goes. Weaker CV axles might be its only real downfall but CV axles are easy to swap out.

 

I went manual simply to make it simple. I did not want to change or hack my wiring, change my ECU nor try to add the vacuum needed for ADD. Essentially my truck does not even know that 4WD is there. Yes i have to manually lock my hubs but that is fine with me.

 

No 4WD swap actually requires any computer modules at all. You can wire ADD with a simple relay and SPDT switch, and the 4WD computer has no purpose except to prevent you from activating the locker in any other mode than 4LO

 

Must be for the electrically operated version. Other than installing the VSV valves and vacuum accumulator tank (holes existed) and plumbing the few vacuum lines, mine works by simply selecting 4WD with the J-shifter.