To 4wd or 4runner, need insight

Guys, I went offroading for the first time of my life last week with a friend and her family and now im hooked. However, my 01 prerunner couldn't make it that far and had to be winched out of a tight spot. I have been reading about the 4wd conversion, and I know that I need to source a transmission, cv axles, and interior trim pieces from a donor 4wd. I am 19 years old and have a decent amount of tools and mechanical knowledge, but no pro by any means. I do most of the work on my truck and just did the tundra brake upgrade. I love my truck but I REALLY want a 4wd now. My question is should I sell and buy a 4runner or do the swap? I am just not so sure about changing out a transmission by myself and a buddy who knows less than I do. Thanks guys

 

The real question is, how long can you live without the truck while it's up on jack stands?

If it's your daily that you depend on, sell and buy a 4x4. If you can afford a project truck that may sit for weeks at time while you figure it out, make it your project truck.

 

Buy a 4runner, and wheel it. If its offroad only you can cut fenders, remove bumpers, homehardware snorkel etc.

 

yeah it could sit for a few weeks

 

the guy from mobtown offroad did the 4wd swap with his 2nd gen 4 cyl double cab. apparently that was a pain in the but, but its much easier in the 1st gen. unless you are gonna run it into the ground and want to or need to learn how to do it, it would be better financially, reliability, and timewise to buy a 4x4.

 

I would definitely see how much it would cost to swap in parts to make a 4wd. It might be financially easier to just buy a 4x4. I’m just guessing but one would think you’d need all the drivetrain parts including transfer case and fluids just to start.

 

You guys do realize you're in the 1st gen section right?

OP, 4x4 swap is bolt on for a Prerunner.

A 4runner is an SUV.

 

Do the 4WD swap. I did it at 16 years old in High School with virtually zero mechanical knowledge.

 

If you could explain to me each part that needs to be replaced I would really appreciate it @BartMaster1234

 

I do love my taco. In the 2 years I have owned it here is what I have done and these are the reasons I am trying to keep it: new lbj's, new LCA's, new xd addict 17 inch wheels with continental AT tires, added a color matching snug top in lunar mist with a rhino roof rack, installed a curt class 3 hitch and wiring harness, did the tundra brake upgrade by restoring old oem calipers off of a tundra and new oem rotors and pads, new ac compressor, new coverking ballistic seat covers, sony head unit, kn air filter, and new drums and shoes. As you all can see I love my baby, probably a little too much, but I would hate to part ways with my faithful tacoma

 

Oh and new bilstean 4600's on all corners

 

He's got a list which I'm sure he'll post up but I'll touch on it since I'm in the process myself.

Front differential - must match the gear ratio that's in your rear end. You can source one from 1996-2004 Tacoma's and 3rd Gen 4 Runners.

Depending on your choice of ADD or manual hub, will determine how easy/hard it is to find a front differential. @BartMaster1234 went with manual hubs and so am I.

You can opt to purchase front spindles/hubs from a 4x4 vehicle, or use your existing spindles. Using your existing spindles means more down time, as well as pressing out the wheel hub/bearing from your spindles to swap over for the correct parts. I opted to purchase a used set which included cv axles, and hub assemblies.

Which brings me to the other group of items; if going manual hubs you will need the hub assemblies (which are available new, or you can rebuild used ones) and the appropriate axles. ADD cv axles are different than those for manual hubs.

Last but not least, transfer case with transmission.

You can use your existing transmission, but that would require swapping the output shaft which again, means labor and more down time. There are two types of transfer cases; push button and j-shift.

Oh and last but not least, drive shafts. You can use your existing shaft for the rear and get it shortened by any reputable shop that specializes in drivelines.

 

What is the difference between ADD and manual hubs? Pros/cons?

 

ADD have stronger axles, but they're always turning

Manual hub setups have weaker axles, but can be left to free spin so there's slightly less wear and slightly better MPG's

At least that's what I've read.

I'm going manual hubs to keep everything mechanical; no electrical or vacuum lines to deal with when I do my swap and if something fails, it'll be a mechanical failure that I can just easily diagnose and fix.

 

That’s a pretty tall order, if you really want to do this swap the best way is to do the research yourself. Learn what needs to be installed, and how the 4WD system works. Your biggest parts would be a new transmission with transfer case, steering knuckles, front differential, etc.

 

Insurance would be sky high for another vehicle just for wheeling for someone his age. You pay a premium until you’re roughly 25. 4WD vehicles cost more than 2WD in my experience. Since my truck came from the factory as a 2WD I’m still paying 2WD insurance.

 

I think it was about the same as the 1st gen.

 

What is the process to change just the output shaft instead of the whole transmission?

 

Serious question; after my summarized list, do you still feel like tackling this conversion?

The hard part is sourcing the right parts.

 

Yes I do