How To Install a 3rd Gen Off Road OR Axle On a 2nd Gen Tacoma (or non-OR 3rd Gen)

Awesome! I’ve been interested in the FJ t.c. case swap. It essentially makes the truck full-time AWD with a selectable locking center diff?

 

It depends on which version of the fj case you get. Either the VF2A(M?) or the VF4B(awd with center diff).
I'm aiming for the fj auto trans cause most have the manual t.c (VF2A) and more write up/swaps is found.
The fj manual transmission has the awd (VF4B?) version and also has the front axle without the actuator (solid axle shaft which some use for ADD delete on the tacos).

I'm going down the rabbit hole with these VF2's/VF4's...has in my area these fj t.c. are unicorns and usually bad shape and high mileage.
Looking at alternatives like the VF2A(M?) version of 4runners from more recent years.... Hard to get info on this since it seems that the 4runner's version is less popular...more research on my end.

But for me what was more important was the 3rd gen axles swap. My t.c. for the 08 works....for now.

I'm just trying to bombproof my truck for our big 2 months in the PNW.

I'm also trying to figure out how to activate the front axle/diff when I do that swap...but that more research and another tread!!

 

Hey, question on the front differential of the 3rd gen. I want to do this swap as well but I don't have any confirmation if the 2nd gen ADD actuator and extension tube housing will bolt up to the 3rd gen differential. Or can we use the entire 3rd gen differential with its actuator.l and extension housing etc. I'm unsure if the actuators are the same electrically for plugging into the second gen harness. Are you able to clarify if they're different or the same parts?

 

To my understanding, everything about the front diffs is exactly the same from 2nd to 3rd gen, including the ADD, — EXCEPT — a couple (early-mid?) years of the 3rd gen diffs came with an extra port on the pumpkin where an oil temperature sensor would screw in. Toyota stopped doing this for the final years of the 3rd gen, and you can simply install an appropriately threaded generic drain/fill plug into the port and forget about it.

 

So next question with the 3.90 gear ratio how did It drive drown the road and pulling hills?…..what tire size are you on ? And are you running any extra weight in the bed?

 

Surprised no one answered that for you. Unfortunately I cant either but i'll be giving an update on my 3rd gen rear swap. Had everything installed plus all long travel components in late january of this year. A friend of mine scanned and fab'd up a truss plus i added a FGP bash plate. E brake lines, abs, and speed sensors all fit and work with no modifications. Ive tried talking with a bunch of shops and people for powering the e-locker to my factory switch but they didnt seem competent enough and said they needed a diagram of the inside of the 3rd member in order to understand how to power it. I recently befriended a toyota tech who is in our local toyota group who says he will tackle that plus my torque convertor issue . Since im also long travel i had to make a custom slip yolk drive shaft since 2wd tacos dont have one, and i have installed the mitch made billet carrier bearing drop kit. I had some violent vibrations without it since the long travel. The shop who also installed all the long travel components also set the leaf pack perches and still needed to add 4⁰ shims ‍‍♂️. on top of that, my toyota tech friend (who also builds prerunners) took his degree finder out and said i would actually need 8⁰ shims. Moral of that story is that you need to make sure all your math, angles, and geometry are flawless and in order before you make anything permanent. Toyota drivelines are super sensitive from what i hear so whether you are long travel like me or not make sure everything is
Perfect or you will have vibration/shudder issues like i have; which may or may not have contributed to my transmission issues...