2005 Pre-Runner to 4x4 conversion

Hello,

I've been searching for sometime now and know there's been alot of discussions and information on converting the 1st generation Pre-Runners to 4x4, but I'm not finding anything on '05 or newer.
I have a '05 Pre-Runner TRD V-6 with the 5 spd Auto trans (A750E) that I'd like to convert. From the research I've done it looks like most everything will bolt right up due to the Pre-Runner and 4x4 use alot of the same parts, including spindles.
But can anyone tell me the transfer case their using for this? Sounds like maybe an FJ since they use the same engine and transmission as the Taco.
Since I plan on using a manual shift transfer case, the electronics shouldn't be an issue.
Does anyone make an adapter to mount a transfer case to my exsisting trans? I'd like to keep my trans due to the electronics issue. I know the 4x4 Taco uses the A750F but I don't want to go that route if I don't have to (because of the electronics).

From what I gather I need the following parts:
front differential ($300)
front Ring/pinion ($175)
axles & stub shafts ($150)
Bearings ($120)
front Drivelines (I'll shorten my rear) ($75)
Transfer case (out of a FJ maybe?) ($800)
trans to trans case adapter ??? ($300)

Any constructive input would be appeciated.

 

Don't forget the wiring and switches. But, yeah, easier just to get a new one.

 

not true, you can sucessfully convert for under 1500, i personally know someone that has.

depends on what you consider easier, labor wise, yes. time wise? maybe maybe not.


and OP, i dont have any info that your looking for.... but i do believe there is a reason people havent done it on the second gen.... not sure why.

but go for it, there are several here that has done it and they say it was totally worth it, most have under 1500 invested if parts werent bought used.

hopefully someone else can chime in here. good luck!

 

what if the trucks paid off... and he would rather convert it to 4wd then buy a new truck and have a new loan. He isn't talking about a sas. And about the wiring he said he wanted to use a fj case... that means manual / dog leg 4wd. Have faith guys... buncha debby downers!

 

to most people 1500 is worth the cost of not having to sell your truck, and then buying a new one just for 4x4, this guy seems pretty knowledgable, im sure he plans to do it on his own.

he can get everything he needs plus a tranny for under 1500, then sell his shit. and be in it for under a grand i would hope. im sure if he plans to do this he never really plans on selling the truck... if he had plans to do that.. why not do it now?

better not mod your truck, ever. resale value will drop.

 

braaaaaaap brap ap.

beat me to it mike, we see eye to eye!

 

indeed we do! All these internet high fives will become real high fives one day lol.

And I'm sure local members from tw would help I know I would help a fellow member.

 

hell yeah! go to moab for the big meet!!

exactly, i would also. gscott did it, hes in az. didnt have a chance to help

his truck is a first gen, but he said it was totaly worth it

 

I bet it was worth it. Never met this gscott fellow. Unless he has NPH as his avatar then I think I know him lol.

 

You're going to spend a long time finding the parts for 1500 or under. Most of the second gen conversions i've seen have said ti cost them 3-6k. Quick break down. Transmission, transfer case, drive shafts front and rear, front differential (possibly new gears for back depending on ratios), cv's, brake rotors, bearings and mounts for it all. Can that all be bought for 1500 cash? Yes, but if that's your goal I doubt you'll have the parts together until christmas... of 2013...

As for using your old transmission I am pretty sure that is a no go. The transfer case will push the transmission back, increasing the angle of the drive shaft beyond acceptable limits and limiting your ability to lift the truck even more.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

I have found all the parts for under $2000. But, as I said, I'm not sure about the transfer case. That could range from $300 up to $2600. Depends what I have to use. That could be the deciding factor on if I do it.
I don't care about the resale value. The truck is paid for and I plan on keeping it. Fact is I would get enough out of it to get a 4x anyway, so why not. The warranty is also expired so that's not an issue.
I will be doing the work myself. I used to be a race car fabricator, and dealership mechanic, and have built a couple rock crawler Jeeps and SR1 Rhino's in the past. I also have a very well equipped shop. This is not brain surgery.
As for my time, it's my vehicle so my time really doesn't matter. Besides from what I've found out, it shouldn't take more then a day or 2 to bolt up the front diff. The only question is the transfer case.
No wiring harness or electronics need. Manual transfer case. The trucks cpu won't know the difference, that's why I want to keep the original transmission. I was hoping just pull my tailshaft housing and replace with an adapter to the transfer case. Drive shaft angle shouldn't be a problem if their built right. The truck currently uses an intermediate shaft. Get rid of that and there's plenty of room for any transfer case or even 2 without angle problems.
This has been discussed alot before I know, but not much that I can find on the 2nd generation. Maybe when it comes to the transfer case that's where it gets sticky. That's what I need to find out.

Again, thanks for the input.

 

I have been looking into this and I will do it after I finish some other stuff I am doing atm. Time is what is kicking my ass currently.

For the problem you have about the tranny, I am in the same boat, but in my case it's because my tranny has been very good and I do not want to risk getting a dud. There is a company that makes a transfer case/tranny divorce adapter. I am on my phone atm, but when I get home I will post the link. The part is about $900.00 though, so it is quite expensive for what it is.

 

Subscribed!

 

Perfect, that's what I'm looking for. That is pricey. But I guess as long as I can get the other stuff cheap enough it'll be well worth it.
Thanks.

Here's another thought. What about using a divorce mount transfer case such as a NP205. They have a drivers side output also. There's plenty available, pretty cheap, very basic to rebuild. There is atleast 22" to stuff one in behind the existing trans if the intermediate drive shaft is removed. There's still room to shorten the rear drive shaft if need and add a CV to help with angles. Maybe I could use Morse shifter cables for the shifter. Just thinking outside the box.

 

I cannot seem to find the exact link I had. I will keep looking for it. I however think that it was from this company:

http://www.inchwormgear.com/store/

 

i dont think you need a new tranny, just take it apart and put a 4wd output shaft into it. thats what gscott did...

paging garret!!

 

Hmmm its true, I did successfully do this on my 2004,
Now the 2nd gens do have more electronics, SO its going to be more difficult because they don't come with manual hubs or transfer cases.

But I hear of people swapping the fj cases in so you would need to do that and whatever it requires to get a manual case into the truck,

as far as your transmission, if you have the cash, and if inchworm makes it for your truck (not sure if they make them for the new tacoma's) they sell A prerunner adapter that uses your transmissions stock output shaft and replaces your tailhousing so you can bolt up one of their gear (not chain, gear is better) driven lefty t cases.
This method is best and is around 5000ish (estimate for a 1st gen). This also the EASIEST way to do it.

What i did, Is I Pulled the transmission, pulled out all the internals and swapped in a 4wd output shaft, after that a stock transfer case and adapter piece bolted right up, this way I didn't have to worry about any electronics because it all stayed the same.

The two main problems I ran into were, when re assembling the tranny I missed the pin in the gear selector valve, so I only had park and forward lol but that was an easy fix just a pain, and then I didn't have a speed sensor because the 4wd one is in the t case and was a different size.

 

Give Marlin Crawler a call and talk to Marlin he will be able to tell you any and everything you want to know about trans/ t-cases

 

You also need computer to engage front ADD ($???)
Need wheel hubs with new wheel bearings and all the seals ($500)

 

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