2-LO

is there anyway i can mod a 2012 SR5 to run low but stay in 2wd?

 

No

 

Really? Did they change something in 2012? The earlier trucks can be modded to do exactly that. You can also do an FJ transfer case swap with a twin stick.

 

Not without some kind of serious modding it can't.

 

Here's one thread: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/195424-2wd-lo-mod.html

Doesn't seem too tough, but I haven't done it. I have the FJ case, and really that wasn't too tough either with RST's help

 

Just out of curiosity, why would you want to run it in 2-low? Just trying to get a feel for your reasoning. In order to get a 2-low setting, you will need to either get a transfer case that will not drive the front driveshaft, or change out the automatic hubs into manual hubs on the front. While any mod CAN be done, the question would be is it cost effective for why you want to do it.

 

just think it would be nice to have for the occasion when you are on dry pavement, but need the additional low end power to pull something... maybe a boat from a launch .

 

Or put a switch on the ADD actuator so even though the transfercase is driving the front drive shaft, no power is getting to the wheels so no thread of binding.

 

It can all be done electronically by preventing the ADD from actuating in 4wd. No mechanical changes are required. Check out the thread I linked.

You almost have to do this if you have a manual transmission and tow. Toyota put a ridiculously high reverse gear in these trucks, making reverse operations with a trailer, or even up an incline empty, impossible without clutch smoking or going 20mph.

 

Basically what the link in badgers post does, fooling the 4 wd ECU to think ADD is engaged.

I haven't done it myself yet, but its still on my to do list for backing trailers uphill, etc. Reverse is geared too high on the 6 spds for that sort of thing, but it wouldn't hurt with an auto either.

It can be done without major modification, like swapping T- cases, converting to manual hubs...

Edit, seems badger and I were typing at the same time.

 

I was hoping you would weigh in as well I know you tow with yours. Let me tell you, you will like the 2lo option when you get it!

 

Yeah, it hasn't been a priority lately, as I haven't borrowed either of my father-in-laws trailers lately, and don't own one myself. It still won't be as convenient as a manual t-case, like all previous trucks I have had, but am also very sure I will like it, even without towing it would see occasional use.

With the link posted, I would confirm that there haven't been wiring changes between model years before chopping wires, otherwise, should be good to go.

 

Hmm. Well the newer trucks perhaps can be fooled into the 2-low setup with the ADD mod you are talking about. I haven't had any trouble towing with my Tacoma in regular 2wd mode, so never really considered a need for it, that is why I was asking that of the OP.

 

Do you own a 2nd gen? Your sig says 1997

 

I would love to have it for reversing. Backing a heavy trailer up any sort of incline kind of sucks. It's geared too high, in my opinion.

 

The 6 speed trucks are geared way too high in reverse. Even a steep driveway to back out of is a problem. I've had an 86 Toyota 4x4 with a 22R and G52, even with stock axle gears and 31 inch tires, no problems in the same situation (same exact driveway, actually). My 2009 Tacoma that I drive at work has the 2.7 and 5 speed, it's much more manageable in the same situations that the six speed becomes a pain in the ass.

I don't tow, but it would be a priority to figure out 2lo if I did.

OP, as other's have said, it's been done with the stock transfercase. From my experience with other trucks with manual hubs, it's worth doing.

 

My sig is correct, I own a 1st gen. However at my shop I have worked on both the 1st and 2nd gen trucks, and have a good bit of experience on them (Not Toyota Specialist tech, but I have learned a good bit over the years.)

I can see how having it for reverse would be helpful, but again, and this is just an opinion, if I am backing up a heavy trailer, I'd just as soon have 4wd low in that situation. That is why I was asking why. I figure any situation where 2 low would be wanted, you may as well use 4 low. I was curious as to his reasoning. That's why I asked. I will have to go check the actual gearing numbers to compare the 1st and 2nd gens so I will have that info for later use.

 

On soft ground, or anything that will give, I just use 4lo. The issue I've seen is campgrounds, for example. You have to back a heavy trailer, sometimes uphill, from pavement into a spot which many times requires a hard turn in the process. It's certainly worst case scenerio since you won't want 4lo due to binding under a heavy load but the low gearing would be a nice feature.

 

I guess you might find an instance where you might want it. On the binding, since I don't have a front locker, I don't have any concerns with it. Never had a problem with the front end binding up, but yeah, I guess someone who might have a locker might be concerned with tearing up the ground. I don't like the idea of doing damage to the parking areas of a campground either. Of course I am lucky enough also in my 1st gen as I have manual hubs, so if I DID have a locker, I could just not engage the hubs when backing up with a load and have that 2-low type of situation. Thanks for the thought process there. Like I said, I was curious why, and now I know. I've just never ran into that situation where I needed it, so I never really thought about it before now. always good to learn something different.