Converting prerunner to 4x4?

I don't completely agree on the "cheaper to buy 4x4 to begin with" theory.

I'm currently helping a friend convert his '14 DCSB Prerunner into 4x4. He bought the truck new knowing he'd convert it. He wanted the double cab for interior space and 4cyl auto for fuel economy. Buying a 4x4 DCSB automatically bumped you up to a 6cyl. So instead of the $24k he paid, it would have cost him $32k and poor mileage.

Now I know everyone will say it'll be slow, no power, etc. etc., but we knew that going in and let's be honest, the 4cylinders already are slow and weak. He's not building it to be a rock crawling monster or mud pit machine. He's building it for the occasional snow we get in the north east and maybe a trip or two on the beach.

It'll be plenty strong for those instances. We've been researching and researching making sure we cover EVERYHING. Bought a tail housing adapter from Toyota, cv half shafts and hubs from Napa, front axle from eBay, correct output shaft from Toyota and transfer case from salvage yard. All that's left is to shorten rear drive shaft, purchase front drive shaft and install all the parts. We're doing rocker switches to first actuate hub locker, then another to engage four wheel drive high or low. Truck will look 100% oem when done.

Oh, and all said and done he'll be under $2000 total parts cost, a lot less than $8000. We plan to get everything ready, then spend a full weekend tearing down and rebuilding. So really it's how much you research, and how much time you're willing to invest. I bet between the two of us we already have 20+ hours just in research and at least that much will be needed to actually do it.

Either way, we plan on doing a detailed diy write up as we go and we'll post when done. Good luck with your adventure.

 

I just read the tacoma t-case won't work due to computer differences. Will need to find a Fj transfer case with manual shift (which I prefer)

One problem I see with this, and correct me if I'm wrong, is that my truck is a standard and wouldn't allow room for manual t-case shifter. Now it may be going to an automatic depending on what transmission I manage to find. Please let me know if this is all correct. This is just what I have been able to gather through my research

 

Before you continue this swap you do know that going this route there are things that cannot be undone. Right? You will have to CUT your interior. So fitting is the least of your worries. Or at least it should be. This isn't just a swap this part for this part kinda swap.

 

Glad to hear someone else thinks I'm not crazy. Looking forward to the write up. If you do manage to get it all under $2000 I think I'll have to pull the trigger on this. After all a 4x4 second gen for $6000 is a steal and still $10,000 cheaper then any 4x4 for sale in my area

 

Yea I get that it's not remove and replace and don't worry about me running off half cocked. I won't be stating this swap for a while. Still have a good bit of saving to do

 

The tacoma case would work just the same, it would have to be wired up though. Having a standard transmission won't be a problem, if you see my writeup below you can see it's not bad to fit the shifters in

http://www.rocksolidtoys.com/forum/showthread.php?t=525

 

Great write up. That helps a lot. Your truck looks great

 

What a huge

 

Thanks man, good luck with the future swap!

If wasting money is logical, then excuse me for being a dick.

 

Nah, i'll just click on ur name

 

Shall we just refer back to you quote about free speech. We all have different definitions of what is within reason and what justifies selling what you have to buy what you want

 

Not to hard as long as you have a DD, if you need help give me a holler, I know a few things and am just down the road in BSL.

 

I've got a 3.73 front diff.been keeping it but id sell.supposed to have 36,000 miles but I cant be sure.

 

Thanks man. I may have to take you up on that offer at a letter date if I actually get around to doing this

 

I'll have to check back with you on that. Need to save and research more before I decide what I'm going to do

 

Go for it man.
Keep us well informed on your build/install if/when it happens.

May as well go with an FJ case, I've been wanting to do that and throw in a marlin crawler taco box as well.

But the lack of funds and fabrication know how is keeping me from that

 

This is basically where I'm at now

 

I'll be sure to link you to the write up once done. Like I said, all the expensive stuff is purchased and we know what else we have left in cost. No way should we be more than $2000.

 

I know of a couple of folks who have done the conversion....not real terrible on a pre-runner as you already have the front suspension of a 4x4 (look underneath, you have 4x4 spindles and such with the axle hole plugged with a tin cap. If you watch places like Marlin Crawler and such you can find the required front end stuff pretty cheap as well as the transfer case...biggest issue would be the tranny. If you like the truck and are OK with doing the mechanical stuff, go fo it!

 

I'd love to get a hold of your parts list and where you bought everything when your done. Thanks in advance for the write up