Convert 4cyl/2wd to 4wd

I'm just getting ideas and wondering how feasible it would be to convert an inexpensive, base 1st gen 2wd single cab to be a lifted 4wd truck.

I know there is a lot of reading to do about SAS, prerunner -> 4x4 IFS conversions and such, but I'm wondering general issues and differences between the base 2WDs vs the Prerunner/4wd models.

Yeah, I know I'd need add a transfer case and all the necessary stuff on the front end to make it 4wd and probably want to re-gear since it'd have the 4cyl.

Discuss. Dream. Add photos of this already having been done. Bonus points for keeping the tire size at or under 35".

 

totally different truck.
and is destined to remain 2wd.

only the pre-runner could be converted.

 

I'm not looking to convert, just dreaming of potentially building a second vehicle that is more destined for adventuring (and much cheaper than my 03 double cab). I'd like to keep my current truck able to toss 4 more people in with bikes and camping gear and go on a trip with some trail driving, but nothing extreme. This second truck would be more of a toy for adventuring / solo adventures.

Without going full custom, is all of the suspension mounts/measurements too different to be able to buy off the shelf components to cobble together?

Yes, I know money, time, and a fabricator will make anything a reality.

 

something to look at while you ponder your options.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/1203or-off-road-readers-rides-march-2012/photo-02.html

^ total chaos LT susp. kit (click back to article for specs)

 

The 5 lug tacomas have completely different suspension from the 6 lug. The mounting points for the control arms on the frame are completely different.

The only real option would be to do an SAS build.

 

6 lug from the web

http://blogs.cars.com/.a/6a00d83451b3c669e20168e9c46b9d970c-Pittsburgh

My old 5 lug

 

Ok, so SAS + transfer case + new driveshafts?

Would I want to/ need to swap out the rear axle? I don't know what is under the 5 lugs.

 

if you are doing this with a 5 lug then you need everything but the frame and body replaced, at the very least the rear end will need new gears and axle shafts to fit 6 lugs so you can put bigger tires on it.

is that your truck in your avatar picture? I didn't know 5 lugs had stock mag rims?

 

New transmission, oil pan, harnesses, tranny mounts, drive shafts, 1 (or both) axles, gears, modifying the transmission tunnel in the body, welding on leaf spring perches or links, steering of some sort. There is a ton of stuff you have to do

This^^

Here is the only 5lug sas build I know of, that guy has amazing fab skills

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/toyota-tacoma/935572-hacksters-tacoma-project-2wd-4wd-sas.html

 

So it sounds like it's not really worth it unless I get the 2wd truck for free and have a lot of time and fab skills I want to learn.

Yes, that's my truck in the avatar - 2003 4WD TRD 6-lug. Those are the stock aluminum rims. This thread is a thought experiment - I don't have a 2wd truck.

Yes, I said that above:

 

This is a 5 lug getting 4x4 bronco beams and a linked rear. People have a lot of fun with the base tacoma. Another guy on here is doing the same but not 4x4.

http://www.dezertrangers.com/vb/showthread.php?t=151477

 

wel it all depends on if you love doing this stuff, if its like a hobby it can be a fun challenge and its doable albeit not very cost effective unless you have a 4wd donor truck to strip all the needed parts off of and then most likely 25% of what you need you would rather put on new parts if you are doing it and wanting long term reliability. so it comes down to if you feel your time and energy and money spent is worth it and a lot depends on if you have the skills and manpower help to do it all in your garage with a buddy to help you. so all that is considered into weather it makes it something you want to try.

oh, ok I thought you were asking about your truck and the picture had me confused as hell lol.

if they have stock aluminum mags for 5 lugs im all over that in a heartbeat lol

in the end, when it comes to mods like this the only opinion that matters if its worth it or not, is the guy who owns the truck

 

Hey guys I have a 97 Tacoma 4x4 what's the best lift kit I want to put 33s on it

 

Any mods is possible if you willing to spend that 5 digits of $$$$$. Labor 2k$, parts 5-6.5k$, 1.5+k $ for rims tires. You looking at 10 to 11k $ to sas your 2wd to a 4wd. Here is mine converted from prerunner to rock banger auto to 5 speed manual.

 

Roll cage!

 

Please - Don't feed the troll.