2004 2wd conversion to 4x4 w/ 2.4L engine?

I've seen quite a few posts back and forth about converting these trucks from 2WD to 4x4s but I haven't quite been able to find what I'm looking for...

I have a 04' Tacoma 2WD, 2.4L, manual 5 spd, base model, w/ 85,000 miles

Has anyone ever converted a gen 1 truck with the 2.4L engine to a 4x4? I am fully capable of swapping all of the necessary parts from a donor 4x4 onto my 2wd frame. I have access to a lift and all of the tools necessary. I was hoping to keep the current engine in the truck since it has low miles but I wanted to know if it will cause any clearance/length issues going to a 4x4?

I just started looking into this project and seems pretty straight forward but I haven't gotten to the detail level of the swap. Originally I bought the truck for $4,000 to use as a daily commuter (130 mi/day for me). I've since moved on to a different commuter vehicle. Now I still have a really nice 2WD truck but I want to look into converting to 4x4 to use as a little hunting vehicle.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks!

 

the 4wd frames have different weld/mount points for suspension. You'd be better off using the donor as the starting point.

also the 2.4 is way underpowered for a 4x4 setup, would need to turbo or something to get the power up

All-in-all I would get yourself a cheap 4x4 as a second truck and keep your commuter good on MPGs

 

ToyRyd's build (member) Has done 4x2 to 4x4 conversion

 

Your talking a 5 lugger 2wd to a 4x4 which would be alot of work, different frame mounts possibly like mentioned, 5 lug rear axle where 4x4s are six lug so you'd either have to figure how to get the rear to 6 lug or front to 5 lug to match, 5 lugger is spring under rear axle so that would need flipped. Etc. Etc. Etc.... Most the guys converting from 2x4 to 4x4 are starting with prerunners wich are already on 4x4 chassis with 6 lugs etc. Basically a 4x4 minus the 4x4 running gear. As far as the 2.4 power goes im sure it would be plenty for a 4x4 as its only 10 less hp than the 2.7 that comes in the 4x4s.

 

• 2.4 L four-cylinder rated at 142 hp (106 kW) and 160 lb·ft (217 N·m) of torque
• 2.7 L four-cylinder rated at 150 hp (112 kW) and 177 lb·ft (240 N·m) of torque

A little less in the torque range too although not overly drastic.

However there may be a different bell housing/trans/t-case line-up issue

and this is from ToyRyd04's sig

"04 Prerunner - Converted to 4x4"

so he started on the 4wd platform already, which is the easiest conversion. As stated 5-lug to 4wd 6-lug requires a lot more work and is probably cheaper to get an older 4wd. Or if you're really that bored go for it haha

 

Or buy a 4x4 rolling chassis and swap your body over. Still not simple

 

Thats a bad idea of a swap. way to much stuff that is totally not re usable.

Just sell and get a 4x4.

 

someone from expediton portal forum has done it. He has sold the truck since. From his posts he did have a hard time going over hills I imagine because of all the extra weight. Armor, gear, 4x4 drivetrain....etc