2wd vs 4wd

I'm new to the forum and been doing research on what truck to get. I currently own a 86 T4R with a Lexus V8 w/ a fully built suspension for rock crawling. I've been reading a lot on this forum before i sign up, but i guess its best just to ask the people who knows these truck the most. I no longer find my self in need of a 4Runner and need a truck to carry load and gear for easy access. My ultimate goal is to find a nice Tacoma and SASed it with what I currently have on my T4R. Basically transfer everything I currently have, axles, dual cases, armors, lockers and so forth.. I've already research that part of it and it should fit. I'm more concern about the actual body and frame of the Tacoma. Was wondering if there is an actual visual differences between the two as to suspension wise or transmission to different layouts of the frame it self. I know this is a odd question but I hope you Tacoma guys can help educate me on some differences besides the 2wd and 4wd part.. Thanks in advance.

 

Off the top of my head the Tacoma frames are bigger then then the 86

Tacoma @ 3"x5" 4Runner @ 2"x4"

Cab and Bed mounts will be different

The Tacoma front drive shaft is on the left

the gas tank is as well

Your 4Runner has a steering box the Tacoma has a rack

Your 4Runner has Torsion bars the Tacoma has Struts and coil springs

I believe the differential Housings are different

I am not sure if your second case will adapt to the Tacoma one or not.

Myself if you need to haul things I think i would buy a trailer giving you more space then a Tacoma bed and call it done.

 

Thanks for the info, that does help a little. Trial gear offers a SAS kit that will allow me to use the 85 Toyota axle and that is what I'm planning on using. This will allow me to have a passenger drop TC. The my TC already has an adapter that will mount to a A340 transmission. I swapped in a Lexus V8 last couple of years and those tranny are the A340 as well. They are the same. The steering on the tacoma will be cut off and i will using my IFS 86 Toyota steering box. Which the kit from TG includes mounts for. My TC is fully built and i don't want to loose that. I don't like buying cars or trucks that are previously built by someone else. I prefer to do it myself.