Converting a 2.7l L4 2x4 PreRunner to a 3.4l V6 4x4 (Seriously)

Many people like the non-add manual set up. The add is vaccum actuated, which can lead to headaches on the trail. The manual setup gets rid of all the vacuum bologna and replaces it with the manual hubs (which are more reliable). When the hubs are unlocked, it's also less wear on the front end complements. I'd try to find a j shifter instead of the push button.

 

Go for it. It won't be an impossible thing. Report back with pics and funny stories.

 

So going the manual hub route is easier and more reliable, basically?

 

Yes. Especially when converting from 2wd to 4wd. Also, you can modify the add front diff to be a manual setup pretty easily. Let me know if you want the link to how to do it.

 

Saw this on craigslist and thought it might be of use if you are close enough.

https://spokane.craigslist.org/pts/6016795649.html

 

I was planning on just buying a whole truck since I'm doing the engine swap too it'll be cheaper.

 

Here you go:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...or-the-1st-gen-tacoma-3rd-gen-4runner.460180/

 

You should just go the extra mile and put a 4.7 V8 in there, that way there's a noticeable power gain! The HP difference between the 3.4 and 2.7 isn't that impressive.

 

My real dream is putting in a 1JZ diesel in there like someone on this forum did, but after looking through that write-up it involves a crazy amount of fabrication and troubleshooting wiring harnesses. I chose the 3.4l because it already comes with a wiring harness and computer made for Tacomas and for the most part you don't have to fabricate or majorly change anything. I'll probably put a supercharger on it. Maybe.

 

I always thought a twin turbo 2JZ swap into a Taco would be cool as well. People's jaws would drop when you smoked their Corvette with a 1000rwhp first gen Tacoma! Haha

 

Oh man you'd wreck the drivetrain from all that power and torque haha.

That reminds me of a friend who took a Prius, removed the entire electrical and mechanical systems, fabricated a custom drivetrain, and dropped in a Chevy small block engine. It looked completely stock on the outside. You should've seen the face of the guy driving a Mustang stopped at the stoplight when he started revving the engine of the Prius.

 

Hey Jacob, not sure if you'd know the answer to this but i've been researching the manual hub conversion for my 2003 pre runner. I've heard you can take the output shaft from a 4x4 transmission and attach to my current transmission. Is that possible? I'm also having trouble finding a concise parts list. I have the front driveshaft and interior bezel so far (not much i know) but all I need is the spindle/bearing hub assembly, manual CVs, manual transfer case (J-shift??) and front diff correct? Can the front diff come from any first gen or only another 2003? Sorry for the novel. Any input would be much appreciated! Thanks

 

Oh boy. I don't know all the answers, but, you'll definitely need manual hubs, and front diff from any year Tacoma, drive shafts, etc. not sure about the transmission thing. Your part list looks good. Any front diff from any first gen Tacoma will work (add or manual). I can walk you through how to Convert the add to a manual if needed. Just be sure you match the gearing front and rear.

 

I'm also in the middle of 3.4 swapping my 2.7 truck. Updates are on my build thread. Motor mounts will need to be moved. All wiring harness/ecu needs to be changed. Good luck bud!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jacobrippeys-1995-tacoma-single-cab-build.464821/

 

Thanks for the reply. Since I have a 2wd I don't believe I need to switch ADD to manual since theres no 4wd components anyway
I do have a rear locker, but I don't think that needs to me messed with at all since its rear. I have been thinking about regearing to 4.10s, so yeah i'll have to find a matching front

I'll take a look at your build thread too, thanks for the info!

 

What I meant by the add swap is that you can get an ADD front diff (which are more plentiful on 4runners and tacomas) and convert it to a manual locking setup.

 

Ohhh okay gotcha, yeah that could be a possibility. I'll be starting to really shop around for parts this next coming month.

 

I just converted my truck from V6 prerunner to 4x4 with the push button transfer case.

 

How hard is the push button vs. manual hubs? I'd rather have ADD push button simply for convenience.