4x4 conversion thread idea.

I am wondering if there would be any interest in putting a thread together addressing the 1st gen conversions from Pre Runner to 4x4. I know there is a ton of information here on this topic but what I am finding is that it is spread out all over the place. I have about wore my finger tips off typing into the search function and am still having a hard time getting a comprehensive list of what parts will work and which ones wont.
What I am proposing is an original post with all the will works and won't works listed in one post. It could be broken down in the year splits. Info on which lockers will work bolt in and which ones require mods based on housings. Which drive shafts are bolt in as opposed to which ones need cutting. Which transfer cases and transmissions work versus which ones need to be sliced and diced to fit. So on and so on...
I am aware that this would take some work and time to put together but with that said I am willing to maintain the original post and add and subtract info as it is provided by all you guys who are willing to share your knowledge.

Let me know what you guys think. In the interest of full disclosure this is not a completely selfless act as it would really benefit me as I embark on my own conversion. It would just be lagniappe that others would have a more easily followed path towards their liberation from the shackles of 2wd misery.

 

There are a ton of Prerunner to 4wd swap threads on this page. Never hurts to have another though. If you have any questions on what you need, I could tell you.

 

I am not really talking about a swap thread as much as a central location for the swap specific material. As I said I have found a crap load of info it just seems like it is spread out all over the place. Maybe it is already covered well enough. If so I just need to get better with the damn search function.

 

If you're able to find that info than you should able to combine it here if you want.

I'm not sure what it is thats so confusing about those other 'how-to' threads that are confusing enough for you to want to create a new thread.

 

OK. Type in 2000 Pre Runner to 4x4 swap in the search function. To me that seems like a fair search for the info I am looking for. When you look at the results they seem to be all over the place. What I am proposing is a thread where the long time members or even us newbies could link to a thread that would have a comprehensive list of what works and what doesn't.

 

Thanks man. I will hit you up with some questions as I get rolling on this.

 

I think it would be best if you find a way to organize it for what YOU need. When I look for 4x4 conversions, swaps, I look specifically for the '1st gen'.

 

You are saying the same thing I am in different words. There seems to be a bunch of 1st gen swaps which leads me to believe that there are a bunch more thinking about a swap. Why not a central thread where the info is stored? Not arguing or looking to cause conflict. More just thinking this may be something that could help the community and be a source for members new and long timers.

 

I think someone took your idea awhile ago
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transmission-swap-write-up-s.384303/

 

Because each person did the swap a little differently but ultimately still ended up being the method. 4x4 manual swap and 4x4 automatic swap, some replace the tranny, some kept their auto tranny and just swapped in the proper shaft plus added in the transfer case, etc...etc...

You just need to read through it and figure out what you want, create a document for yourself for you to follow along. Bookmark the thread that you followed so you can ask questions later if you run into problems.

 

I'm in the process of doing my swap right now. Here's a list of parts you need. This list assumes you're using manual hubs, j-shift, and a manual jackshaft. ADD will be much much cheaper.

 

Great info guys. I am going out Monday to look through some of the local salvage yards to see whats available. I guess I should start my build thread so I can get everything together on one page.

 

you would not need a new transmission cross-member just a 4x4 trans mount. If you want the shift boot, under the shift lever, you need the 4x4 version. I cut a hole in mine at first, then replaced it later. When looking for drive lines be mindful that v6 and 4 cylinder have different lengths. The 4 cylinder is set back to the rear of the vehicle 3 inches or so making the front drive line longer and the rear transfer case section shorter. I can tell you from experience, front wheel drive Tacoma is by far more functional. Depending on the miles if it is time for wheel bearings, just get manual hubs and have them installed into the original steering knuckles. This way original ABS system will work properly, If you like that. I started with a 03 double cab prerunner trd. I now have 4x4 and a v8 only owning the truck for 20 months now. This is the last photo of my truck before upgrading to 4x4. Even the E-locker could not save me.

 

I want a V8

 

It is something more than I expected. I still have this and that to tidy up, but yes that is exactly where I started ( I want a v8)

 

I've heard the 1st gen Tundra v8's engine mounts are in the same place as the v6 5VZ

 

The hardest part by far to find for me was the correct rear driveshaft. You only need the front rear portion up to the carrier bearing - but there's so many different driveshafts.

You're right you don't need the whole crossmember but my scrapper sold me the whole thing including the mount for relatively cheap.

 

Did you let the air out your tires?

 

The front diff is a strait bolt up application. I have the front diff of an 06 tundra in my taco. the engine mounts are home made. I moved my transmission cross member then made motor mounts. I studied singtoe's thread along with torque of the devel and yotaoffroad27. From the head lights to the tail lights my taco is tundra. Here is a picture of my motor mount. i bet it will not be long before someone is making them for swaps.

 

No did not even try. That would have been good to do before I buried it. My wife was driving, and she stopped when the truck stopped, still on the topof the sand. I was the dumb dumb that thought the e-locker would just take me out. When I tried, it just sank and sank more. Some guys who were digging clams that day tried digging me out. Then a guy with a truck pulled me out. I got called a tourist. It was funny because I l have lived 20 miles from that beach my whole life but 3 years.