2lo kit for 2nd gens

UPDATE

It looks like another batch may be in the works. Signups are here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2lo-modules.708941/


Hey Guys,

I'm creating this thread as an information sign up thread for 2lo kits.

As some of you are aware and many I assume are not, I've been working on a plug and play 2lo module for our trucks for quite some time now. It's been a over 2 years since I started working on this, and the oldest prototype has been in my truck for well over a year now and has worked flawlessly!

I've kept this project mostly on the down low because I knew it was going to take a long time to go through development and I also wanted a decent amount of time for prototypes in trucks to prove themselves.

What are you selling?
A plug and play kit to make your truck capable of 2wd low range (2lo).

Why do I need 2lo?
If you need to ask that question then the truthful answer is you probably don't need it (aren't I a great salesman lol). Some reasons include backing up trailers, driving in and out of boat ramps, steep inclines & declines on trails with hardpack, rock crawling etc. For you guys with manual transmissions this can be a real clutch saver for some of the things you need to do in 1st or reverse. Essentially any application where you will benefit from engaging your truck's low range without worrying about binding up your driveline. Driveline binding is normally amplified when in 4lo.

How technical is the install?
Not technical at all, it is truly a plug and play unit... just click a few connectors together. You can have your truck 2lo capable in just 15 minutes start to finish!

Will it work in my truck?
If you have a 2nd gen Tacoma (2005-2015) and a model that has 4wd then yes this kit will work with your truck

What's the price?
$299 USD via PayPal

How does it work?
I've included install & operational instructions in a file at the bottom of this thread. It would take a super long post to truly outline how it works. The very quick version though is the module can prevent the truck from engaging 4wd while making the 4wd ECU believe that you are engaged. As a result you will be able to shift into 2lo rather than 4lo. As far as operation goes this is ready to go out of the box using your 4wd switch or you can also use an added switch (not included) to activate the module. If using your 4wd switch you hold the switch between 2hi and 4hi for 2 seconds, once you see the dash light confirmation that the module has been activated you then shift into 4lo as you normally would and you will actually be in 2lo (there is also a dash confirmation confirming you are in 2lo). If you elect to activate the module with an added switch then simply push in the switch, wait for the dash confirmation and then shift into 4lo (which will become 2lo with the module activated). Seems a bit wordy but it is a very simple process.

The simplified version would be:
1) Activate module
2) Shift into 4lo (which thanks to the module will now be 2lo)
3) Enjoy 2lo

Enough reading already..... here are some pics!




And a few videos of the different dash light sequences below:

Dash light sequence for engaging 2lo mode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KkewHeLoMs

Dash light sequence for disengaging 2lo mode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPyZRhQazQE

Dash light sequence for when truck is in 2lo state
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE11xY0mhPA

Here are the important details to know if you are signing up for a kit!

1) For those of you north of the border (Canada) payment can be made in CAD funds at the current USD/CAD exchange rate

2) Unfortunately since starting this project my workload has changed quite a bit and I no longer have nearly as much free time as I used to. If it takes me a couple of days to respond to your message please have patience

Otherwise thanks for taking the time to read through the post! If you need a bit more information I have also included the instructions for this unit available as a PDF download at the very bottom of this post.

I'm sure a few of the guys who already have a 2lo unit installed will come across this post and chime in with their own experiences.

 

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Awesome to hear you have decided to sell some more, sign me up!

 

Will this work on a prerunner to 4x4 conversion?

 

In for one definitely! Thanks!

 

PM Replied

Depends on how the conversion was done. The entire system was designed around a stock 4x4 unit. To make sure the 2lo module is completely safe for your truck it lets the stock 4wd ECU handle the shifting (and determination when it is safe to do so). The module is simply feeding the 4wd ECU the prompts and then letting the ECU handle the actual safety checks and shifts.

So to answer your question it could work with a prerunner converted unit if the conversion was adding all of the stock 4wd components onto the prerunner.

Will send you a PM in a few, thanks!

 

These kits sound awesome. If I got paid in US dollars I would be on your list in a heartbeat!

I really appreciate the heated mirror kit you sold me. Your workmanship is excellent and installation instructions are amazing!

 

Glad you like the heated mirrors! I didn't mention in the initial post but Canadian's can of course pay in CAD funds. The total would just get converted based on the exchange rate. I've just kept the posted billing cost in USD since essentially all of my costs to have these built are in USD.

 

I have one of Jaimes' 2lo boxes in my truck. It works awesome and was super easy to install. One other thing worth mentioning about the external switch option. If you use the factory switch, and you turn off the key, you have to redo the switch sequence when you restart the truck. If you install the extra 2lo switch, every time you start the truck, you will be in 2lo. In my case, my use is always, put it in 2lo, do the job, and take it out of 2lo. If your tasks involve, repeated shutting off the truck and restarting the truck while remaining in 2lo, you should install the extra switch.

 

Thanks David glad you are enjoying it! I would agree that if your tasks involve shutting off the truck a number of times then it would be better to use an external switch. Provided it was in 2lo when shutoff and the switch remains pressed in then it will automatically keep you in 2lo when you restart the truck.

There is a way to do it using the 4wd switch option too though.... just not as automatic. What you would need to do is hold the 4wd switch between 4hi and 4lo before turning the key, start the truck and then put the 4wd switch back to the 4lo position. The 2lo module will recognize that as a command to instantly re-lock into 2lo. Not as smooth / automatic as the external switch but possible if needed.

 

Pm sent. Sign me up!

 

Love mine. Makes backing a trailer sooooo much nicer. No more roasted clutch. Thanks @Up2NoGood

 

Got you signed up... thanks for ordering!

Glad to hear it's working out well for you I use mine primarily when I'm backing up trailers and even with an automatic it's a huge improvement... I'm sure with a manual it must be a night and day difference.

 

Quick question:

With my manual, i have engage parking braking first to get it into 4lo. Same with this im assuming?

 

It looks just like this.

 

Checkout his install instructions in the first post. With his harness it tucks in right in between the right side of the glovebox frame and the passenger side bulkhead. I installed mine where he suggested and I haven't heard anything different in regards to rattles. AND it works as advertised.

 

It is, since toyota felt the need to gear reverse so you could do 55mph

 

I'd say rock it. Wish a 3rd gen option without hacking was available.....maybe in time. Or a tacobox....

 

Good news... The first batch of pre-crimped wires arrived earlier than expected. Should now be able to ship these out as payments arrive rather than the previously posted timeline

 

Glad to see this is in full operation finally!! It's been a long journey.

For anyone wondering, I got one of the first modules (squeaky wheel gets the grease ) and this may be my favorite mod. I tow a lot in technical situations and was burning the life out of my clutch. This kit has been a savior!! I engage 2 low at least 10 times a week and the kit has been in for about a year. Works flawlessly.