To 4wd or 4runner, need insight

1995-2002. 2003-2004 uses the ETCS-I electronic throttle system and won’t work. You’re looking for the A340F.

Keep in mind you want a J-Shift transfer case. 2001-2004 came stock with Pushbutton 4WD which requires some work to hook up.

1995-2000 was standard with Manual Hubs and the J-Shift transfer case. ADD and Pushbutton 4WD were an option, and usually came on the Limited variations.

2001-2004 was strictly ADD only, with an option for J-Shift or Pushbutton 4WD.

 

Lots of different cars use the A340E. It was on things like the Toyota Supra MKIV, Isuzu D-MAX, Lexus SC400 to name a few.

You could theoretically wire an IS300 wheel with the “paddle” shifters to a Tacoma with the A340E.

 

Yup, but people don’t usually converts any of those to 4wd.

 

I would encourage you to do the switch. I have spent a crap ton of time on this and as soon as I can find someone to help me find the right parts I am doing the switch. It is very inexpensive compared to acquiring a different vehicle unless you get very lucky on your sale and future purchase price. Otherwise, you will have to move down in vehicle quality to gain 4x4. I could not move horizontally and gain 4x4. Not even close. I’m told the parts should be around $1500. Can’t move sideways in quality and gain 4x4 for that.


I will admit as someone with very little mechanical knowledge I give up when I start trying to find the parts. It is very daunting, confusing, frustrating. I have a 2003 so it narrows some decisions down further making it a bit tougher.

If you have a decent understanding of your truck and the terminology that everyone is using, you should not have a s tough of a time. Also being in California it seems more parts are available.
Good luck!

 

2003 and 2004 is tough. With the v6 Auto, it uses the ETCS-I system which means you can only use 2003/2004 transmissions. These are rare, and expensive. ETCS-I lacks the kickdown cable as it utilizes an electronic throttle.

 

if you want to, and you have the money, skills, and time.... SAS swap ftw. If you don't have the skills or money, IFS swap. If you don't have all 3, sell and buy a new truck. It'll be rough because you love your truck, but it'll be worth it. Just my one cent as a person of similar age. that being said, I am also no expert.

 

Can I use spindles, cv axles, front differential, and transfer case from the same truck from 1995-2000 as long as it has the manual hubs?

 

Correct. In fact the front differential is the same on the 3rd Gen 4Runner, and 1st Gen Tundra and Seqouia although I recommend sticking with the Tacoma since the gear codes are right.

You must match the gear ratio to the rear

 

Would I find my gear ratio in the owner's manual?

 

No. Your gear ratio is a three digit code on the VIN sticker. Decode it here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-gear-ratio-chart.365138/

 

Thank you man I really appreciate the help

 

So in order for me to do the 4x4 swap on my 04 I would have to use only an 03-04 tranny and TC?

 

Third Gen 4Runner all day every day. ‘99-00 with an e-locker is the most sought after. Can swap your TBU right over to the Runner.

 

If you have an Automatic v6 yes. You can do a valve body or output shaft swap too.

 

So if I went with an add system, could I pull them from the same years? I'm realizing that in California the add system is much easier to get than manual hubs. Any extra parts/ changes with this change?

 

Mentioned earlier; there are only 2 systems 1 which is manual hubs and the 2nd which is the ADD setup.

The ADD setup is the same in all 1st gen Tacoma's; what I'd suggest is sticking to a j-shift transfer case though.

ADD front diff's are nearly everywhere so sourcing one isn't an issue.

ADD axles also seem to be plentiful on craigslist and even salvage yards.

Get yourself some spindles/wheel hubs from an ADD equipped vehicle, and you'll minimize down time when performing your 4x4 swap.

If you consider manual hubs at all, you'll just need to narrow your search down to a 1996-2000. They are available after 2000 MY I'm sure, they're just not that common as ADD became standard after a certain year.

 

Great I think I'll do add it's just easier to source parts and I can get them from 01-04 as well

 

Hey guys so I found a website that sells used axles with a 1 year warranty and free shipping. I can get a 1998 4.10 gear ratio without add for 650 total. Only had 78k on it. Good deal or not?

 

Do I need every part from the front axle or should I just find individual parts?

 

now that you're playing 20 questions ... perhaps now is the time for you to really work up a kick-ass write-up on what you did.

@rj15tacoma - here's a couple of threads for reference -

DETAILED (especially his links to other reference threads he used):
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/matthews-jade-green-4x4-conversion-and-other-upgrades.579846/

Recent conversion:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ap-w-twin-stick-and-shift-kit-and-b-s.562405/

More:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/college-daily-camping-truck-04-dc-build-4x4-conversion.540331/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frenchtacos-2003-4wd-conversion.442734/#post-12884808


I think as it stands today - @Kwikvette is the closest to finishing his part list shopping.