Conversion help -- Prerunner to 4x4

I’d argue that it’s likely you’ll end up with a more reliable truck if you do the conversion vs a trade.

For me to net spend about the same as my conversion cost on trading in for a 4WD, I would have ended up with a slightly older vehicle with more miles and an unknown history. It’s probable that the previous owner didn’t spray Fluid Film on the frame every year as I do, so there would be rust to deal with. And a potential list of other likely problems you deal with when buying a used vehicle.

Also, I’d stake a decent amount of money on the fact that the converted trucks have a more reliable 4WD system than the factory 4WD trucks. Most of us are running FJ t-cases, so we don’t have many of the problems of our trucks not shifting into/out of 4WD. We don’t have to do the weird dance of backing up, turning the truck off, etc to get it out of 4WD. I know not everyone has these issues but it’s pretty common on stock factory 4WD trucks. As for the rest of the system, it really is bolt on, so it’s not much different than if you needed to replace a CV axle.

In conclusion, I think it’s totally reasonable that a decently done conversion could be/likely is more reliable.

 

This site is filled with ppl complaining about issues they have with factory assembled trucks. In my mind, I think I can do a better job. I care more about my truck than a random worker in the factory.

I agree that if you have to pay someone to do the work then it may not be cost effective. But I think I could make that comment about nearly every mod/upgrade that people make to their trucks.

 

Fair enough. I agree with you that it is hard to justify if you can’t do the work yourself.