Tacoma 2WD overland

@t.hornstra @IvanhoeTaco
I’d like to know more as to how you guys converted your 2x4 to a 4x4. Sounds like you guys are doing/did the work yourself I take it that means this would be something outside of the normal mechanics skill/ability? Especially since this is something I’ve never heard of people doing before? Please tell your stories how you knew what parts to get. You’ve peaked my interests I’d love to keep my truck and this is definitely a sound option for me now that I know it’s possible.

 

You buy the parts and bolt them in it's not hard. It's all just nut and bolts and a few plugs to connect.

Even easier if you do all manual stuff and ditch the electronics as I am working on doing.

 

lots to go over but it’s really simple if you have basic knowledge and skills. The whole front end bolts on, front diff, cvs, hubs, driveshafts (after modifying carrier bearing support or buying a one piece rear shaft). Transmission and xfer case are bolt up but you need to modify the transmission crossmember. You will need to cut a hole in your trans tunnel for the xfer case shifter, and likely cut/weld a new shifter to fit into the 2nd gen console since they originally came with an electric shifter.

sorta.

It’s 90% bolt on. You caaaan use all OEM 4x4 parts, but the frame/crossmember are different and the ecu situation is different. Its also harder to use the electronic xfer case as the prerunners don’t have a different ecu, you’d have to swap and wire one in. A lot more work than using a FJ manual xfer case.

1st gens were pretty much plug and play. 2nd gens added a lot of electrical and differences.

 

Yeah I currently have a J shift FJ case on my bench and the kit to do the locker anytime mod.

Hate the electronic crap, makes me miss my '00.

 

same! The main reason why I opted to do a swap than trade it in. Doing a swap allows me to delete the Add, j shift FJ case, and the prerunner has the locker but it doesn’t need the anytime mod since it doesn’t have to ask a 4wd ecu anything. Figured it’d be a better end state than trading it in for electric crap.

At least that’s my theory

 

@Sen_San_Sai there are a bunch of threads and at least a couple dozen swaps over the years done. Hope some of these can help.

lots of info and additional links in this thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/prerunner-to-4x4-conversion-concluded.468300/

lots of FJ xfer case info here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-see-your-fj-case-swap.455278/

not 4x4 swap directly but helpful when getting rid of electronic parts known to fail:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-deleting-add-system.427258/

you can always go to the 2nd gen sub forum search and select ‘search this forum’ and it’ll pull all threads in the second gen so you don’t get conflicting info from a 1st gen thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/search/13012874/?q=4x4+conversion&t=post&o=date&g=1&c[node]=5

 

What’s the deal with fj t-cases? Is there a problem with Tacoma cases, or better lo range gearing?
Also, are you guys going ifs or solid axle?

 

They’re manual shifting and as far as I understand a bit tougher than the electric counterpart that comes in the Tacoma. They’re just more reliable since it’s all mechanical vs electrical. I’m IFS, most 4x4 swaps are, but some have eventually just said F it and went full SAS.

 

You run a fj case specifically because it requires no electronics to make it work. All you need is an on/off switch for front add actuator and your good. Prerunner and 4x4 frames are identical as far as front suspension so you literally go to parts store and buy wheel bearings and axles for your truck but 4x4 model.

 

I'm always having this debate in my head. Been on a lot of Forest roads in Southern California and some desert trails. Both times I got stuck was in deep sand. One time I accidentally pulled over into a sand bed because my cell phone finally had reception and I had to call the wife. The other time was a few weeks ago when I went down the wrong trail looking for a camp spot and the ground instantly turned into deep loose sand. I got out with some Maxsa traction boards. Story here: https://dirtnsmores.com/maxsa-traction-boards-review-stuck-in-sand/

i want to eventually trade in or do a 4x4 swap. but for now i'll keep enjoying it. mainly for camping and some easy dirt trails.