I want a 4x4

I would personally trade it in. I’m gonna do the conversion to my truck but that’s more because of the sentimental value of my truck than any financial reason. It’s been in my family since 2007, my grandpa drove it, it was the truck I learned to drive in, and it was the reward I was given for getting my license. I’m also gonna use it to learn about how to work on my truck, I’m about to go to college to get a degree in automotive service management and get my ASE certification so I have a couple years to gather parts and gather knowledge. For you it might be smarter to just trade it in and get a different Tacoma with 4wd. I know this is the truck I’m gonna be driving for years because of how reliable they are so I want 4x4 to be able to access some of my family’s property down in central Florida and expand the capabilities of the truck.

 

You have a very capable 2nd vehicle as an offroad vehicle so save your money and enjoy your truck as is. But if you do decide to pay for the conversion or upgrade to another 4WD, make sure to factor in adding lockers if you want to be able to make it truly offroad worthy. A stuck 4WD without lockers is really a 2WD vehicle.

 

I can attest to that comment. This happened a while back before lockers and after my conversion. Stuck like chuck. I went through the same spot after front locker install and crawled through like nothing.

 

Lockers are good to have for people who off road to an extreme. However, a 4x4 vehicle will get you places far beyond what a RWD truck can. I know plenty of guys with a rear locker and trail hard and have never had to use it. Does having it make the truck more capable? Absolutely. But having a 4x4 is far better than having no drive controls at all. Especially with traction control. With that being said, I love the 4x4 in my truck but I barely ever use it. I'm still paying my truck off and and would rather not risk messing it up going hard trailing with it anyway. It does great in the snow though. That I have done.

 

No lockers, not even an OR with ATRAC.

https://youtu.be/f00WLdgB5z0

 

If you're going to pay someone then it's definitely not worth it. Doing the conversion yourself you not only save money but you learn a ton about your truck and how to diagnose/fix issues that come about. IMO that's the best part about doing the conversion. The labor cost alone with having a mechanic do it will be crazy. Sell it and buy a 4x4

 

Thank you so much.

 

Thank you all. I think I will do the work myself now. I like the idea learning how to do it and learn at the same time. The truck means a lot to me my first love as it was my first ever new truck. I will do more reading and get a list together of all the parts I need. I am guessing that all original parts are all bolted on a 4wd stock Tacoma?

 

Don't forget about your local wheeling community.
I have many fond memories and lifelong friendships because of my 4x4.

Maybe start a build thread here on Tacoma World

 

Thanks a lot brother. I will do so, but what should I title the thread.

 

you have to also fab and weld a new cross member to do the conversion. It’s not 100% bolt in.

 

Thank you! Is the crossmember I need to welded on is to support the transmission?

 

You own a GX470!!! Why not put half the cost of a 4x4 swap into that and make it an offroad beast. That would destroy a Tacoma offroad. Literally adding a rear locker, a lift, 33" tires will smoke 90% of Tacomas on the trail. Just my opinion. I've owned Tacoma, 4runner, GX470 and LX470.

 

I think you should start a "build" thread...... I love watching a train wreck

 

Parts list is there, to include what I did with the cross member.

 

I was in a similar situation. I was looking to buying a used first Gen tacoma 4x4 but ended up getting handed down my dads 2007 prerunner. I was bummed it was not a 4x4 but could not give it up due to sentimental value and don’t have the space for another dedicated 4x4. So I emailed a local shop who specializes in Toyota/Lexus builds to see how much a 4x4 conversion would cost and it was definitely out of my price range. I ended up installing an Eaton e-locker and so far have been able to keep up with my cousin who has a 4x4 with a limited slip in the rear. We even got to a section of trail where he had one front and one rear tire in the air and got stuck whereas I kept going with my rear locked. I know I’m limited to very mild trails and dry conditions but am fine with that for now especially living in socal. Will be saving up money for a future 4x4. Like others have said do the work yourself or make do with what you have. Good luck!

 

Definitely shops would mess you up if the only stuff they do is service and parts change. This is in my opinion a DIY job. I don’t hand my keys to anyone btw. Cheers!

 

Are you in 4wd yet??? GET THEM PARTS AND LFG!! you can do it! Lots of good write ups here that i followed! heres mine

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2wd-4wd-conversion.745264/

 

Keep your foot on the gas and you’ll be fine in 2wd!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdwdUaWJhY_/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

 

First do the math. The cost of converting your truck vs the cost to trade your truck for a good used 2nd Gen 4X4. I’m just guessing, but, my feeling that the actual out of pocket difference won’t be significant.