1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Transforming RWD to 4x4

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Neg5992, Mar 2, 2025.

  1. Mar 2, 2025 at 8:53 AM
    #1
    Neg5992

    Neg5992 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2025
    Member:
    #466929
    Messages:
    1
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Neg
    Vehicle:
    2012 blue Tacoma RWD SR5
    I own 2012 Tacoma 2.7 5lug RWD, am thinking to transform it to 4WD drive. I saw a video of guy successfully changing his 1st gen 6lug 2.7 tacoma to 4WD, any suggestions whether it’s possible to do this project if I can get the necessary parts from another parted out 4WD 2nd gen 2.7 Tacoma?
     
  2. Mar 2, 2025 at 10:28 AM
    #2
    Dm93

    Dm93 Test Don't Guess

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Member:
    #150066
    Messages:
    13,351
    Gender:
    Male
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2014 DC OR 6spd 4x4
    Predator tube steps, Ranch Hand grill guard, Magnaflow CatBack exhaust, Toyota tool box & bed mat, 2LO Module by @Up2NoGood, Rearview Compass/Temp Mirror, Tune by @JustDSM.
    5 lug and 6 lug trucks have very different suspension setups in the front, it wouldn't really be feasible to convert a 5 lug to 4wd like it is for a 6 lug.
     
    Too Stroked likes this.
  3. Mar 2, 2025 at 12:06 PM
    #3
    tacobp

    tacobp Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2021
    Member:
    #382308
    Messages:
    289
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    09 Tacoma, 2.7 automatic
    Installed a Pop n Lock,,That's it !..Bone stock
    Your best solution is to buy a 4x4 Taco..Can be done but I would not want to...Lot of work involved including getting t he right ecm..
     
  4. Mar 2, 2025 at 1:47 PM
    #4
    Too Stroked

    Too Stroked Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2017
    Member:
    #208501
    Messages:
    3,905
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tom
    South shore of Lake Ontario
    Vehicle:
    2021 4Runner SR5 Premium
    From a strictly financial standpoint, the conversion makes absolutely no sense at all. It will cost you way more (in time and parts) than it will add to the value of your current truck. If however, you're extremely handy, have a full shop, lift and tools as well as a free donor (4x4) truck, have at it.
     
  5. Mar 2, 2025 at 3:48 PM
    #5
    TacoTuesday1

    TacoTuesday1 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2019
    Member:
    #296781
    Messages:
    7,747
    Gender:
    Male
    FL
    I would sell the vehicle and get a 4x4.

    converting to 4x4 does not change the fact you have a Nissan Altima engine, SUA springs, and non 4x4 front suspension and frame mounting points.

    what do I know. I’m just a guy who bought a V6 4x4 while working a minimum wage retail job.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top