'06 Prerunner conversion to 4x4

I recently moved to PA from SC so I am working on getting all of the parts for this conversion because I have a 36 mile commute to work and do not think I would make it there in the winter without 4wd. I went to a local dealer to see about trading in for a 4x4 but I was going to lose out in one way or the other. It is cheaper to convert and will be fun to do.

I have bought the Inchworm Gear '05+ adapter because I didn't want to have to find a 4x4 transmission and have to pull and reinstall it. The tail housing from a 4x4 is a little hard to find but I finally found it. My hub assemblies (from nj636) are on the way along with the front drive shaft, rear drive shaft, and CVs. I am still looking for the front diff, FJ transfer case, crossmember, twin stick shifters, then assortment of bolts and such to put it all together. I am looking at getting the xcase from RST along with the wiring harness for the front diff ADD.

If anyone has any recommendations of where to get the remaining parts, point out anything I have missed, or encouragement please feel free to comment. If others are interested I will keep this thread up as things develop. I am keeping a detailed list of what I have bought, from where, and how much it is all costing.

 

Excellent, good luck with your build! Sub to see the outcome.

 

With decent tires and driving skills you'll be able to get to work. One difference between northern snows and southern snows is that in the north they have enough snow removal equipment to clear the roads. You'll probably actually drive on more snow covered roads in the south since the plan here is to only clear major 4 lane roads and wait for it to melt on back roads.

If you still want 4X4 I still think you'll be cheaper to just trade after all is said and done.

 

I looked in to trading in for a 4x4. It just pissed me off at what they wanted to give me for my truck. But a debate about converting or not converting is not what this was intended for.

I started receiving the parts and have been pleased with what I have been getting off of partmyride.com. I was worried about what the front diff would look like coming from IL, but it looks to be in good shape and I will only have to replace one seal. It even came with the actuator and if it works will save me $250. Front axles and extension housing are here. The Inchworm Gear adapter will be here on Monday, drive shafts Wednesday, and other misc parts towards the end of the week. I believe my front hubs are being made by @nj636 will be on thee way next week. I saw he was assembling some this weekend. I decided to get the t-case and wiring harness from Wyatt at RST (@awsumdc) which makes me feel comfortable because it will come ready to go for dual sticks.

Looking forward to getting everything here so I can start putting it all together.

 

Any updates on this? Very interested in more details about the inchworm adapter. I read in another thread that the output shaft needs cutting down. If that's the case then the adapter should be made thicker IMO. I can't find much info on the actual install of the adapter.

 

Lots of people manage the impossible with 2wd and 3-4 sandbags in worse snow than PA.

 

No update from personal experience but I have messaged with @luka about this. He used the inchworm gear adapter and had to cut the output shaft, lengthen the front drive shaft, and shorten the rear drive shaft. He made mention that it would have been easier to just trade out transmissions. I am going to try to get some information from Low Range Offroad about the install. They have installation guides for the other prerunner adapters but not the '05+.

Yes, I think I could get by with some sand bags, but this is the best way I could get my wife to approve!! But seriously, the roads I travel are hilly and this will help.

 

Yea that sounds like the same thread I read. I'm still leaning towards just swapping out to the A750F instead of the adapter. Seems like alot less work.

 

He has done both and said the transmission swap was his preference and created less modifications. I think you can use stock drive shafts from a 4x4 of the same body type as yours. Still have to modify the cross member and rear drive shaft bearing support; both of which are fairly straight forward if you can do it or have access to a machine shop. I am committed to the adapter at this point.

I will have parts lists for front diff installation once I am finished if you want them. If you don't get the mounting brackets with the differential the costs add up. Still worth it to me though.

 

Any updates? I'm still watching this thread lol

 

The only thing I have really accomplished is swapping out the catback. Nothing that was needed to be done for the 4wd conversion but something I have wanted to do since I got the truck.

I received the front hubs and mounting brackets for the front diff. I was getting everything together and noticed I forgot to order the hub grease caps and some bolts for the front differential. I will be getting those in the mail tomorrow and will probably start working on getting all of the front parts installed this week. I should be getting the transfer case in sometime towards the end of this coming week or beginning of next along with the shifter and wiring harness.

Still moving along, just slowly. I hope to have it all completed no later than mid November.

 

Awesome, dude! Looking forward to the updates!

 

If you don't mind me asking...what's this costing?

 

I am at around $4500. Could be done for less if you could find a donor truck.

Nice buck by the way!

 

i have a front diff just sitting here with all the brackets if you still need one axles too

 

Watching this thread! Stoked to see the outcome! Btw I've lived in Lancaster PA my whole life and gotten by with snow tires on a lowered car. Now with the taco (Prerunner as well) snow tires and sandbags and I think I'll be alright. I would highly recommend snow tires as well!

 

Thx

 

I already have everything for the front diff. I would have bought it up 3 weeks ago! I am sure someone on here could use it. I would recommend to anyone looking at doing this buy that one quick!

I think I could have done the same. Makes me feel more at ease with 4x4 though. I know 4x4 isn't a cure all but makes things a lot better. Even though this part of PA doesn't see much snow, relative to SC it is a lot more than i am used to!

 

I still have to get the drive shafts modified, but I think I am through with expenses. I plan on sharing everything once I am finished in the case anyone wants to do the modification exactly how I have done it.

 

I'd be interested in a parts list once your done. No hurry.. Keep us updated and good luck.