2wd to 4wd conversion questions for 2016 Tacoma

Sounds like more of an equipment (tires) and driver issue. Not being mean, because I couldn’t do it, but I’ve seen a decent number 2WD off-roads do something pretty incredible things with a
good set of aired down tires, locker, and the driver mod.

 

What’s are you getting the 7-9k for a shop to do it?

 

The person you heard that from either had no idea what they were talking about or lied to your face, or BOTH. Trade it in.

 

Ok I suppose I’m not $8k upside down. Owe 26,400 on it. The main thing is to avoid trading in. That’s how you lose a lot. Theres weight in the back; sounds like deflating the tires is the trick.

 

Maybe you have no idea what you’re talking about.

 

Better tires usually helps a lot.

As for doing the conversation, it can be done at what I consider a reasonable price. But you have a couple things going against you. First, it sounds like you are unable or unwilling to do the work yourself. That instantly pushes the price beyond the point of where I think it makes sense. In that case, I think it makes more sense to sell your truck and get a 4x4 if you want. Even if we get past that hurdle, you have a pretty new truck so you're probably gonna want to install newer parts for the conversion. As opposed to someone with ~100k miles on there truck would probably be ok with a used 50k miles transmission swap, you'll be into it for a lot more money trying to swap parts with equally low miles as what you have now.

What that being said, I did my conversion when my truck had 25k miles (about 1-1/2 yr old at the time). I spent about $2500 and did nearly all the work myself (I did pay a few hundred dollar for some transmission work that I wasn't comfortable tackling). I probably could have done a little cheaper and easier now seeing as I made some mistakes at the time. But either way that gives you a starting point in your research.

 

My first vehicle was a 1976 Datsun 2wd pickup. I converted it to 4wd drive (solid dana axle, jeep transfer case) using a kit. Did it myself, drilled and bolted all the suspension hangers, transfer case mount, etc. When I was done I took it to the place that made the kit and they checked the alignment and welded the parts on. It worked great and I had the only 4wd Datsun at the time. That being said, trucks back then were of a much more simple design. My entire 4wd drive system was manual, manual hi/low transfer case gear selector, manual front hubs, etc. Modern trucks have a lot more electronics controlling the 4wd system making it more work and costing more.

 

In the Tacoma, you can ditch pretty much all of the electronics when you do the swap. So it is more than 90% bolt on and almost no electric work.

 

my current plan is to do an off-road rear axel swap and use an air locker (long time down the road), but as far as lack of electrical, is that what you did to ditch electrical? Air locker? I can’t imagine a lot of electrical. My truck will always be a 4x2. If I actually need a 4x4, I’ll sell this one and buy another

 

I'm not following your plan. You can put an air locker in your current axle. If you swap to an OR rear axle, it has a locker in it. You just have to wire it to a switch. It doesn't really make sense to do both.

 

i thought they were e-lockers? I just have heard that the e-locker does not always engage. And by the time I do it, I don’t imagine the bigger rear end being crazy expensive and I can get the locker installed and eliminate some downtime

just thinking out loud at this point. I live in San Diego. The need for the locker pretty much doesn’t exist at the moment

 

No need to re-invent the wheel here...

 

I"m not here to judge. Just hoping to understand your motivation so I can give helpful advice. I think the issues with the rear e-locker have more to do with the computer than anything. You can wire it straight to a DPDT switch and switch the 4wd ECU. Also, if you don't need a locker, you probably don't need a bigger axle. Not many people have issues with the 8.4" gears.

 

Can’t upgrade it myself now because my work is in the field and no garage. Once I get back to Virginia, that would be more feasible. My fallback is a Dodge Nitro so that can be driven for a while during a project. I have to try and be patient. Anyway, good info, dude.

 

Yup, no problem. Most people here will just immediately jump to "you're an idiot for even considering this, just trade it in, it's not worth it". So as someone who has actually done it, I like to share the flip side of that debate. Good luck.

 

I wouldn't give up on your truck yet. I am no expert at off roading (it is not my thing) but I have seen guys in 2WD Tacomas go places that the fully loaded / amped up Off Roads can't go. It's the driver not the truck that makes the rig move along.

Couple things to think about:

1) What kind of weather are you hitting? Is it more ice / slick or more snow / heavy? If ice is your problem consider a set of those Nokkian Hakkepitas (hope I spelled that correctly!) with studs. I guarantee you they will give you all of the traction that you need. If not, consider a pair of serious snow chains. All of my relatives live in Northern Quebec where it snows like you can't imagine. Few of them have 4WD and not many even have AWD. Studs or chains might solve most of your problems.

2) You need to put serious weight in the back of your truck. Believe it or not but most trucks are really not great in heavy snow. My Subaru and my old Saab 900 (front wheel drive) were so much better in the snow that my Tacoma. Head to a home store and pick up tube sand -- comes in long bags and lay them across your bed. Frankly cover the whole bed. It will make a huge difference for you.

3) It takes a little practice ... you will get the hang of it. Hits some back roads with snow and ice and practice driving. Never gas it too hard and, of course, never hit the breaks.

I only offer that to say don't give up too soon on your 2WD. With a little prep and a little practice I think you will find that you can make it work -- especially if you don't want to lose money on the truck. And, now is not the time to be looking for a Tacoma -- they are in short supply.

Good luck to you !

EDIT: Links added

Tires:
https://www.discounttirezone.com/No...MI5rToq5656gIVFrbICh1TPQKZEAYYBSABEgLwKfD_BwE

Chains:
https://www.etrailer.com/Tire-Chain...MI86zO3J656gIVgZ6zCh2B4QeSEAQYBCABEgIKxvD_BwE

Tube Sand:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sakrete-70-lb-Tube-Sand/3067709

 

Do we have any 3rd gens on record that's done the 4wd swap similar to what can be done on the 2nd gens with a 4runner doner?

I'm in the same position, was going to trade my truck for a TRD off road 4wd, but i have so much equity in my truck that i may just do what i can to enhance it's 2wd capabilities and maybe a few more years down the road i may convert to 4wd. Soon my truck will be paid off and i'll probably be more confident to make a project out of it when that time comes.

Envy and buyers remorse are what makes me want to trade, but i love my truck. I know gears and a truetrac will really open up it's capabilities.

 

That's because talk is cheap. Ask one of those geniuses to show you the 3rd Gen they converted to 4WD

 

Well it's not like the majority of people here are actually supportive when someone comes to ask about the idea. They get called names or given misleading info so it doesn't surprise me that no one has followed through.

 

I love looking through the 1st gen and 2 gen forums seeing these neat conversions. Especially with the 3ed gens getting a little older and possibly more salvageable (maybe) drivetrains in junkyards, this could be cool.