2wd to 4wd conversion

I've been thinking this over for a while now, and I have decided I would like to try and convert my 2wd prerunner into a 4wd truck so I may have more capability off the road. (Planning on going to pismo beach someday)

I have heard it is an expensive process to do so, but could anyone explain how it would be done and what the cost estimate would be?

 

If you're not planning to make it a hardcore trail machine I would recommend selling your truck and buying a 4x4.

 

You can conquer pismo in your 4x2. Maybe not ALL the hills, but you'll be able to get around no problem. Just gotta know how to drive it on the sand.

oh and I 2nd what Justin said~~^

 

well 4x4 trd in all honesty you should have asked if he wanted to make it IFS or straight axle. it would be cheaper making it straigh axle if it aint a 4x4 because you would have paid extra for 4x4 and thrown all that extra away that you paid for..... sorry if you dont understand i barely do

 

True, that's why I included the "If you're not planning to make it a hardcore trail machine."

 

well not even that it might be still cheaper to do straight axle and stay still kinda small no extreme but we kinda need to know what type of budget and what type of 4x4 swap

 

Just buy a 4wd, I do not think it is worth the time and effort.

 

His truck is an '08. You're telling me that a straight axle swap would be cheaper than selling his 2WD and buying a used '08 4x4?

 

idk maybe like somebody said above you dont know the kind of people he might know

 

I agree. It really is not a mind numbing conversion provided that you have the right parts. Really just a bolt on conversion, the wrecked 4x4 is a good way to ensure that you have everything you need. This is also way cheaper than going SAS.

 

Somebody you could talk to would be awsumdc. He might be able to give you some insight as to what is included in a task like this.

 

I'd personally buy a sand rail and take it to Prismo.

 

i've got a transfer case you can buy!

but yea its basically just a matter of acquiring all the parts yours doesn't have an bolting them on.... parts to include but not limited to... transfer case, front driveshaft, front diff, two front cv axles, spindles, hubs, 4wd ecu... not real sure if the prerunners already have all the wiring in place and its just tied up out of the way or if you would have to acquire all that as well.....

 

Dang, I shoulda thought about this when I picked the truck out. I gotta face the truth that I won't be able to afford all of this. I'm wondering if the best alternative for better traction be to have differential lockers installed since I won't be able to afford the 2wd to 4wd conversion?

The reason why I'm trying to figure all of this out is because I have a fear of getting bogged in the mud or sand depending upon where I am, so I want to try and get the cheapest and most effective setup to get better traction while off roading anywhere.

 

I am still not convinced that the prerunner and 4x4 spindles are any different so I think you would just need 4x4 hubs and unit bearings

 

PreRunner and 4wd spindles are the same.

Here is a pretty good write up on the process (although on a 1st gen Tacoma)

 

There's a few guys over on ttora.com with the 2wd to 4wd conversions. If you're doing the work yourself I say go for it, if you're sending out you'll probably be better off money wise just trading the truck for a 4wd.

 

I agree with you, this would be the best way to go. Find someone that has done an SAS on their 2nd gen and buy all of their front end parts. You can probably get all the front end parts for under $800 including front drive shaft. Then just get a marlin t-case and find a rear drive shaft

 

i was about to say he would have to cut the hole in the floor but i forgot the second gens have the switch im used to my 93. stick ftw!

 

It's not a hard swap but if your not going to do a solid axle swap it would be better to sell your prerunner and then buy a 4wd. You'll need alot more than just the t-case and frond 4wd ifs stuff If you use the stock tacoma case you'll also need the tranny cpu the engine cpu, and the 4wd cpu. That aint gonna be cheap or easy.

If you go with the Marlin lefty, you'll need to cut a hole in your floor and bring the stick 90* to the right to clear your auto shifter if you have one and you'll need the twin stick option because of where the shifter will come up. A cheaper option but a harder one because of the shifter would be to get an FJ Cruiser t case. The best option would be the FJ Cuiser case with a Marlin Crawler box in front of it like mine.


FJ Cruiser T Case behind the Marlin Crawler Ultimate Taco Box.


It can be done but the headaches are not worth it to me if your not doing a sas.
Just my two cents.