4x4 Conversion - 2.7 DoubleCab

I saw a lot of 4x4 conversion threads, but I haven’t seen anyone talking about the legal side of it. I live in California and I would like to know, it is legal to do 4x4 conversion? Will it pass Smog? Do you have to inform dmv of the modification since in paper the truck is still 2wd? Can someone shine some light on this topic?

 

Yes. The transmission plugs and sensors were all identical. They were also the same on the 1997 4runner transmission I first mistakenly had. I carried over most of my original sensors as I knew they were working. You should be A OK with the manual kick down transmissions.

I believe manual hubs stopped after 2000.

The 4x4 conversion doesn't touch any smog equipment, sensors, or computers. As far as a smog tech goes there's nothing they would interact with to cause an issue.

 

You're not messing with any smog related equipment; non-issue.

You'll notice a lot of members that converted to 4x4 are indeed from CA. Trucks out here cost a lot more, so from a financial standpoint it's cheaper to get a clean Prerunner and convert it.

So no, you don't say anything. There's no such thing.

 

I'm wondering if the 3.4 will bolt up to my 2.7 transmission would a new bell housing be enough or is there more I have to do.they are both 95

 

With the 3.4 bell housing it will bolt right up, use the 3.4 torque converter. For 2wd you're good. For 4wd, the transfer cases are different. The 2.7 setup uses a forward shift transfer case while the 3.4 uses a top shift. Farther back in this thread there's an image of the two transmissions side by side. They'll both work, except you'll want the correct placement of the shifter inside the cab without trimming and adding a new gasket.