4x4 conversion guide with images?

I did this conversion on my Prerunner a few years ago at the same time i did a 6" lift. Actual conversion parts cost me around 2k which included custom 1 pc rear driveshaft and lengthening the front because I opted to use the inchworm adapter(discontinued) method which saves you 700-800 bucks. The adapter allows you to convert a 2wd trans to 4wd but pushes everything thing back about 2 inches further than stock which explains the custom driveshafts. I also used the manual FJ xfer case. If you're mechanically inclined you can do this conversion. If not then either stick with the 2wd or trade it cuz you'll be paying more in labor costs than in parts if you have someone else do it. Keep in mind that when you do decide to buy parts make sure the front ifs is the same gear ratio as your rear or else you wont be going anywhere in 4wd.

 

Im doing it right now and im on pace to spend about $2,800 with everything including oils and seals

I had to regear the front diff so mine added an extra $750 FYI

 

If resale value matters, I’d never buy a converted 4x4.

 

I'll never sell it

 

I think it's ironic that people buy the most reliable truck and tout it's longevity, but constantly bring up resale value. I don't really care about resale value personally cause I'm never planning to get rid of it. I'd be more concerned about resale value on a Chevy cause I'd need a new one every 5 years.

 

i dont think anyone who is even considering a 4x4 conversion would ever sell their Tacoma

 

If function and reliability matter I'd never buy a factory 2nd or 3rd gen Tacoma 4wd.

Tacomas have killer resale values and I'm positive a converted 2wd would get equal to or more than a 2wd. Mods don't ever make the same amount of money that is put into them when new products are used.

 

Interesting, I did not know that factory 4x4 Tacos were so unreliable. You should consider working for Toyota so that you can train their engineers.

 

You must be a Toyota engineer to be so offended.

I never wrote they are "so unreliable", I wrote that there are many flaws in Toyota Tacoma factory 4wd systems. Read a thread or two here on TW about them.

 

Not offended one little bit, just amused. Have a great day

 

Stock 4x4 electronics like the add and rear actuator fail fairly often. With the kind of water crossing we do here on a daily flooded basis, all of my friends change their electronics at least twice a year.

Swapping to FJ manual transfer case and keeping the front end live 24/7 with gx/t4r jackshaft tube is the way to go!

 

How I envision conversions like these.

 

In reality, it's closer to this:



EDIT: actually might be more like this:

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/prerunner-to-4x4-conversion-concluded.468300/