Converting prerunner to 4x4?

So I wanted a 4x4 truck when I was in the market for a truck but I came across a 05 tacoma prerunner for $4000 and couldn't pass it up. I've heard that if you want a 4x4 to sell what you have and buy a 4x4. But since my truck has 190,000 miles and it's list of dings and scratches I couldn't sell it and buy another second gen. The other answer I hear is if your doing a swap from 4x2 to 4x4 go SAS. Does any know how IFS 4x4 conversions compare to SAS conversion as far as price. I don't do hard wheeling where I really need SAS so if IFS is cheaper that's what I want. Also need to make this as cheap as possible with out completely sucking

 

Cheap and SAS and/or 4x4 conversion aren't congruent. You're better off buying a 4x4 as its likely cheaper than converting and isn't a franken-vehicle that will scare away potential buyers when you go to sell it.

If you don't think you need SAS, then you don't. It only makes sense for hardcore rock crawlers. It will cost multiple arms and legs to have a SAS that doesn't drive like crap on the road. There's multiple people who have done it on the forums, but most are dedicated buggies. There's one vendor who was looking at selling a DD-able kit, but expect to pay $20K+.

4x4 conversion is do-able, there's multiple people on the forum who have done it, but again, it isn't cheap unless you can do your own work. It will likely cost you more in parts & labor than the price difference between your truck and a similar condition 4x4.

 

buy a 4x4.... save yourself the time, money, and headaches.

1st gens were dooable to an extent if you could get parts for cheap.... 2nd gens are a pain, sell the old truck n buy a 4x4.

 

I was contemplating the same thing for years when I had my 05 prerunner. I loved that truck. Even found a guy nearby that had a wrecked 4X4 that was willing to sell the transfer case, and front drive components for about $1300. After some searching, I was unsure about the compatibility of the computers and how much work required. Since it was my DD, I decided against it and bought a 4X. I'm sure its very doable though. Wait for a wrecked 4X to show. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

Anything can be done if you put your mind to it (and your pockets are deep enough), but you'd be money ahead to just go ahead and sell it and pay up for a 4x4 truck like the others said.

$4000? Is there anything horribly wrong with it?

 

Nothing wrong at all other that a bad wheel bearing. It had 183,000 miles when I bought it and paint is faided and scratched. Guess I will put money into my IFS then. Coming up with $15 for the difference to buy a 4x4 is not an option for me. I thought maybe I could do some sort of conversion for cheap since a trail gear SAS kit for a first gen is $1500 or so. And I understand everything will be cheaper for the first gens but that is still relatively low. Any way thanks for the help

 

If you want to convert it to 4x4 it is expensive and a pain but it has been done. If you really like your truck then do it man!

 

I can't do more that $5000 on it I was just intrigued by the trail gear SAS kit price and thought it might be able to be done for under 5. I wouldn't mind doing my own work so I'd save money there and I wouldn't need the best of the best parts. I just don't know enough about all the parts required to get a ball park price

 

Converting is a decent amount of work, but cheaper than buying a 4x4 for sure. Most of the time you can buy the parts on here or a junkyard. Hell I've got a spare transfer case collecting dust I'd part with for a decent price to help you get started.

Don't let the lazy people and naysayers steer you away, you'll be much happier in the end knowing you converted your own truck and you will have working knowledge of all the parts.

 

Its really not worth it to convert. If you want a 4x4, buy a 4x4. You will have no problem selling the prerunner. Tacos are the worlds most popular trucks.

 

whomp, there's one of dem guys I was talkin about that didn't take long.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=311339

 

Finally someone got it. Lol.

 

Hell OP. You got a 2nd gen Taco for $4K. Just do it!

 

If this truck is with you for the long haul then go for it, just make sure you have a complete parts list and proper capital first so you hit minimal speed bumps.

My lazy comment: Buy a locker and enjoy the benefits of a 4x2 (yes, there are benefits!)

 

if i drove a truck with 190,000 miles i wouldn't even consider putting a single dollar into it that wasn't fuel, maintenance or insurance related. put the money you saved into a bank account and start saving for a replacement when the time comes... but that's me

 

Alright I think y'all have me convinced to start saving and seriously consider this. Any one have a complete parts list or know where to find said list

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=311339

 

^^ just read this after posting in this thread. Thanks

 

I will work you one up on what I have here.