FJ SWAP QUESTIONS

Hey Guys

I bought a used 2020 SX (2.7) 6 speed Auto with 78K Highway Miles about a year ago. Routine Maintenance records were 10-11 pages long - Engine, Interior and truck was super clean - especially the Undercarriage.

I am going to convert it to 4wd with a reman 4Wd Auto Tranny. I do not want any Electronics involved with turning the 4wd on or off-> strictly mechanical.

I don't want to hear about my resale value - I love this truck and will never sell it. t was made in the Good Ole US of A and there are no squeaks and very little road noise, way more quite than my old ladies 2020 Camry.

I like the simplicity of the factory Auto LSD. Vids show it works even if only one wheel is making contact. Signal comes from ABS Wheel sensors. Seems simple enough to keep.

I need the 4Wd to drive in the snow or muddy back roads. No rock climbing, no trailers and no electronic Diff Lockers, Open diffs are just fine for me.

I drove an old Ford '72 4WD pick up for 25 years and just want to to operate my Taco - just like my old truck. Manual hubs and a stick to engage - when needed...

I like the FJ Cruiser T- Case Single Stick.
I have a buddy who bought his FJ new in 2007. I think he has what I am looking for - Locking Hubs and 2nd Stick.

I called a well known FJ Shop they weren't much help when they found out I wanted to transplant one of their own - into a Taco...

I have looked at the Toyota p/n 's for the Knuckles for the (2007- 2014) FJ Cruiser and my 2020 Taco. They are the same p/n's. So what ever has to happen up front - should not be too difficult.

I read about locking the Taco or FJ ADD and forgetting about it. Allowing the FJ T-Case to lock us in and out of 4Wd. I also saw a bunch of busted TACO ADD Axle Tubes.

I would rather have a stronger front axle assy - if possible - with out going to a Straight Axle... I don't like weak things - I always build stuff stronger than it needs to be...

Then again you V6 guys push your Tacos - way harder than I ever will - with my 4 Banger. All I want to do is not get stuck in the winter - in the smokies. And I will have a decent winch up front - when all else fails.

This will be my daily driver so I cannot afford any down time to fix things that break. I would rather spend a little more - than risk a break down...

I know the Manual Locking Hubs raise the cost about a Grand or more. Probably because of Custom Wheel Hubs and Special CV Shafts to boot.

My biggest question was - what is the difference between blocking the Gen 2 Taco ADD and the FJ ADD Axle tubes ???

I finally figured it out from re-reading this Post -
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-deleting-add-system.427258/
It wasn't about locking the ADD - it is about using a NON ADD Axle Tube - from an FJ !!!

This link filled in all the rest of the blanks for me with the locking hubs. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/free-wheel-manual-hubs-conversion-kit.511528/

I have a close friend that owns machine shop - he could make custom axles if they aren't avaialbale any longer. His specialty is gears and splines and does a lot of shaft work. Chrome Moly wouldn't be a problem for him...

I will admit I am old school when it comes to minimizing rotating mass in the front drive line - Mainly because of the 2.7 engine - kinda used to - what few extra ponies I have now and not willing to loose any more !!! So I will go with the locking Hubs - regardless of the cost. I really liked my old Ford !!!

I am in no rush and will take my time to find whatever I need. I have the tools and skills to do this and place to convert it.

I also have a close buddy who lives and breathes 4WD that will help. He is not a Taco expert but he's been building 4 wheel drive buggies - before he needed to shave...

My Truck runs great on the highway does not search for gears and will get 30 mpg - if I don't put my foot into it. So I don't want to mess with any bigger tires on the street. I am pretty sure my Rear Diff is 4.30... I found a re-man Diff shop - with any gear ratio you could want...

I will buy a 2nd set of wheels and offroad tires. Nothing crazy close to stock diameter just a little wider - out to the Fender Flares... And the last thing is that - the SX has the same HD Suspension all you Factory - 4 wheelers have...

Thanks for any help
JP

PS does any body still use Tire Chains for snow - in the Mountains - or is that only for Semi's ???