LFaub's 4x4 conversion/camper build

that reminds me, @erice I'm gonna need to borrow your transmission jack again lol

 

After work i'll hit you up. we will get you squared away homie

 

Right on!

 

Good news and bad news: good news is that the truck’s put together and running correctly! Torque converter locks up at speed like it’s supposed to, and the transmission is in good shape.

Bad news is that I keep getting a code for my trans fluid temperature sensor. Keeps reading high even though it’s running perfectly. Idk if I have a bad temp sensor or a bad transmission, but either way I’m kinda bummed it’s being like that.

So anyways, truck’s running but still has a couple issues to sort out

 

Damn okay so I think I found my problem

 

Is that the trans temp plug?

 

Yep lmao

 

Guess you're good to go then. Glad it wasn't something serious.

 

Yep! I got the sensor connected and I've been driving around all day with no trouble codes and no transmission issues. That's pretty exciting because this proves that 03-04 owners can swap in a 96-02 transmission and it will still work so long as they swap the valve bodies and keep their original torque converters. Pretty cool stuff!

 

So now that the transmission is all ironed out and running correctly, it's time to get started on the rest of the swap.

I still need to order my front axles, wheel hubs, diff drop kit (so I can have hardware to hang the diff), and the correct speedometer sensor gear. I can also get the hubs swapped (so that I don't throw an ABS code) later this week.

When everything's in, I just need to bolt everything on: front diff, front driveshaft, CV axles, and knuckles with manual hubs. Once all that's in, I can dope up and grease everything and get her out on the trail for testing!

 

After asking some shops about pressing the 4wd hubs into my 2wd spindles, I figured it’d just be easier to put the 4wd knuckles on and call it an ABS delete, the knuckles have good, greasable balljoints on them and the bearings are in great condition, so I’ll only have to deal with an ABS light that I’ll just unplug

Plus removing my ABS controller from the engine bay would give me some room for on-board air or some other kind of toys that I can stash in the engine bay

 

Bit of a status update from yesterday since I forgot I took some pictures:

Got the 2wd spindles removed


Here’s the 2wd spindles and 4wd knuckles next to each other, I’ll have to trim the dust shields on the new knuckles since they won’t clear my larger brakes as-is


So the truck’s still sitting, and all I’m doing is waiting on parts still, although if the FedEx tracker is correct I’ll have my new axles by the end of tomorrow. Gotta get the diff hardware in before I can install anything, though

 

Progress today: all my hardware came in! Which means shit got done finally

Don’t have any pictures, but I got the diff hung, and that was a bitch. Couldn’t get it over the crossmember without binding on the transmission bell housing, so I had to take off the rear diff mount and re-attach it in place which sucked.

Once the diff was in I got the axles stabbed without (completely) breaking anything in the process. After that I was only able to get one knuckle on after several trips back and forth to the hardware store.



Was also able to grease up the hub lockers and now they engage super easy compared to before.

So tomorrow should be my last build day! Have to fill the front diff, mount the driver’s side knuckle, disconnect the ABS sensors, and mount the brake rotors, calipers, wheel spacers, wheels, and skid plates.

Once that’s done I’ll take it out to Otay and see how she does!

 

She lives! Everything works, 4x4 engages well and everything spins like it’s supposed to!

 

...with one small exception. After attempting to drive it in 4wd I noticed the drivetrain binding, which is very no bueno. The verdict: my front diff is geared wrong.

Needless to say I’m upset with the guy who sold it to me, who nodded and assured me that it was a 4.10. If you’re thinking of buying from a guy in Phoenix named Gilberto, I’d reconsider since he sold me a rusted transfer case and the wrong diff

So now I’ve hit a new dilemma: finding and installing a 4.10 front diff. Finding one will be simple enough, but swapping it in is going to be tricky since these things are a bitch to install or remove.

I’ll keep the thread updated on the new front diff. Hopefully I can get one in before winter break is over, but if not, I’ll still effectively be 2wd until I can fix this diff problem

 

Hoo wee, that was quick. Gonna buy some gears this week, so hopefully I can swap them out before I leave for Arizona

 

Yeah I don't trust anyone on knowing what gear ratio a diff is. I just decided to open mine up and count teeth before my install. Even though the 4Runner I pulled it form had the right code for 4:10 on the door sticker and the local dealer told me it was 4:10 when I gave them the VIN#. I'd give you my spare 4:10 but I'm a bit far and it needs new bearings.

 

I’d only need new ring and pinion gears, but either way I got mine figured out.

I told myself I’d count the teeth before I installed the diff, but I got lazy and never did

 

Here’s some pics from the front end build


With the exception of the gearing issue, im really happy with how it turned out! Hubs engage and disengage smoothly now that they’re greased up, nothing rubs or squeaks, and the truck floats over bumps smoother with the extra weight in the front