Prerunner 4X4 conversion question...

I'm new to the forum...

I've embarked on a new project; Right before Christmas, I rolled my 1999 4runner sr5. I have a 1999 Tacoma Prerunner with no engine or transmission, long travel suspension, a widebody and VERY low miles.

I am fully aware of what I'm getting into but I like to think I'm relatively mechanically and electrically inclined. Let's just say drivetrain swaps and engine swaps aren't foreign to me and I'm well past the point of no return.

I've got the front diff in as well as related components. today, I removed the diff from the 4runner with the intention to put in into the Prerunner. When I swapped the transmission on a WRX STI, I had to make sure that the front and rear ratios were the same, Easy because I had both transmission and rear diff. I've found out that the diff studs are different sizes on the Prerunner (possibly because it has an 8" rear end??) and that the front diff and rear diff will be different ratios. after reading every possible build thread I've read I couldn't find anyone who had switched the rear diff.

what I know:
-as of now, the front and rear diffs are different ratios
-both diffs are out and they don't look similar.
-4runner was a manual 4x4
-Prerunner was an automatic 4x4 4cyl EDIT: Not a 4x4, "Prerunner edition"
-I'm better with fast imports than trucks

what I can infer:
-Ratio of the 4runner was 4.10
-Ratio of the Prerunner was a 4.30
-Prerunner has an 8" rear end.
-leaving the 4.3 rear end in the prerunner while running a 4.1 front diff will simply not work.

Hoping someone with more truck expertise can chime in and lend me a hand.



Thanks very much

 

Yeah you gotta have the same ratios or you will break something

 

That's Kinda what I figured. Thanks for your help. I don't think the 4runner rear end will swap in either as it uses coil springs instead of leafs. and I'm fairly sure the e-brakes are different

 

You'd need to weld in spring perches. I'd probably just get some heavier duty axles from a larger truck and do a sas conversation

 

@SafetyDang did the conversion on his first gen dcab... he can probably give some insight...

 

Flattered that you tagged me Mike.

Hello Sean,

I believe your question is really regarding the rear axle swap? Seems to me like you don't really have a question regarding the 4x4 or 5 speed swap. Easy way to fix your rear end is to buy a stock 01-04 TACOMA TRD rear axle. This will come with an E-Locker and a 4.10 gear ratio. Then sell your two other complete rear axles. I can give you directions for the hard way.. However, it is honestly not worth the time or effort. I have them bookmarked but for your own protection/sanity I will not even post them. Questions let me know. I have a lot of resources to dig from...


"Prerunner was an automatic 4x4 4cyl"

This sentence confuses me.. Is it a Pre-runner/BAJA style Tacoma due to the long travel stance? Or it a Factory Pre-runner Tacoma (2wd)

 

Have you looked to see if the rear differentials will swap they should interchange

 

They do not.

 

The 3rd member wont go in?

 

Thanks for the reply, I'll be getting a whole new axle to swap in from a Tacoma on Monday with 4.10.

And my truck is a "Prerunner" and it is a 2wd from the factory, I just made a mistake haha.

Now, would the rear diff just swap into the rear carrier? when i took the 4.10 off the 4runner it was held in with 12mm bolts and the tacoma had 14mm bolts. should the rear diff I'm getting on Monday not just swap in? I'm not concerned about doing a rear axle swap, thats not a problem. I just would prefer putting the diff in the axle i have as it is already apart

Thanks

 

No.

http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/toyota-truck-4runner/228681-myth-settled-8-4-v6-4cyl-all-8-a.html

 

@SafetyDang How much was your swap? I too have a Prerunner ('04) and want to do the conversion on mine. I was quoted twice, once at 2200 and 3200. I don't want to spend that much after hearing some people do it themselves for a fraction.

I have a 2.7L Auto

 

Hey Skilluh,

Mind you I also did 5 speed Manual Transmission swap at the same time. Clutch, Clutch Slave, Clutch Master, Clutch Lines, and LCE Racing Flywheel added to about $1,000 already. It really depends how you get the parts and who is doing the labor. I went with a lot of OEM/New Parts because that was my preference. Shipping cost on parts are also a factor. If you can do it for $2200-2800 with out much hassle of searching for parts or labor... I would do it. Yes, you can do it for less if you are asking.