prerunner to 4x4 conversion

I’m trying to do some research for a buddy of mine that is looking to do a conversion on his 01 prerunner. I have read through this entire post, and I’m getting conflicting information about the computers. Is there a legit step by step on how to perform this swap from start to finish? Installing the mechanical parts seems like a no brainer, but information on the electronics side of it seems very fuzzy. I have a complete 04 donor we can use, but I’m not sure what parts we need and what is compatible. Does he need the ecm or 4wd module from the donor? The donor is a J-shift with the ADD front axle. Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

 

I'd keep the '04 parts as they're more sought after therefore commend a higher price tag, not to mention it's got the electronic throttle setup.

Specifically the PCM and transmission.

Everything else is just basic shit available from a lot of vehicles.

 

The 01-02 and 03-04 throttle is different. ECU’s change more than once a year in some cases. I’d try to keep the conversion purely mechanical with manual hubs and a non-ADD jack shaft if you can, other than that it would be probably a complete ecu / cabin wiring swap w/ engine / trans harness to avoid major research.

 

Hey guys. This thread is great. Im getting ready to do the conversion on my 2000. I have sourced a 97 with the right stuff.

im real clear on the process, but one thing. The truck im sourcing the parts from has ADD. Its talked about that you need the ecu changed which would send the signal to the ADD system to engage the diff, but no one is talking about the vacuum lines and solenoids. Do you have to add those.

even more, if you didnt change the ECU, could you just get some vacuum solenoids from a doner and wire it up independently to control the ADD. You could even wire in the “4wd” light in the dash. Am i over thinking? What are yalls thoughts.

 

I just applied power to the pins on the ADD to engage the diff permanently then used the jshift to actually engage it in the truck. Do you have a picture of the diff you’ve got from the donor? You could rewire it yourself and I wired my 4wd light by just using the sensor wires from the diff.

 

That sounds perfect, but what year is yours. The pre 2000 difs (not sure of exact year ranges) have vacuum as apposed to the elecronic actuated setup. Kinda the same concept but you would need to run wiring to the vacuum solenoids and then vacuum lines to actuate it. I just dont know where it pulls the vacuum from and if i need to source the solenoids . Im a bit surprised no one has talked about that aspect of it. I am picking up the frame with the parts on it tomorrow. Maybe everything i need will be on the diff itself. I actually want to do manual hubs but may not get around to it for a bit. Just looking for a temporary solution till then. I know its not super complicated.

 

One of the TTORA links on the first page mentions it, you’ll need the solenoids off the donor to help with the vacuum portion. I went with the electric diff so can’t say exactly what’s needed but I’d imagine if you get the solenoids then you could wire them yourself to get it to function right

 

I agree. Looking into it a bit more. A good solution if i were keeping the ADD system would be just to get the electronic ADD actuator as long as it bolts up and wire that up like you did. This way I wouldnt have to worry about the vacuum lines. Thanks for the input!