Prerunner to 4x4 write up

I just completed a 4WD swap on my 2000 Tacoma prerunner 3.4L V6 and I figured I'd give my list of what parts I needed along with tips and answering any questions those of you considering doing this have.

I stayed with the automatic transmission, so this will not address the auto to manual or manual to manual swap.

I also used manual hubs, so this will not address the ADD system.

Parts required:
-A340F transmission
-J-Shift transfer case (do NOT get one with an actuator on the back for the push button 4WD system)
-Front driveshaft
-Front section of rear driveshaft (the part that goes from the transmission to the carrier bearing)
-4x4 transmission mount (that mounts to the crossmember)
-Interior shifter lever housing
-Fromt differential (make sure to get one with the same gear ratio as your rear diff, and make sure it does NOT have the ADD system)
-Passenger/driver CV axles (make sure to get the ones for the manual hubs, they're different than the axles for the ADD)
-Passenger/driver 4WD spindles
-Manual hub assemblies (if not included with spindles)

The way I did it:

The first thing I did was install all the front end parts (spindles, diff, axles, hubs). Getting the old ball joints out of the upper control arms was a huge pain in the ass because it was seized in there and required a torch to heat up the UCA enough to free the ball joint, along with a pneumatic air hammer

Overall the front end install was pretty straight forwards, I wouldn't plan on re using your ball joints on the 2WD spindles I destroyed mine trying to get them out. When the diff and axles are installed and you're putting your axles in your spindles, don't put the hub assembly on yet because there is a little c-clip that goes onto the axle that locks it to the spindle, and is located under the hub assembly. I didn't know that and was wondering why there was so much play in the axles.

Now that the front end was all done, it was time for the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, and interior. I scored an A340F transmission from a Japanese parts importer that only had 60k miles on it, but it was off a Limited 4Runner so it had the special transfer case with the AWD and center diff locker so it wouldn't work for my swap so I had to purchase a standard j shift which bolted right up.
4Runner t case:


Note the actuator located on the back of the t case. Here is the t case that's currently on my truck:

Notice there is no actuator.

I was still able to use the 4Runner transmission, just had to be paired with a standard j shift. Another thing to note (if you use a 4Runner transmission) is that the speed sensor on the 4Runner transmission is different than on a tacoma transmission and will need to be modified to work (I haven't figured it out yet, and currently have a non functioning speedometer). Other than that, everything between the 2WD and the 4WD trannies should be the same.
I didn't have the tools or the knowledge to install swap out the transmissions so I had it done by a local shop. The dude who installed it said it went smooth and wasn't complicated at all.

Pics of parts needed:

Transmission and transfer case


Front driveshaft


Front section of rear driveshaft


4x4 Transmission mount


Interior shifter housing


Front differential (with gears matching rear diff). The diff I used has the ADD system, but is permanently engaged in 4WD



Passenger/driver CV axles


4WD spindles


Manual hub assemblies


Overall this swap is prettt easy and straight forward. I had a great time doing it, and it gave my dad and I a chance to improve our mechanical skills and strengthen our relationship. I would plan on spending about $2k on parts if you plan on doing the labor yourself, $3k if you're going to have things installed by a shop. These prices are just ballpark ranges, different parts and different deals run different prices, look around and be patient and I guarantee you will come in under budget.

Sorry for the super long post, if anyone has any questions or tips on things or things that I left out, please share. Good luck with the swaps!

 

@YotaGurlIAm

 

Remove the VSS unit (speed sensor) and you'll see a nylon gear. Chances are you need a larger gear as the teeth aren't currently meshing.

I lucked out through TTORA (Hytenor) and I was able to score a few different gears from him, find the one I needed and send him back the ones I didn't use... Here's the thread

 

Is the VSS on the back of the transfer case?

 

Yes

 

So this little piece just unbolts?

 

I believe so - my trucks at home today and photobucket doesn't like me cause I won't pay them money...

 

Looks like the hunt for a speed sensor has begun...

 

Read through this thread if you are changing the speed gear. READ BOTH PAGES, there is a lot of info and part numbers. https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/speedometer-correction-by-t-case-gear-change.480939/

 

Many thanks for that

 

I replaced mine, can't remember the part number but with 33s it was dead on. I ordered the 28 tooth count

 

So I found a really good deal on an A340F with around 100,000 miles for only $250, next state over though. I mentioned the front carrier and my supposed gear ratio of 4.30 (according to my VIN, but I suspect 4.56) and the guy said there aren't any Tacoma front carriers geared in 4.30. He did tell me they had a 4Runner with a front carrier geared at 4.30, but it's electronic/ADD so somehow I will have to make it work with the manual hubs.

Could I do something like that? Lock it permanently and use it with the manual hubs?

 

Yes. I have manual hubs and my diff is ADD. the ADD actuator on the diff can be permanently locked into 4WD by using a little collar to hold the actuator in 4WD, essentially making it a manual diff. You need to make sure you know for a fact what gears are in your truck, if you get the wrong diff youll fry your transfer case pretty quick

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/speedo-gear.307666/page-2#post-7900143

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/speedometer-gear-help.378955/#post-10407059

I also did the ADD in mine I just put 12V to the actuator and locked it in permanently

 

Hell yeah man! Good to see you got it done. I'm working on it for my truck I've just been running into issues with finding everything. So far I have the transfer case and the interior part. The main issue is that I have the 03-04 trans and it's redicoulous how expensive it is. I plan on finishing it up during the winter. Its good to see people doing this, instead of listening to those who tell them to sell their prerunner and just buy a 4x4. Some people are just lazy

 

Sucks you've got that "drive by wire" or whatever, seems like it makes it such a pain in the ass to find parts. Don't get discouraged just keep looking for parts and you'll eventually get what you need.

 

Dude you finished it! Awesome

 

Thanks! Your thread was one of the first I saw and a base for my research

 

you could also take the tube and half shaft off a manual hub non add diff, and bolt it onto a add diff. i did that when i converted my tacoma to 4wd with 4.30 gears, and also when i blew up the first 4.30 diff.

 

Check out my build thread. Link in signature. I('d) have the ADD wired into a toggle switch on the dash. Instant 2 low if your front diff is open without unlocking hubs.