Prerunner to 4x4

Go for it man. Don't let others tell you it can't be done. I had everyone tell me that the new Tacos weren't good wheelers and that t wasn't going to work. Guess they were wrong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiGNkBG6eAg

 

^^^^ what he said!

 

As long as your prepared to have more money in that machine at the end than what it would cost to trade for comparable 4x4, then go for it. Also know that the dollar amt invested will probably vastly exceed it's market value.

 

SICKKKKKKKKKK!!!! truck man

 

All of that is a given the minute you start to modify any vehicle. You could buy 4 brand new Tacomas with the money that is in my truck but I'll never get that back. However. I would never get the satisfaction of what was built either if I didn't build it. If you wanna play your gonna pay.

 

Thank you very much.

 

Uh, to an extent. Let's not pretend you're still driving a Tacoma. More like a custom trail rig that happens to have a Tacoma body to keep weather out...

Don't get me wrong. Love your truck. But when the suspension is completely redone and the drivetrain severely modified, whether or not you're driving a Taco becomes debatable.

Course, one could say the same about any modified vehicle so who knows...maybe none of us are driving Tacomas.

 

so true...

 

I understand what you are saying and your right, but here is what I was told over and over again.
I was told that the truck you see today could never be built. I was told the platform of the new Tacoma's would not support what was going to be done to this truck. I was told that no one, not even Marlin from Marlin Crawler would build equipment for this truck. I was told that it would be to wide to fit on any trails and too heavy to work right. That the engine and transmission would not hold up to the abuse that a "TRUE" rock crawling rig would throw at it. It still seems they were wrong

I told them all that if you can dream it, it can be built.

 

Agree with that 100%....most of it sounds like old codgers that didn't want to be outdone

The part about the engine and tranny not being able to hold up is especially cute...the tranny is a holdover from the V8 1st gen Tundys and 4th gen 4runners, and I see no reason why the 4.0L will be any less indestructible than other ToMoCo powerplants...

 

The main reason for doing this project is for the experience! I will be keeping my truck for the long haul and i've already put $4K into it. I know i won't get the money out of it but thats not the point! It's an exciting build and I'm still looking for the exact truck i want to steal my parts from. I will keep everyone updated with parts list and cost along with pictures. Thanks for all the valuable information

 

Thanks man, this is the main reason for doing it! 4x4 and a challenge along with the experience

 

Good for you man. Go for it. And if you need any help from the side lines let me know. I've got connections.

 

Yeah, it is going to cost a bit more for the swap, and yeah, it would be easier to just get a new truck. But if he plans on keeping the truck a long time, why not just have fun now, learn a hell of a lot about the vehicle, and keep what he has already been driving for probably a long time. Not to get all sentimental here, but that truck is gonna be super special to you when your done. Who knows, maybe during the conversion you can swap out some of the weak parts of the stock 4x4's drive-train for stronger ones. I bet AwsomDc could you help you out in which ones.

 

Yeah thanks man! It's going to be really exciting! If anyone knows ppl with parts let me know. PM me and i'll be checking this daily

 

if your serious about doing a Premie to a 4x4. I'd look at the junk yards for a Doner truck. Prob something that was totaled from the back end or maybe a roll over type accident. Will definitely keep the cost lower on parts, most of the time u can part out right there. Or they'll let you tow the whole heap away. Depending on your storage capabilities.

on the other side alot of the Premie parts will fit the 4x4. To go the factory assembled 4x4 route.

So its really up to you what you want to do. Don't let anyone say you cant or your crazy. Thats their opinion.....

 

Thanks man i'm starting the shopping today and that was the first route i was going to go. Thanks and they don't bother me they just hate that i'm a pioneer and dont wanna take the easy route LOL!!

 

Man do SAS if your going to do all that work and you want experience do the SAS. You truck will be sick!

And you will be the first SAS'ed 1st Gen with the Elite front bumper.

 

SAS?????????????? Does that mean solid axle swap?

 

How many miles on your rig Will?