Question about rear diff lock

Hello, I'm relatively new to trucks but trying to learn. Was given an old beater of a truck and am currently researching a 2wd to 4wd conversion. I know everyone's probably going to say just go buy a 4wd truck but honestly I just wanna take the project on anyways. Now my question is this; my tacoma has a rear differential lock and in my research I can either choose an automatic differential disconnect or manual locking hubs. So since the tacoma has the rear diff lock does that mean it already has the vacuum actuator on the transfer case? If so, would ADD be the way to go?

 

For your 03? From factory, it'll have an electronic actuator but if you're converting, go manual locking hubs and find yourself a 23s tcase

 

Thanks, manual hubs seemed like the better option just wasn't sure and sorry still new on the lingo but what do you mean by 23s? Is that a model number of of the transfer case?

 

V6 use 23 spline tcase. 4cyl use 26 spline. Won't interchange unless you change the input shaft

 

Sir, your rear differential lock has absolutely nothing to do with your front end.

Just clearing this up so you don't get confused by additional responses later.

Your rear differential locker, basically "locks" the rear end so both wheels receive power.

When your locker is not engaged, in an off-camber situation, the wheel with no resistance (or minimal resistance) will spin while the wheel with traction sits idle. This is an open differential that allows this to happen.

By engaging the rear locker, now the "free spinning" wheel turns along with the wheel with traction. This one wheel will enable you to gain the traction you otherwise wouldn't have.

Automatic disconnecting differential, and manual hub setups, are specific to your front end in a 4x4 vehicle and have absolutely no bearing on the rear locker.

 

Manual hubs will be easier because you won't have to worry about wiring up an A.D.D. (automatic disconnecting differential).

You'll also want a J-shift transfer case (with the 23 splines) like @02hilux mentioned above.

Other parts you'll want to start sourcing:
- 4wd steering knuckles
- Manual Hub CV axles
- Manual Hub Front Diff (w/ 2 mounting bracket arms)
- Front Driveshaft
- New (shorter) rear driveshaft
- 4wd Transmission (A340F or R150F)

I'm sure there's more, but those are the main items

 

Should go manual transmission, the drive-by-wire setup on the 03-04 autos means finding a 4x4 transmission specific to one of those two years

Spindles can be reused pressing everything out (and ensuring you have new bearings which is a plus)

But yeah, your list covers it

 

Just bypass the 4wd conversion and go straight solid axle... that's my .02

 

Couldn’t he also use an 01-02 4Runner transmission? I agree though might as well manual swap it at the same time, huge improvement over the auto.