Which path to go down first?

Okay I drive a 2003 Tacoma pre runner with no locker and obviously no 4wd. I have bilstein shocks on it. The question comes after hearing what I want to do which is add a locker, swap to 4wd, lift with a new leaf pack and eibach/toytec springs, and sliders. The thing is I just don't know what to do first. Was thinking locker so I could do light wheeling and as I get more into it do the more expensive things like 4wd swap. All opinions are welcome and before someone says sell and buy a 4x4 I cannot because I am a college student and the parentals will not let me until I have graduated. Thanks in advance for reading and helping.

 

It depends on what you want to do. I'd try for the 4wd swap first being the most expensive but since your parents say no then wait. If you just want the look of a 4wd go with the lift first and go from there. Just my 2 cents

 

I don't care about looks so much. I want function. I meant they won't let me sell/trade the truck in order to buy a 4x4. But I also am not. So if I did 4x4 swap would I buy a 4.10 front diff like I have in rear or buy a rear end first because it would cost less in the long run because I can pick the gearing now.

 

Why not just stay with the rear you have and put a Arb airlock in and call it a day... no need to stick a toyota axle on with the e-LOCKER

 

Why not wheel the truck as is until you graduate... THEN buy the 4x4

 

I agree with604yota. I was in the same boat pretty much and I kept holding off until one day it was totaled and new car for me.

I suggest maybe the lift because that can still be swapped if somehow you end up buying a 4x4. How much longer in college?

 

I got like 3 years. With the arb do I need compressor and a tank? Or just compressor? And I wonder how the ratio will work out for doing a 4x4 swap?

 

I think when you buy the arb it comes with everything you need.. I personally don't have one. But have been thinking of getting one for my front..

Someone who runs one can say forsure

 

I wonder how hard the install is scrolled through the pdf and saw some drilling of the rear end needing to be done. Gonna look for some threads on it.

 

Just wait to graduate and get a 4x4. Wheelin' can wait for a more equipped vehicle. my $.02 cents..

 

X2... And you'll spend more time and probably money to convert the thing than you would to just buy one. not to mention, adding that many component there's bound to be A LOT of little issues down the road that you wouldn't have if you just waited... Coming from a recent college grad, go wheel with friends and let them burn their small amounts of cash on gas and repairs while you save up to get the rally nice truck in 3 years... Plus, you can probably save enough in about 2 years if you budget right and then when you've got cash in hand your parents won't really be able to say much..