2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive

I inherited a 2 wheel drive access cab tundra gen 1, considering converting it to 4 wheel drive. My step dad had it from the beginning so I really want to keep it. Found 4wheel trans with transfer case on ebay, suggestion on parts I need to buy, should buy the rest of the parts new/used? Also. Replacing tie rods, upper and lower ball joint.

 

To help answer your question, you'll need drive shafts, CV axles, front differential maybe a different rear....

Not sure what is different in the front end.

Now, is it a V8? Is it automatic? Having a V8 standard trans 4wd would be cool.

But is it really worth it? You can always just make it look the part by giving it a lift and some bigger tires.

Whatever you do, take care of all repairs and maintenance first. You may find yourself out of money after that.

 

You will need
4wd trans with transfer case
4wd spindles
Axles
Front diff
4wd drive shafts
4wd trans crossmember (I think)
The 4wd module and harness
4wd radio bezel with the 4wd switches
Extend the speed sensor harness
And some advice from @Thrussn

 

I have modified many car/trucks in my life and when it comes to converting things like 2wd to 4wd, or swapping in a v8 into a v6 car, selling the car and getting one originally manufactured as a 4wd or v8 is always the best option. Costs can get out of scope quickly.

It is a ton of work to make a change like that right. Aside from the usual hard parts like the trans other other parts you need, there are often specific wiring harnesses, computers, sensors, relays, etc....it is the small details like that which can ruin your day and can be difficult to troubleshoot if issues arise.

It is possible, but not for the average occasional weekend mechanic.

 

While this is my general ethos as well, a member on here successfully completed this swap for not an exorbitant amount of money and in not that much time. It's doable.

 

Someone did it on here and I have seen one on Instagram. One person had a whole parts/donor truck to pull from.

 

@frichco228 if the truck has sentimental value then selling it for another isn't likely.

These 2wd trucks have nearly all the 4wd wiring in place, it is practically a plug and play conversion. You do need to pay attention to what year your donor parts come from to avoid slight variations in wiring. The hardest part is replacing the transmission.

 

Lots of 1st gen tacoma guys have done it as well, the gen 1 tundra is very similar search ttora conversions also for knowledge

 

If it's an 05-06 you can reuse your current cross member, you can use the stock computer, and you don't have to extend the speed sensor. You will also need to find a 4wd control module. It goes behind the passenger kicker panel.

It is also very important to make sure both front and rear differentials are the same gear ratio.

I paid about 1k for all the parts but I got nickel'd and dime'd the whole way. I'd say the whole conversion ran me just under 2.5k. a parts truck with everything would absolutely be the easiest way to go. That way you have all the little parts too.

 

never said it was not doable, I specifically said it is possible. There is just a lot involved to make it right and it requires a certain level of experience and knowledge. Realistically, a conversion like that is generally beyond the capability of most folks that at most do their own oil changes or brake pad replacements. I am not discounting OPs mechanical skills, I have no idea what mechanical skills they have. And it is much more than just swapping parts. There is research to understand what parts/years can work, gather appropropiate service manual info, wiring diagrams, create the parts list, find the components. If the components are used, they should be tested/verified good before install. It would be unlikely to perform the work in a weekend so he needs a good a location to perform the work where the truck is safe/stable, lifts and tools required. He will need some friends to help with some of the work, typically not swapping a trans alone. And then there is performing the work and addressing any issues that arise or fixing other items found than need replacement during teardown. OP needs to know what he is getting into, it is a big job.

 

Yes, the module. I generically called it a computer but edited now. Interesting to hear the crossmember could be reused, did you carry over the 4wd mounts for the transmission?

 

@MrDirtjumper did a 4WD conversion on a DC but they had a complete parts truck. Maybe they can chime in.

I'd personally try to get a salvage truck and pick parts off that instead of going new.

How handy are you with fabrication? What type of 4WDing do you want to do? A solid axle swap would be an option for you to do to achieve an extremely capable 4WD that fits bigger tires.

 

If you’re gonna convert it. Manual tcase.
Maybe the electronic control is just as good, but id rather have a lever or 2.

 

Wow, thanks guys, I am moving to utah and would love to do some soft off roading mainly go places to do long range shooting and handle winter driving driving conditions. My plan was to add a different suspension and tires. I thought about buying a wreck 2000 4x4 tundra for parts. However i was think some parts should be new.

 

I am looking at bilstein 5100 struts. Wildpeak 265 16 70

 

We love spending other people's money for them.

New on the suspension components such as LBJs, UBJs and tie rods, most preferably OEM.

 

My truck is a 2000 tundra automatic, access cab. My plan is to spend 3000 parts and 1000 for labor. Maybe new diff, seems a lot of utubers have problem with them going out. Still some gin 1 4x4 are going for 11000 dollars.

 

Also, My wife would be crushed if I sold it, We promised him that we would drive it till the wheel fall off. He past 5 month ago from covid.

 

I did that on a 97 4Runner in 100 days and $2,440 in my backyard, but that was last summer and I spent a lot of time on the couch instead of wrenching in the heat.
I took a $1,000 4Runner with 300,000 miles and put the stupid amount of $5,800 into it when it was all said and done (don't tell my wife). The 4Runner used a stick instead of electronics, so possibly easier for me since I'm a mechanical guy. I spent more than I should, but I didn't want any oil leaks in my driveway either, so....
And yes, I started with a donor 4wd clone that had a rusted out frame.

 

My tundra and my stepson which I want pass on to him!

 

Check out my build thread here and then decide if you’re up for it. I’m no mechanic but I’m extremely handy and had tons of tools available to borrow from a friend. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it without doing extensive research.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/06-dc-daily-driver-2wd-to-4wd-conversion.48447/

 

“NoT pOsSiBlE fOr ThE wEeKeNd MeChAnIc.”

“ItS cHeApEr tO sElL iT aNd BuY a 4Wd.”

 

it can be done. if you want it to be OEM you'll need to do wiring or install a 4x4 engine harness and ECU. if your OK cutting into the floor pan you can install a J shift transfer case and will need to just wire up the ADD system for the automatic differential


in the tacoma world the swap is cheaper than buying a 4x4 to start if you shop around for parts.

 

Yes. In my case at least, the 2wd trans mount was different from the 4wd mount.

Agreed. I could've done the whole swap in a weekend if the sequoia transfer case I got worked with the tundra wiring.

 

Sorry for your loss.

 

I think the sell it and buy the one you really want is good advice if you're not wrenchy. Wrenchers geek out on this stuff and take pride in the accomplishment. Things like changing your own timing belt, Installing a 6" cradle suspension lift that requires cutting the factory mounts off, or hell even doing your own rear drum brake maintenance! The average Joe however can quickly find themselves mired in a pile of parts and receipts with no functioning vehicle to drive. And an angry spouse saying " I told you so!" And an HOA threatening to tow your non-op. For me the biggest factor is time. You can't get it back. If you don't have enough and don't truly enjoy doing this kind of activity, sell it. Buy the one you want.

 

if you wanna get thrown in the deep end... You can make it stock and it will be acceptable. Or you can make it glorious. Go full tilt. Get a chassis shop to fit you with proper shock hoops and a cage. Most easy camping is doable by sportbike or 2wd anything. And a lsd or locker can push further than you think. Wanna swap for 4wd? do it right with a marlin tcase and solid axles. F-it, portals. Break some rules and run full time beadlocks and balance em yourself, at home. Cook ethenol and step up to rx8 injectors and 9:1 afr’s. You wont be disappointed unless you rev too high or overheat.

 

I don’t think he wants to rock crawl, sounds like he is moving to an area with snow

 

Leave it 2WD and give it to him..
I can't see converting this truck to 4WD being worth the time and money.
At my age, time is worth more than money.
It would be a headache I wouldn't need...
I can't imagine having the spare time to do the conversion...

Good luck, whatever you decide..