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want to convert a 1st gen from 2wd to 4wd, any idea what im looking at? is it worth it

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by longshot, Sep 6, 2025 at 2:39 PM.

  1. Sep 6, 2025 at 2:39 PM
    #1
    longshot

    longshot [OP] New Member

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    new to the forum. i have a 4x4 thats been well maintained but used for working. having trouble finding a decent 4x4, but have found a beautiful 2 wd. low miles, solid.
    if anyone has any detailed information about how to do this i'd appreciate it. my 4x4 parts trans, front axle or solid.

    thanks
     
  2. Sep 6, 2025 at 2:47 PM
    #2
    The Black Mamba

    The Black Mamba A pure specimen of TX Black Snek

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    Imma keep it stock
    It’s a longshot…. but maybe
    upload_2025-9-6_16-47-18.jpg
     
    BroHon and FrenchToasty like this.
  3. Sep 6, 2025 at 2:51 PM
    #3
    WV_21Tundra

    WV_21Tundra New Member

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    My gut reaction is keep looking. Things to consider, nothing personal but what kind of wrench are you skills wise, doing it on the ground, in a garage? Is time a factor. Can you just drop the 2wd body on the 4x4 frame?
     
  4. Sep 6, 2025 at 2:56 PM
    #4
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, SSEM #5/25, 6 lug enthusiast

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    The SoAz….. big surprise
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  5. Sep 6, 2025 at 7:43 PM
    #5
    Bought2Pull

    Bought2Pull New Member

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    OP, I can't seem to figure out the "search" feature either. Maybe I'm more like Han and less like Luke.

    Threads on here where people have done it but will depend on your skills, available tools, garage space, etc.
     
  6. Sep 7, 2025 at 2:05 AM
    #6
    w666

    w666 D. None of the above

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  7. Sep 7, 2025 at 8:35 AM
    #7
    BoiseG

    BoiseG New Member

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    Seriously question the cost effectiveness of such a task.
     
  8. Sep 7, 2025 at 8:41 AM
    #8
    Tripleconpanna

    Tripleconpanna Just an X who bought Bud Light from Target

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    Probably a lot easier to throw in a rear locker, make sure you have good clearance, tires, etc. and the truck will probably out perform most people's driving capabilities...

    However, if you're wanting 4wd, I'd just find a 4wd vehicle and call it good :notsure:
     
  9. Sep 7, 2025 at 9:02 AM
    #9
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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    The components are practically plug and play. Read the prior members who did its posts. Just need a good frame rotted or locked up 4.7 donor.
     
  10. Sep 7, 2025 at 9:11 AM
    #10
    Sirfive

    Sirfive Socially feral

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  11. Sep 8, 2025 at 4:47 AM
    #11
    rouxster70

    rouxster70 New Member

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    You have a donor? Just LEGO the best parts from the 2wd into the 4wd, done.
     
    KNABORES likes this.
  12. Sep 8, 2025 at 6:44 AM
    #12
    des2mtn

    des2mtn Down to seeds and stems again, too

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    My two cents: if you have to ask for a complete how-to for something like this, it's not something you should do. You're going to have a bad time on here if you ask for stuff like that.

    If you can research the bulk of this on your own and ask detailed questions about certain parts of the process, you'll have a much better time. This swap is totally doable if you can undertake that mentality.
     

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