PROJECT RIG: Converting a "Prerunner Taco" to a 4x4 For a Friend, need parts!

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

PROJECT RIG: Converting a "Prerunner Taco" to a 4x4 For a Friend, need parts!

Hey Guys

A friend of mine at work has a 99 Tacoma "Prerunner". He came on my last Baja trip with me and now wants to build up his truck.

Current State:
-Stock Drivetrain and suspension
-3" Body Lift (washboard roads in baja cracked some welds because of this)
-2wd

The Project:
-Convert to 4x4
-Remove Body Lift
-Install Elocker in the rear
-Install Old Man Emu Suspension

I found a great thread detailing the swap here:
http://www.tacomaterritory.com/wiki/index.php/Prerunner_to_4_wheel_drive_conversion

So, now we are in parts collection mode. If anyone has any leads on the following, please let me know via email or PM.

-Front Diff (with mounting and brackets
-Tranny/Tcase Combo
-CV's
-Driveshafts
-Spindles
-Hubs

The e-locker rear will be phase 2, now we just want to do the conversion.

He is a student worker/intern so $ is tight.

Thanks for any info, parts or advice.

 

[Willman]

Wow...that would be one project...in my opinion..I would sell this prerunner and get an 4x4 to save the trouble.....

Thats my two cents.........

But with all the parts from recking yards.....I could see it happen with some cash....

Good luck!!!!!

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

in my opinion..I would sell this prerunner and get an 4x4 to save the trouble.....

Cmon now! What is the fun in that?

Anyone that knows me, knows that the easy road is never taken!

Sometimes thats a good thing, sometimes it isnt!

In this case, helping him with this project will also teach him about the entire drivetrain and how to make field repairs if needed!

 

[Willman]

Cmon now! What is the fun in that?

Anyone that knows me, knows that the easy road is never taken!

Sometimes thats a good thing, sometimes it isnt!

In this case, helping him with this project will also teach him about the entire drivetrain and how to make field repairs if needed!

Good point!......:shakin:

I guess with my schedule......its a busy one....time would be a HUGE factor for me and also rig down time.....That why i would go for the 4x4........If time was not a factor...i'd be game on!!!!! sounds like a great build!

 

[Willman]

Here's a start????

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=1161994&cat=&lpid=2

 

[pray4surf]

I wouldn't mind being a part of this build team.. :Mechanic:

I too have a prerunner (98) and while I am harboring thoughts of converting to 4WD, I don't foresee doing this myself in the near future. Getting some exposure/experience to the process would be very beneficial, not to mention fun.

I am quite experienced in vehicle repairs and maintenance already, having already installed F&R suspensions on both my truck and my daughters 02. I've installed aux lighting on both vehicles, I am currently installing a Viair OBA system so I can then install a re-geared and ARB locker 3rd member.

So, if I can be of any assistance, please let me know...

Rick

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I wouldn't mind being a part of this build team.. :Mechanic:

I too have a prerunner (98) and while I am harboring thoughts of converting to 4WD, I don't foresee doing this myself in the near future. Getting some exposure/experience to the process would be very beneficial, not to mention fun.

I am quite experienced in vehicle repairs and maintenance already, having already installed F&R suspensions on both my truck and my daughters 02. I've installed aux lighting on both vehicles, I am currently installing a Viair OBA system so I can then install a re-geared and ARB locker 3rd member.

So, if I can be of any assistance, please let me know...

Rick

Thanks Rick!

From everything i have read so far, this appears to be a super simple modification and the only tough part is the parts collecting.

We are also going to be doing this to a 03 Double Cab and will document that as well

Here are the "Instructions" http://www.tacomaterritory.com/wiki/index.php/Prerunner_to_4_wheel_drive_conversion

 

[p1michaud]

Cheap diff

I just saw this for sale on www.ultimateyota.com:

Front differential

99 4Runner, 4.10 gears, ADD type, Complete side gear to side gear, 133,000 miles, excellent condition, [removed unit to install 4.30 geared differential]

$50.00

Located in Spokane Washington

Will ship UPS on your Dime.

No affiliation, just a reasonable price for a front diff.

 

[pray4surf]

Thanks Rick!

Yeah, the process doesn't seem to be to difficult, time consuming and costly - yes..

Look for a thread on the TTORA forum started by SARSquid - he's recently did this to his prerunner and has documented the process and would be a good/friendly source of advice, if needed.

If your friend/co-worker has the coin now to start, a complete drum-to-drum e-locker axle(s) are currently being sold by Toyota of Dallas. $950.00 gets you everything... There is a limited supply available. These come with 4.10's and are brand new.

An another option, an ARB (RD-89) air locker would retain the stronger ring gear of the non-TRD rear ends. Two RD-89's are currently for sale in the TTORA classifieds for ~500.00 - 550.00.

If your friend is considering OBA, then I'd recommend going with the airlocker from ARB. And while you have the rear opened up, this would be the ideal time to re-gear. But, hey, you knew this already...

Rick

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Thanks Rick

As of now, we are going to do this in phases

Phase 1 is to locate and collect all the needed parts and do the swap

Phase 2 is the OME Suspension

Phase 3 if the rear locker

Thanks for the info!

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I just saw this for sale on www.ultimateyota.com:

Front differential

99 4Runner, 4.10 gears, ADD type, Complete side gear to side gear, 133,000 miles, excellent condition, [removed unit to install 4.30 geared differential]

$50.00

Located in Spokane Washington

Will ship UPS on your Dime.

No affiliation, just a reasonable price for a front diff.

Thanks, I Just PMed him!

 

[pray4surf]

How'd this all turn out?

I'm busy collecting the parts needed to convert mine. Already have trans / xfer case / hub / spindles / CV's / F&R driveshafts - Going ADD in case anyone has a front diff they're willing to part with - bonus if already geared with 4.88's

I hope to have conversion done by April...

Rick