2wd offroad capablity/possible conversion to 4wd

[CrossFitGuy32]

Hey guys I am new here and I will be inheriting a stock 2wd 2008 4runner from my parents and I am wondering how much it would cost to convert it over to 4wd or what I can do to make my 2wd more offroad capable. I am planning on putting on BFG All-Terrain tires on it and also taking off the running boards to add some clearance. I do mainly on road driving but I want to be able to take it to the deer/duck woods and general offloading. I also want to be able to handle any bad weather in it i.e. snow, ice, etc. Thanks for the help!

 

[Cory619]

I'm looking at doing the same thing down the road. Here is a very good thread detailing the conversion MysticZ's 2wd to 4wd conversion - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

And the link for the company, but the site is under construction. MysticZ's 2wd to 4wd conversion - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

I want to find a 4wd 4runner in a junk yard that I can take everything all the way to the selector knob and put into my 4runner. I know it would probably be cheaper to buy a 4wd 4r...but I like mine!!!!

 

[KidVermicious]

You don't need four wheel drive for random backroading and snowy pavement. A good set of tires will serve you well, and if you're nervous you can put a locking differential in the rear.

 

[JB.]

Crossfit,

A conversion is pretty cost prohibitive.

Your truck is better suited to offroading than you may think. 1st gear is pretty low and when climbing most the weight is on the rear wheels which have much more flex (for maintaining traction) than the fronts. For bad weather, tires make the most difference and with two wheel drive you'll have less tendency to go too fast and then not be able to stop.

Think of it as an opportunity to get some good offroad skills instead of just letting the truck do it for you. If you ever get 4wd in the future, you'll laugh at what some people think can't be done without 4wd.

PM Gaterose. He's done a lot in his 2wd.

 

[eddiebx]

Real stupid question here, but does a 2wd 4runner have something equivalent to the transfer case gear multiplier gizmo, like you have in the 4wd? I mean you know how you can throw it into 4lo, is there something equivalent to a 2lo :behindsofa:

 

[CrossFitGuy32]

Thanks a ton guys! So would I be better off getting some lockers installed for the rear or a limited slip or differential? And also what brands are the best for what I am looking to do and the most cost effective?

 

[Avwizz]

Unless you're very mechanically inclined, have a lot of time on your hands, and a welder than its probably not worth the conversion. I did the conversion with a 3rd Gen I inherited. The total bill came to about $2000 when all was said and done. But for me knowing exactly how my vehicle works and being able to diagnose problems along the way was worth it! But for 2G's you could sell yours (somewhere were the 2wd market is good, as in southern states.) for good value plus the money possibly spent on a conversion could buy a model year newer runner. Just food for thought.

 

[JB.]

Real stupid question here, but does a 2wd 4runner have something equivalent to the transfer case gear multiplier gizmo, like you have in the 4wd? I mean you know how you can throw it into 4lo, is there something equivalent to a 2lo :behindsofa:

No, but 1st-high is equivalent to 3rd-low in a 4wd so it's a fairly low gear. Provides some engine braking down to about 8mph.

 

[eddiebx]

No, but 1st-high is equivalent to 3rd-low in a 4wd so it's a fairly low gear. Provides some engine braking down to about 8mph.

I see....thanks for the clarification!

 

[fourwd1]

Real stupid question here, but does a 2wd 4runner have something equivalent to the transfer case gear multiplier gizmo, like you have in the 4wd? I mean you know how you can throw it into 4lo, is there something equivalent to a 2lo :behindsofa:

You could do this, it would be the easy half of a 2wd to 4wd conversion.
Just install a 4wd trans and t-case and connect to your rear drive shaft.

You'd have a 2 HI and a 2 LO, add a rear locker and you'd really able to go a lot of places. Of course with proper wheels and tires and maybe some lift.

 

[CrossFitGuy32]

Unless you're very mechanically inclined, have a lot of time on your hands, and a welder than its probably not worth the conversion. I did the conversion with a 3rd Gen I inherited. The total bill came to about $2000 when all was said and done. But for me knowing exactly how my vehicle works and being able to diagnose problems along the way was worth it! But for 2G's you could sell yours (somewhere were the 2wd market is good, as in southern states.) for good value plus the money possibly spent on a conversion could buy a model year newer runner. Just food for thought.

Was the 2 grand that it cost you to convert you doing all the labor or did you have somebody do the work for you?

 

[Doc2012]

I did mine on a 3rd gen, but bought a whole other truck. 1500 for the truck. Now I've got extra parts.

 

[CrossFitGuy32]

So for just doing around 95% of my driving on the road and then doing some offroading down to deer/duck woods and having the ability to handle some bad ice/snow on roads could I just get some good all terrain tires and then add lockers in the rear? Would that handle what I am looking to use my 4runner for?