2wd to 4wd conversion?

[bulldog-yota]

If you take the cheaper route and buy a 4x4 transmission with t-case like i did, you still get the goodies like ATRAC and center diff lock (on 4th gen).

IN any event, if you cannot do the work your self you are looking in thousands in labor on top of parts.. Not worth it by any stretch of the imagination.

I did mine for a silly reason... FJ Summit was coming up and I did not want to take my Sequoia, so I took my wife's 2wd limited and lifted, converted to 4x4, did front and rear bumpers, sliders, and a few other mods just for a silly Toyota event. I am glad I did, and I would guess not many of the people who buy a 2wd in the first place would have the ability to do all of this on their own.

Interesting, what modules did you change to get ATRAC to work not just TRAC/VSC?

From the info I have ATRAC and DAC is not going to fly on the 5th Gen trying to convert a 2WD to 4WD, unless you want to redo a lot of the electrical system.

The conversion I posted they weren't able to get ATRAC as well IIRC. Though a rear locker gets the job done for most trails, but that adds more $$.

 

[bulldog-yota]

oh well i guess hell just have to be a 2runner!

If he really wants a 4WD, he will just have to pay up and trade in. The sooner the better typically.

As I have said to many people asking me about 2WD vs 4WD before they buy; I have heard of many 2WD owners wishing they had 4WD, and never from a 4WD owner that they had a 2WD. On a new 4Runner you typically pay about $2k extra for 4WD, but you get so much extra in terms of capability.

 

[TOY2G]

Interesting, what modules did you change to get ATRAC to work not just TRAC/VSC?

From the info I have ATRAC and DAC is not going to fly on the 5th Gen trying to convert a 2WD to 4WD, unless you want to redo a lot of the electrical system.

The conversion I posted they weren't able to get ATRAC as well IIRC. Though a rear locker gets the job done for most trails, but that adds more $$.

there was I added teh DAC and ATRAC button durring the swap, and then when I added the 4wd ECM (pass side kick panel) I assumed it did not work, After the swap I found a 4wd cluster for my truck and tossed it in so I would have the 4x4 light in the dash. for grins I hit the center diff lock and the light came one, so I put it in drive and and turned a circle in my yard and sure as day it was working perfect. So then I tried the DAC and after a few tries it was working. Now I know the 5th gen does not have the diff lock, but if my conversion was in clue, the in cab wiring is there (for the switch and ECM) all you need is the hardware to make it activate (switches, ECM, and transmission)

I would not know for sure, but if we get this salvage 5th gen from NM, I wil SAS it and then we will know for sure.

 

[Antman]

Hello all. Im asking this on behalf of my cousin who just purchased a 2010 limited 2wd . Well after a hasty decision at the dealership he is now regretting 2wd and wishes he got 4wd. My question is, would it be possible to convert it to 4wd and would other drivetrains from the same year toyota SUV's fit (ie GX, LX, or even last gens 4runner). Ive tried searching car-part.com for front axle assemblies and what not but have come up short. I guess they are too new to be in salvage yards in the masses. We do know it can get expensive but if we can find the parts out of used vehicles we might be able to save a buck here and there as opposed to trading it in, losing money, and raising the car note. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

I say put an E-Locker on your 2WD and you will almost have 4WD. Even 4WD vehicles are 2WD when the diffs are unlocked...

The 'Runner will perform awesome in snow/mud, gravel, whatever for just a few hundred bucks.

Trying to convert it to 4WD is gonna be a never ending project.

my .02

 

[Gerdo]

I say put an E-Locker on your 2WD and you will almost have 4WD. Even 4WD vehicles are 2WD when the diffs are unlocked...

The 'Runner will perform awesome in snow/mud, gravel, whatever for just a few hundred bucks.

Trying to convert it to 4WD is gonna be a never ending project.

my .02

Not so true.
With a "4wd" vehicle, the front wheels will pull you thru obstacles. In 2wd, the rear wheel will push the front wheels into the obstacle. You also get Lo range so you don't cook your transmission.

Also a totally locked rear axle sucks in the snow. It is great for doing donuts.

 

[Antman]

Not so true.
With a "4wd" vehicle, the front wheels will pull you thru obstacles. In 2wd, the rear wheel will push the front wheels into the obstacle. You also get Lo range so you don't cook your transmission.

Also a totally locked rear axle sucks in the snow. It is great for doing donuts.

A 4WD with open diffs is still really 2WD though.

Everthing you stated is true, but a locked diff will help you get out of a stuck situation in the snow over an open diff.

Just pointing out another option for the OP.

 

[osucowboy]

:ybrick: