Converting 2006 4x2 -> 4x4 = is it possible??

P

perfectmax

New member
I bought my wife a 2006 4x2 V8 LTD brand new a few years back. I wanted a V8 and she wanted a white LTD runner. We found only one in the state of NC that fit those parameters but it was a 4x2. Since we live in the South, a 4x2 was acceptable. But, we are thinking of moving up north and I do not want to get rid of this truck. I have kept this truck in MINT condition and have absolutely babied it. She has never seen a car wash and is waxed every few months plus, it is also almost paid off!

So, what would it take to convert this truck to 4x4? Is it at all possible? Think that I could find a wrecked runner and use its parts? What would be involved and has anyone on this forum ever ventured to do this?
 
Register to hide this ad
It's possible, but definitely not practical. The amount of money you'd spend to get the job done would be more than it would cost to sell it and buy another one that already has 4wd. If you have your mind made up to do it, I do agree that your best option would probably be to find a wrecked 4wd 4Runner to use as a donor vehicle. I've seen them on ebay from time to time.
 
Last edited:
If you really dont want to get rid of your runner I may suggest just to get a set of nice and very good tires. Sometimes that really makes a difference...

I got a 2wd as well with stock tires and almost got stuck the other day in just like 6-7" of snow , they suck!. Thanks to my driving ability skills ehm ehem...I got out in no time...but I bet if I had nice tires it would've been a different story. I just can't wait to get the new ones

you might want to check out this thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/55731-possible-make-2wd-truly-offroad-capable
 
You certainly can. someone somewhere has the ability to do it. whether its going to be worth your time or money is another question. I would assume that with needing a transfer case, new front drive shaft, new rear drive shaft. front transaxle, probably new suspension components and finding someone who can re program and wire your computer to accept an electronic transfer case is going to set you back thousands upon thousands of dollars. i don't discourage looking into it, I just don't believe its going to be worth doing. You would be better off to buy a different 4runner that is 4 wheel drive. not to mention who knows what the reliability would be of a custom 4 wheel drive set up for one of these vehicles. Basically im thinking either to live with it and get snow tires or find a replacement that is 4x4. IMHO of course.
 
Jed said:
It's possible, but definitely not practical. The amount of money you'd spend to get the job done would be more than it would cost to sell it and buy another one that already has 4wd. If you have your mind made up to do it, I do agree that your best option would probably be to find a wrecked 4wd 4Runner to use as a donor vehicle. I've seen them on ebay from time to time.
Click to expand...
exactly. the wiring for both vehicles (2wd and 4wd) is completely different. frame mounting points are missing on the 2wd. many many differences. you're much better off selling your 2wd and buying a 4wd. unless of course you go money to burn...for the cost to switch to an oem ifs 4wd system you could do a bad ass custom SAS. but that would destroy your resale value and kill daily driving abilites.

i'm in your same situation. few years back when we bought the 4runner we couldn't find a 4wd either and we were on a very tight schedule for finding a new vehicle (our land rover was totalled and we had already used up all the time on the insurance rental and were paying 150/day for a rental car) so we had to jump on the best one we found, which unfortunately was a 2wd. now my wife loves it so much that she won't let me get rid of it. so i'm thinking about letting her drive that and selling her old car to buy an 80s series land cruiser for my off-road/extreme weather driving. works out best of both worlds. a nice good looking daily driver that the wife loves, and a bad ass bullet-proof trail/expedition rig for me.
 
SecretAgent said:
... selling her old car to buy an 80s series land cruiser for my off-road/extreme weather driving. works out best of both worlds. a nice good looking daily driver that the wife loves, and a bad ass bullet-proof trail/expedition rig for me.
Click to expand...

I like your thinking!! Cept, I have a 62... 80's are inexpensive and plentiful, love em!

I say keep the 4Runner, put good A/T tires on, and pick up a cheaper 4X4.

My Iron for play...

side.jpg~original
 
Jed said:
It's possible, but definitely not practical. The amount of money you'd spend to get the job done would be more than it would cost to sell it and buy another one that already has 4wd.
Click to expand...

:iagree: By the time you'd be finished you could have just traded your car for a 4X4 and had money left over. That's not even talking about your time and trouble.
 
FourEyedWilly said:
I like your thinking!! Cept, I have a 62... 80's are inexpensive and plentiful, love em!

I say keep the 4Runner, put good A/T tires on, and pick up a cheaper 4X4.

My Iron for play...

side.jpg~original
Click to expand...
oh man, that's a beautiful 62. i've always loved those as well, and if i could find a good condition one i would LOVE to have one. actually found a beautifully restored 83 for sale here in houston, but they want 15k for it. no thx. hmm...definitely should start looking at 62's too though, lol.
 
Trading it for 4WD would be the cheapest option.

But if you're going to put a solid axle under it, then it doesn't matter.
 
What do you wish to do with 4x4 you cannot do with 4x2?

For up North, I think you want it for the snow. I'm just wondering how far North? Because really, it's not that big of a deal. Snow stays on roads for mere hours depending on where you live (we plan for snow well, we have to we get more of it). If you are still concerned maybe you should invest in snow/summer tires, keep the truck as is. 4x4 if just used for on-road is not a very big problem.

Long Island received 20" of snow last week, it was an issue for 1 day because it snowed for an extended period. Next day, roads were clear, and everything was back to normal. It's just relative to where you live, and how it can be handled.
 
li_runner said:
What do you wish to do with 4x4 you cannot do with 4x2?

For up North, I think you want it for the snow. I'm just wondering how far North? Because really, it's not that big of a deal. Snow stays on roads for mere hours depending on where you live (we plan for snow well, we have to we get more of it). If you are still concerned maybe you should invest in snow/summer tires, keep the truck as is. 4x4 if just used for on-road is not a very big problem.

Long Island received 20" of snow last week, it was an issue for 1 day because it snowed for an extended period. Next day, roads were clear, and everything was back to normal. It's just relative to where you live, and how it can be handled.
Click to expand...

It only takes one time being stuck in a snow storm for someone to wish they had purchased a 4wd 4Runner. My 4Runner is my ONLY vehicle capable of being driven in snow. My other vehicle is a RWD car that's a blast on dry pavement, but would get stuck in an inch of snow.

If I didn't have a 4wd 4Runner, I would have been stuck at my house for more than 24 hours during the snow storm we had last week. I live on a mountain ridge, so I have to travel uphill and then downhill whether I am going home or leaving home. My neighbors without 4wd are basically screwed until the plows clear the roads.

I don't blame anyone who lives in the northern states for wanting a 4wd vehicle. Especially when it comes to 4Runners because they don't do well at all in snow if they are RWD. I guess they are just too light in the back to get any good snow traction, even with decent tires.
 
4 wheel conversion is a Bad Idea .... $$$$$ Just Put a ARB Locker in the rear ..Cost about 1600 installed and if you really need 4 wheel drive /...Go Buy one .
 
You'll be good. If these rwd mustangs here in CO can make it in the snow, your 4Runner can make it in your area. Just don't go out if you don't have to. If you're in the snow already or there's no choice, then drive slow. 4WD can plow easy thru the snow than a 2WD. But a 4WD cannot again cannot stop on a dime in the snow.
 
perfectmax said:
I bought my wife a 2006 4x2 V8 LTD brand new a few years back. I wanted a V8 and she wanted a white LTD runner. We found only one in the state of NC that fit those parameters but it was a 4x2. Since we live in the South, a 4x2 was acceptable. But, we are thinking of moving up north and I do not want to get rid of this truck. I have kept this truck in MINT condition and have absolutely babied it. She has never seen a car wash and is waxed every few months plus, it is also almost paid off!

So, what would it take to convert this truck to 4x4? Is it at all possible? Think that I could find a wrecked runner and use its parts? What would be involved and has anyone on this forum ever ventured to do this?
Click to expand...

Don't listen to anyone i'm in the process of sourcing parts and it's not as expensive as it seems and everything is pretty much bolt on. All the mounting locations for the 4wd harware are there to bolt everything up to, 2wds just don't have the 4wd ecu's and 4wd wiring harness'. The ecu's and wiring isn't required, it will be an old school mechanical 4wd system which is more reliable. I picked up a complete front diff from a 2006 tacoma with brackets, breather lines and the connector for the ADD, half shafts, complete spindles with hubs and bearings for $900. All I need to get now is a front drive shaft, an A750F tranny for $900 and a Marlin Crawler geared left T-case with twin sticks for $2500. I'm going with an expensive T-case for the shear beef and low crawl speed, it's not necessary, but it's what I want. An FJ Cruiser manual T-case will get the job done and that runs about $900. Last but not least i'm regearing and installing ARB lockers front and rear for $1800.

If you're serious about doing this, let me know I can set you up with Toy Connection in Northern California. They can source any Toyota part you need to get the job done. I strongly suggest going with a front diff that has Auto diff disconnect (ADD) for less ware and tear and for better fuel mileage. I can shoot you the wiring diagram for the ADD. For the T-case you need to talk to Wyatt at Intro ROCKSOLIDTOYS.COM because the T-case will require twin sticks to fit up through where the ash tray is next to the gear shifter. Dave (Crozhawk) sourced some leather boots for the twin sticks to make it look plush. Let me know if you have questions, i'll answer the best I can or get the answers for you. 98% of this conversion can be done in your garage with the exception of off setting the twin sticks. Good luck.
 
Last edited:
BajaRnnr said:
Don't listen to anyone i'm in the process of sourcing parts and it's not as expensive as it seems and everything is pretty much bolt on. All the mounting locations for the 4wd harware are there to bolt everything up to, 2wds just don't have the 4wd ecu's and 4wd wiring harness'. The ecu's and wiring isn't required, it will be an old school mechanical 4wd system which is more reliable. I picked up a complete front diff from a 2006 tacoma with brackets, breather lines and the connector for the ADD, half shafts, complete spindles with hubs and bearings for $900. All I need to get now is a front drive shaft, an A750F tranny for $900 and a Marlin Crawler geared left T-case with twin sticks for $2500. I'm going with an expensive T-case for the shear beef and low crawl speed, it's not necessary, but it's what I want. An FJ Cruiser manual T-case will get the job done and that runs about $900. Last but not least i'm regearing and installing ARB lockers front and rear for $1800.
Click to expand...

Let me get this straight. You're spending 900 + 900 + 2500? That's 4300 just for parts? So at least 5000 installed (probably above 6000)?

If you want 4WD, there is a very simple way to convert it -- one that will maintain your warranty and resale price:

1) sell your 2WD.
2) buy a 4WD.
 
M1911 said:
Let me get this straight. You're spending 900 + 900 + 2500? That's 4300 just for parts? So at least 5000 installed (probably above 6000)?

If you want 4WD, there is a very simple way to convert it -- one that will maintain your warranty and resale price:

1) sell your 2WD.
2) buy a 4WD.
Click to expand...

You're the typical idot that thinks the only resolution is to sell and buy a newer truck to start over with. First I have invested a lot in mine and I own it, so why would I want to start over again with making payments when I can make mine better. Also why would I want the OEM 4wd when I can build a stronger, better more reliable 4wd. With everything I have planned a lot of the oem 4wd system would be useless. Sounds stupid if you ask me. Marlin T-case is 10 times stronger and better than the oem t-case, which means the center diff lock would be scraped. Also the A-trac will be useless when I get front and rear ARB lockers. So what's the point in getting a newer 4wd? I can install everything in a weekend myself so won't cost me a dime to have someone do it for me. I don't care about resale since I plan to keep my truck with all the plans I have for it and my warranty was up when I went over 36k miles. I have 94k on the clock, so can't say it's worth much to trade in, infact I would lose money on it and I would have to shell out 9k for a newer truck to buy out right or just to keep the payments reasonable. I have big plans for my truck being a dedicated trail rig at some point, so why would I want to get rid of it. Sounds like some of you don't think before you speak. Some people should think before posting...... reason why I almost never come on this forum.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 188 (members: 0, guests: 188)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,071
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top