Drunner97
New member
Gotta go the fj tc route if you want a crawl box I believe. Lots of modifications.
Keeping the 4Runner, but help me choose a rock crawler
- Thread starter Bumbo
- Start date
Gotta go the fj tc route if you want a crawl box I believe. Lots of modifications.
If you are talking about putting a VF1A and an adapter in the truck like this:
FJ Cruiser geared tcase & crawl box by Inchworm - Page 4 - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum
That is not my idea of a good solution. Traction control is now disabled and Atrac will never work again with this "solution". Not to mention you now need two new drivelines, a new gas tank, new skid plates, new transfer case mount, a hole in the middle of your center console and a shifter coming up right at your elbow.
The only solution I will accept is a re-cut secondary planetary section in the factory case that works with the factory transfer case motor, factory electronics and factory ABS computer which doesn't break and also doesn't cost $10,000. Until someone has THAT for sale, there isn't a solution that I am aware of.
Drunner97
New member
I'm already running front and rear lockers. I haven't used ATRAC in months. I've got no problems modifying my rig although I don't see why you would need a new gas tank though. RST has has done a 4th gen I believe.
Crawl boxes are hugely useful if you have a manual transmission. Saves a lot of clutch slipping or damage from going too fast.
With an automatic behind a high torque engine like the V8, the torque converter gives you a lot of the same capability as a crawl box, albeit with more heat build-up when going really slow. However, a good transmission cooler would be a lot easier to install than a dual case setup.
I've not heard of anyone coming up with a 4.7:1 planetary gear set for the Toyota chain drive cases. Given the outside diameter of the case, the sun gear gets really small for that kind of reduction ratio. Plus, it's a lot of new machined parts - sun gear, three planet gears, planet carrier, probably new shift collars, etc., which would make it very expensive. I think those kinds of reduction ratios are easier with the countershaft approach used in the old gear-drive cases.
With an automatic behind a high torque engine like the V8, the torque converter gives you a lot of the same capability as a crawl box, albeit with more heat build-up when going really slow. However, a good transmission cooler would be a lot easier to install than a dual case setup.
I've not heard of anyone coming up with a 4.7:1 planetary gear set for the Toyota chain drive cases. Given the outside diameter of the case, the sun gear gets really small for that kind of reduction ratio. Plus, it's a lot of new machined parts - sun gear, three planet gears, planet carrier, probably new shift collars, etc., which would make it very expensive. I think those kinds of reduction ratios are easier with the countershaft approach used in the old gear-drive cases.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
[MENTION=123332]Drunner97[/MENTION]
[MENTION=134884]RonJR[/MENTION]
Marlin makes what they call a Taco Box (for Tacomas) that I'm pretty sure will fit 4th gen V6's and more than likely V8's as well because it goes between the transmission and stock t-case. It gives a 4.7:1 gear ratio that can work separately or combined with the stock 2.57:1. Just needs modified driveshafts, extended wires, and cut a hole in the floor for the shifter. Literally nobody with a 4runner has this except for the few SFA guys. I hope this changes that because they aren't that expensive considering everything I've heard about them, increasing crawling ability and reduced stress on the weak rear diffs. Let me know what you guys think.
https://www.marlincrawler.com/transfer-case/built-units/tacoma-1st-gen/dual-case-unit
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/marlin-crawler-taco-box-sale.87718/
If for some reason you guys don't think it'll work with the V8's swapping in an FJ case should solve that problem. Or put in a 4spd Atlas right?
If you want to see something cool check out this build. 40's with stock 3rd gen Tacoma diffs.
BigMike's Big Journey: A 2016 Tacoma Build Thread
Bumbo
New member
Maybe a bit of a tangent, but in the process or learning more about this stuff I came across Currie axles... looks like some impressive stuff especially for a high end or custom build.
Hypothetically if I ever needed a new rear end for a 4Runner, do you think one of their Tacoma or FJ axles would work?
https://www.currieenterprises.com/toyota-fj-cruiser-bolt-in-rearends
Hypothetically if I ever needed a new rear end for a 4Runner, do you think one of their Tacoma or FJ axles would work?
https://www.currieenterprises.com/toyota-fj-cruiser-bolt-in-rearends
Drunner97
New member
Tacoma and FJ transfer cases are a little different because of our center diff lock, which is why I think you have to convert to an FJ case in order to use that box on our trucks.
Big Mike's build is ridiculous. I've been following it on and off.
I'd imagine you could use the fj rear end to retain the disc brakes, although there's a Tacoma guy I wheel with that swapped to the 9" currie rear and had 4runner disc brakes put on instead of keeping the stock drum setup.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
Check out the_josh's build on toyota120 or here, he has a Currie axle.
You could also go Diamond.
