Possible 2wd to 4wd conversion

[SRQ-Runner]

So I was doing my daily scroll through craigslist when I came along a very vague ad for a totaled 4x4 97 for $500. Since I'm 2wd it instantly peaked my interest.

I went ahead and texted him for information and I got, "It's a 3.4L automatic 4x4 with e-locker, front passenger side impact". He is going to send over some more photos after work.

I have a friend that said I could keep the truck at his shop while I do the conversion and the part out that will follow.

Only issues I see is that I'm a 2.7L with a manual. How many issues would this cause? Even if the 4x4 swap doesn't work, I feel it's worth it for the e-locker.

What do you guys think? I'm going through childrenofbooms thread right now

 

[techno]

I think once you list all the stuff that needs to be transferred, you'll see that the time effort required far exceeds the benefits, even more so when you look at all the cheap 4x4's available for sale.
Since it has the 4x4 has the 3.4L, you'll have to use the 4x4's engine , since the transfer case will need to mate with the 4x4's transmission which will not mate to your 4 banger.
You will basically be doing a body swap instead of a conversion.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Just pull your body off the frame and slap it on the 4wd frame ... Or trade the 2wd rig in on a 4wd model.

 

[SRQ-Runner]

I think once you list all the stuff that needs to be transferred, you'll see that the time effort required far exceeds the benefits, even more so when you look at all the cheap 4x4's available for sale.
Since it has the 4x4 has the 3.4L, you'll have to use the 4x4's engine , since the transfer case will need to mate with the 4x4's transmission which will not mate to your 4 banger.
You will basically be doing a body swap instead of a conversion.

That's what I wanted clarification on. COB used the transmission from the 3.4L but it was a 5 speed upgrade. I would be downgrading to an automatic if I did so.

 

[UnderFire]

I'd buy it for the rest of the parts including the e locker housing and find a 4wd W59 trans elsewhere.

 

[SRQ-Runner]

I'd buy it for the rest of the parts including the e locker housing and find a 4wd W59 trans elsewhere.

Would all I need is the 4wd W59 trans to complete the conversion?

 

[SRQ-Runner]

He just sent photos over and lets just say, I wouldn't trust anything off the front end of it. Going to try and snag the rear locker though

 

[jpeaslee]

He just sent photos over and lets just say, I wouldn't trust anything off the front end of it. Going to try and snag the rear locker though

If you don't, please let me know. I'm in your neck of the woods.

 

[SnowLizard]

rear locker on yours would be very helpful, and great for doughnuts...

Here's what I would do..
get that rear elocker, even if you spend 500 for the entire truck. - call junk yards and see if they will take it for $300... some do in my area)
get a 2001-2002 4wd doner with body dmg.
put e-locker on doner
swap your body to 4wd frame with elocker/v-trac/etc...
make v-trac disable button (when locker is active)

you'd have the BEST of all 3rd gen mechanically minus a SC.

the 2001-2002 gives v-trac, basicly a 'brake' LSD for all 4 tires, if one side spins computer applies brake and send power to opposite side - best ins ice/snow
the rear e-locker comes in handy anywhere on rocks/mud where v-trac fails
sadly the 4banger was last produced in 2000, so you'll be going v6 if you did this... better imo.

the great news is, you get to make the donor frame ready while still having your vehicle on the road for just the body swap

just throwing my thoughts out there...

 

[SRQ-Runner]

get that rear elocker, even if you spend 500 for the entire truck. - call junk yards and see if they will take it for $300... some do in my area)

He doesn't want to separate the locker from the truck so this is the only route I can take. Would probably part out some it on here, and then junk the rest.

 

[Chuckles89]

My suggestion is to get it for the e-locker, then find a wrecked 4x4 Tacoma with 4-cyl, 5 speed, and manual hubs. Then, you could swap over the non-electrical/ vacuum front diff, hubs (on spindles), CVs, transmission, and transfer case.

Then, you would have the coolest 3rd gen ever!

 

[St Runner]

I thought the W-59 transmission was the same for both the 2wd and 4wd but had a different tail housing for the 2wd and a transfer case for the 4wd. I am not totally sure on this one but all you should need is the transfer case, driveshafts and everything up front for the diff. I don't think toyota would make two different transmissions. Also I never caught the year for the donor vehicle

 

[UnderFire]

Would all I need is the 4wd W59 trans to complete the conversion?

Basically yes, I don't know what goes into a 4wd swap with ADD, but you'd have a whole truck worth of parts to figure it out, front diff likely survived the crash, I've never seen one broken at a junkyard and I've seen nasty front end damage. The driveshafts would work for you, I used ones out of a 97 v6 auto. You could also score some interior parts if its the same color since I assume yours has the base model interior. Hell, even if you don't want anything but the locker its a hot buy.

 

[UnderFire]

I thought the W-59 transmission was the same for both the 2wd and 4wd but had a different tail housing for the 2wd and a transfer case for the 4wd. I am not totally sure on this one but all you should need is the transfer case, driveshafts and everything up front for the diff. I don't think toyota would make two different transmissions. Also I never caught the year for the donor vehicle

The trans is basically completely different, the tailshaft, rear half of the housing, shifter placement, bend and bolt pattern as well. You're much better off with a new trans.

 

[UnderFire]

My suggestion is to get it for the e-locker, then find a wrecked 4x4 Tacoma with 4-cyl, 5 speed, and manual hubs. Then, you could swap over the non-electrical/ vacuum front diff, hubs (on spindles), CVs, transmission, and transfer case.

Then, you would have the coolest 3rd gen ever!

Why, thank you, lol.

 

[Chuckles89]

Why, thank you, lol.

Yes, I'm jealous of yours haha

 

[SRQ-Runner]

Basically yes, I don't know what goes into a 4wd swap with ADD, but you'd have a whole truck worth of parts to figure it out, front diff likely survived the crash, I've never seen one broken at a junkyard and I've seen nasty front end damage. The driveshafts would work for you, I used ones out of a 97 v6 auto. You could also score some interior parts if its the same color since I assume yours has the base model interior. Hell, even if you don't want anything but the locker its a hot buy.

Here is how she looks:



I tried offering him my rear and some money for the e-locker rear and once again stated he wants to sell the whole thing. I have a friend with a shop that I could store it at, but have no way of getting it there. Also would have no way of getting it to the junkyard once I was done parting it out (just outside of their pickup radius). I really would like the e-locker, even if I don't tackle the 4x4 conversion this time around. The interior is beat up and also tan leather, my interior is blue cloth, so that doesn't so me much good. Being that it is a 97, it doesn't have any of the goodies like a 99 console. I'm really torn on what to do, I want that e-locker though. :hungry:

 

[97t4r81]

Tow to your friends place. Put locker and needed goodies on your rig. Then sell the whole thing o someone with a trailer or a tow truck

 

[Swap Guy]

The trans is basically completely different, the tailshaft, rear half of the housing, shifter placement, bend and bolt pattern as well. You're much better off with a new trans.

7 years later I come with answers lol.... the trans are identical aside from extension housing, missing one bolt thread and a longer output shaft. Theres about a thousand videos on how to convert any A340 from 2wd to 4wd as the modification is quite simple. If your handy I bet you could do it without pulling the trans from the truck which would save a ton of time.

There's a few nuances between w59 and a340 as well as all the a340 models but all the same principles apply. This modification from 2wd to 4wd has been done on these transmissions for a while. Just look up how to convert a340 from 2wd to 4wd on youtube and you'll find it.