toyota 2wd to 4wd

92yotaman

92yotaman

Active Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Location
boone, nc
im posting this everywhere i know so i cane get the best idea...
Ok, im in the market for an 02 tacoma and i don't have too much cash so i was thinking, if im going to SAS this and put dual cases, and 63in chevies in the rear, and im low on money... then why don't i buy a 2wd truck and build it up. SOO how hard is it to convert a 2wd to a 4wd with a solid front axle? I know it has been done, and i know i can save a ton of money just buying a 2wd truck. Inputs please.

P.S. how wide is the elocker rear end, hub to hub, in an 02 taco?
 
It's not hard if you have the proper fab skills and a decent platform to start with. If you're going to buy a 2wd Taco, be sure that it's a Prerunner model, as the frames of the 5 lug Tacos are too light to withstand the stresses of wheeling without substantial modification.

With that being said, if you're low on money, you won't be saving a ton of money by SAS'ing a 2wd truck. The hidden costs add up quickly.
 
The only positive aspect of that build would be running a divorced t-case, in this case it would help. Tacoma 4wd setups with a LP axle will create the need for a expensive front shaft with steep angles. Plus you could save money buy gearing your case of choice rather than doubling a stock setup. I would add it up on paper.
 
makes since, i can see where little extras would add up. i want a taco really bad, but they are to F-ing expensive. Well my next question then is how much harder would swap be on an 02 than my 92. I know i would have to get a different oil pan, but what else?
 
Is the 92 a 4x4? If so, you probably would get away a good bit cheaper since you can use a toyota solid axle.
 
If its a 6 cyl you have to swap over to a T-100 pan and I believe the old 3.0 pans work too. There's not much difference except for steering and the price of parts. Tacos run a rack and pinion so you'll have to junk that and mount a box and build a steering shaft. There are couple lttle odds and ends in there like joints, hoses from the PS pump and a couple other things, not too bad. I believe I mentioned this before but the factory trans crossmember will not work, its not possible. You will be forced to buy or build one. 44044 springs work really well up front, they're stable and have tons of flex!
Considering that you can buy a SAS kit for about 1100 makes it about half or less of the price of the Taco. Plus you can run a Toyota axle instead of a D44(unless you flip the axle) and your gearing options are A LOT better and about a thousand or so cheaper than a Taco!
I've built both for people. The Tacoma is a very comfortable ride and much more powerful. On the downside they are expensive and bigger. The 92 would be much easier and cheaper to crawl hands down.
 
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