LongRunner

I have a 2001 4Runner limited. We have owned it since it was new, however I have always been sad that it is a 2x4. My friends and I are always out in the woods with our 4runners and I am the one always getting stuck. I was wondering how hard would it be to change a 2wheel drive into a 4 wheel drive. And if it isn't that difficult, should I wait and do a solid axel swap or go with the IFS.

bigt

i would keep it and buy an older 4wd to beat in the woods ..could even tow it with your runner......its alot of work hassle time and money.. but anything is possible... you could start by looking for a donor truck...

89silverpu

Yes...buy a 4 wheel drive 4runner

Some will tell you to put a locker in the rear and you'll be able to go where you want to go but that's still not as fun as a 4wd...

4RunnerFreedom

before answering this question I would first like to know were you purchased a 2 wheeled vehicle that is 4 wheel drive.

89silverpu

Newer 4runners come in 2wd or 4wd...

4RunnerFreedom

right, I understand that. I think you misunderstood what I wrote.

2x4 is a piece of lumber.

it is impossible to have a vehicles with only 2 wheels have 4 wheel drive. which is what 2x4 would mean if it is being used in reference to a vehicle.

a 2wd 4Runner is 4x2. 4 wheels with only 2 wheels driving it

nc994run

I think he means that the 2x4 should be 4x2, but it is the newbie section, so give them a break.

As far as a 4wd conversion, it is going to cost a lot to do it (at least 3k) so pretty much everyone here will suggest selling it and buying a 4wd 4Runner. If you go that route, try and find a 99 or 2000 with the rear locker as it is the best of that generation as far as stock wheeling ability and interior features.

89silverpu

Gotcha

4RunnerFreedom

just a little sarcasm in the first post.

the second post though, if you have 780 posts, you aren't or at least shouldn't be, much of a newbie

to answer the question, i agree with the others that it would not be very prudent to do a conversion. a better idea would be to sell your 2wd and buy a 4wd. or keep your 2wd and buy a 4wd

nix4x4

2X4 is a valid description... not of a 4Runner, but of, say, a Corolla.

It signifies that the vehicle has 4 wheels, the front two recieve power to push/pull the vehicle. And, all manufacturers who put a "4X4" sticker on the
side of their dually are stupid, as it is incorrect

4RunnerFreedom

was typing when you posted yours. you certainly did.

4RunnerFreedom

how is a 2x4 valid for a Corolla. last I checked a Corolla has 4 wheels meaning 4x2. 4 wheels with 2 drive wheels. actually a corolla might only have one drive wheel. i think lots of fwd cars are that way.

thats right, a dually is not 4x4 but rather 6x6 or 6x4

LongRunner

Oops. Sorry to sound like such a "newbi". I was trying to convey a point. I appreciate the corrections. I also agree, that financially it would be a smarter choice to buy another vehicle that was 4wd. However, that would take away the fun of me trying to figure out what I could do. Having some mechanical skills, but not a ton, I was just trying to check on the ease of the project. I had also considered trying to make it into a dessert runner, but could not find any long travel suspension upgrades for the 2wd.'s.

thanks again.

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

Ok, so enough of the stupid technicalities.

We know what he meant. 1x1 2x4 6x6 whocaresXeffyou

To the OP: It would be much easier to just sell your 2wd and buy a 4wd, as well as cheaper.

JCM4x89pu

a 4x4 is a peice of lumber too.. you're all a bunch of newbs!

why not buy a toyota e-locker? cheap and very effective.

or.. if you're feeling a bit gung ho, and you have the right tools... buy a wrecked 4runner and change out the parts.. preferably a wrecked 4runner with a factory e-locker. everything should bolt right in. i don't recommend it either, but it could be done.. depends how much you want 4wd in your dd.

still expensive... then take it apart peice by peice, sell it all on ebay.. and recycle whats left over.

yoder519

well you said you wanted to have a 4x4 and a SFA... so why not try to find a 85 or later IMO. 4x4 and SFA. cant beat that.that way you could have a DD and trail rig. you ll run into alot of moeny doin a 4x4 conversion and SAS

TopRunner

Maybe you should stick to kicking down doors and shooting people in the face and leave the 4wheeling to us manly men.

gilby4runner

There have been a few that have converted to 4 wheel drive. I know on ulitmate yota (ice man and neilconcept) have both done it. Both took different approaches.