Making my 4x4 a 2wd?
03-18-2009, 04:09 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Making my 4x4 a 2wd?
I have a 94 4wd and I would like to remove the front diff and axles. Can I remove the axles from the hubs without any mods and just run my 4wd hub and everything but just without the shafts? I have a prerunner and I just dont want the extra girth and I want to get more travel without thw worries of breaking 4wd stuff. Thanks guys links are helpful too.
Chadwick
Chadwick
03-18-2009, 04:17 PM
#2
Without the axles, the hub and wheel bearing would be open to the elements. What are you worried about breaking? If you leave it in 2wd, you will not break anything, you'd just have the extra weight. I think to fully remove the 4wd components would be a lot of work. You would need some custom spindles, a 2wd transmission and longer driveshaft (if you want to ditch the t-case).
03-18-2009, 04:17 PM
#3
If you find a 90-95 4Runner 2WD, you could just swap spindles. They have the caps on the backside that seal the bearings, since the axles aren't there.
However, you could just take the axles out and remove the diff and be OK. I would suggest taking off the manual hubs and selling them, and finding some drive flanges (lower profile, weigh a lot less) at a wrecking yard to bolt on there instead. Then you could sell the manual hubs.
However, you could just take the axles out and remove the diff and be OK. I would suggest taking off the manual hubs and selling them, and finding some drive flanges (lower profile, weigh a lot less) at a wrecking yard to bolt on there instead. Then you could sell the manual hubs.
03-18-2009, 05:02 PM
#5
Contributing Member
lol, that's what I was thinking
seems that it would be much easier to just START with a 2wd
but if you're dead-set on the swap, find a 2wd Runner as DC mentioned; same basic setup, just minus the running gear
seems that it would be much easier to just START with a 2wd
but if you're dead-set on the swap, find a 2wd Runner as DC mentioned; same basic setup, just minus the running gear
Last edited by iamsuperbleeder; 03-18-2009 at 05:03 PM.
03-18-2009, 05:18 PM
#6
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Thread Starter
Well lets start off with I dont mind leaving the t-case on for now.
I dont want the extra lbs of the diff(I dont like nosediving)
I already have a jd fab kit, deavers, glass and and a cage. So lets keep this one eh.
Lets also ad that the 4wd knuckles are stronger then the 2wd and mine is already modded for the unibal on top.
I dont want the extra lbs of the diff(I dont like nosediving)
I already have a jd fab kit, deavers, glass and and a cage. So lets keep this one eh.
Lets also ad that the 4wd knuckles are stronger then the 2wd and mine is already modded for the unibal on top.
Last edited by slcpunk74; 03-18-2009 at 05:20 PM.
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03-18-2009, 05:22 PM
#8
Registered User
Thread Starter
If you find a 90-95 4Runner 2WD, you could just swap spindles. They have the caps on the backside that seal the bearings, since the axles aren't there.
However, you could just take the axles out and remove the diff and be OK. I would suggest taking off the manual hubs and selling them, and finding some drive flanges (lower profile, weigh a lot less) at a wrecking yard to bolt on there instead. Then you could sell the manual hubs.
However, you could just take the axles out and remove the diff and be OK. I would suggest taking off the manual hubs and selling them, and finding some drive flanges (lower profile, weigh a lot less) at a wrecking yard to bolt on there instead. Then you could sell the manual hubs.
03-18-2009, 05:31 PM
#10
Contributing Member
could you just unbolt and remove the CV's at the diff, and then just separate the outter CV's at the joint, leaving the stub in the spindle? that can't be but 5lbs a peice...
and then just take the next steps; remove the front diff and drive shaft, and swap for a 2wd tranny later on down the road
and then just take the next steps; remove the front diff and drive shaft, and swap for a 2wd tranny later on down the road
Last edited by iamsuperbleeder; 03-18-2009 at 05:32 PM.
03-18-2009, 05:31 PM
#11
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If it was me...I would see if I could source the "caps" that cover the area where the axles go. Then I would remove the front diff and shafts. I would leave as much of the original equipment as possible, just in case I wanted to go back. I would leave the transfer case in, just in case I wanted to utilize the low range gearing. With a locker in the rear(don't know if you have one) you might not miss the front diff very much.
03-18-2009, 05:33 PM
#12
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Thread Starter
Did you miss the whole I dont like nosediving thing. This truck will be taken to the dunes and any less weight on the front is going to help keep my floating and keep me from nosediving when I jump it(not if but a definative when).
03-18-2009, 05:33 PM
#13
Contributing Member
If it was me...I would see if I could source the "caps" that cover the area where the axles go. Then I would remove the front diff and shafts. I would leave as much of the original equipment as possible, just in case I wanted to go back. I would leave the transfer case in, just in case I wanted to utilize the low range gearing. With a locker in the rear(don't know if you have one) you might not miss the front diff very much.
definately invest in a truss, if you haven't done so already
Last edited by iamsuperbleeder; 03-18-2009 at 05:34 PM.
03-18-2009, 05:34 PM
#14
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Thread Starter
could you just unbolt and remove the CV's at the diff, and then just separate the outter CV's at the joint, leaving the stub in the spindle? that can't be but 5lbs a peice...
and then just take the next steps; remove the front diff and drive shaft, and swap for a 2wd tranny later on down the road
and then just take the next steps; remove the front diff and drive shaft, and swap for a 2wd tranny later on down the road
03-18-2009, 05:36 PM
#16
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03-18-2009, 05:38 PM
#17
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03-18-2009, 05:41 PM
#18
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Thread Starter
Oh yeah when they caged it they did a truss and a skid plate that makes changing the oil really fun. I have to use an old cake pan with a funnel and then the oil pan ha ha love my yoda.
03-18-2009, 05:43 PM
#19
Contributing Member
without one, the guys at the alignment shop will have a blast after your first big air
03-18-2009, 05:47 PM
#20
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Now I've seen it all. To each his own I guess. I couldn't imagine sheding my front axles for the sake of weight loss, but I don't jump so.....
How much weight do you plan on losing by removing the axles and differential? I suppose every little bit will help. Some of the "preRunner" guys out here crack me up with the strange things they do. Fiberglass fenders all around, usually with stock or close to stock suspension and 2 spare tires in the back that weigh as much as the truck. Most of the guys out here invest so much money into their trucks to make them "look" like they perform, but you look under them and see stock control arms riding on the bump stops, cheapy shocks, cranked stock torsions and you know they didn't invest in a locker or gears.
How much weight do you plan on losing by removing the axles and differential? I suppose every little bit will help. Some of the "preRunner" guys out here crack me up with the strange things they do. Fiberglass fenders all around, usually with stock or close to stock suspension and 2 spare tires in the back that weigh as much as the truck. Most of the guys out here invest so much money into their trucks to make them "look" like they perform, but you look under them and see stock control arms riding on the bump stops, cheapy shocks, cranked stock torsions and you know they didn't invest in a locker or gears.
