85 toyota pickup 2wd to 4wd
 

I have a 1985 toyota pickup 2wd and want to convert to 4wd. Will 1988 toyota 4wd axles and want to know If they will work.?

Welcome to YotaTech!

Are you up for a challenge?!?
Converting from a 2WD truck to a 4WD truck is pretty involved.
Even though 2WD trucks and 4WD trucks are similar, many things that are different. You may also need to fabricate parts. The frames between 2WD and 4WD are also different.
Here is just a few things that you will need:

• Compete rear axle
• Complete front axle
• 4WD front and rear brakes
• 6 lug wheels
• Tires for the wheels
• 4WD transmission
• Transfer case
• 4WD driveshafts (definitely different than 2WD)
• cutting or enlarging the hole in the floor to accommodate the transfer case shifter
• 4WD rear leaf springs
• 4WD front suspension
• 4WD steering components
• 4WD engine oil pan (larger than 2wd)

There is probably much more.


As for your original question, it just depends on what you mean by "will they work".


When I have seen similar questions on this forum pop up in the past, most members here agree that finding a decent 4WD truck would just be the better way to go.


Good luck!


:wrench: :safari:

No. will not work.
'88 4x4s use an independent front suspension setup and none of the mounts are the same from 2wds and 4x4s.
The only way to do a conversion is with a solid axle from an 85 or older 4x4

Anything can be built if you want to put a IFS Front Suspension in your 2WD truck it will just be more work.

Are you a really good fabricator /welder ??

If you don`t get the suspension parts welded in perfect the truck goes down the road sideways

Solid Front axle will be a little less work

If you really want to do this you are ahead to buy the complete donor vehicle and have it sit close at hand.

It is so much easier to just buy a running 4x4 .

Then maybe your really bored and need something to do.

So realistically how much more work would it be to put a 88 IFS axle in the front instead of a solid axle?

Swap a 4x4 frame from a wrecked truck.

This would be the best way to do it. Since I have never done anything like this I cannot say how much work it would take to fabricate the mounts.

From what I understand, you will have to fabricate every mount where the suspension attaches because 2WD and 4WD suspension mount differently and in different locations. And for your alignment to be correct, you will need to be very accurate in where you place each mount.

:welder: :wrench: :safari:

Won't work. Frames are different. For the custom fab work to make it work, and chance of finding someone with special skill set to do it. Yep won't work. SAS much easier. Research research research.