Finally got this project completed yesterday What was previously a 97 Limited 2wd 4runner is now 4wd using all OEM parts.

Parts used:
-A340F 4x4 transmission with J-shifter transfer case (98 Tacoma 4wd V6)
-Tacoma manual hubs/knuckle (96 Base model Tacoma 4wd)
-Matching front Differential with mounts (98 4runner SR5)
-Shifter assembly with cover/bezel (98 4Runner SR5)
-Floor shifter plate ( 98 4runner SR5) can be substituted with bolts and washers
-Front driveshaft (98 4Runner SR5)
-Rear driveshaft (98 4runner SR5)
-Manual CVs (96 Base model Tacoma 4wd)
-Transmission mount (98 4runner SR5)
-Warn hubs
-Toyota OEM wheel bearings
-Budbuilt transmission crossmember

On with the pics:

A340F tranny out of a 98 Tacoma waiting to be cleaned:


Removed the inspection plate to access the 6 bolts on the flex plate:


Only way to access those bolts is to crank the crankshaft pulley:


Flex plate:


Replacing the torque converter due to a broken stator using a remanufactured one:


Cutout for the shifter:


Front differential mounted:


Differential:


Budbuilt crossmember:


Manual hubs awaiting press work:


Warn hubs... Yea I know Aisin Hubs are better but couldn't find one


Shifter:



Big Thanks to RanchoToyotaTtruck

 

This is the same thing I have been wanting to do to my truck for the longest time. I want to do it along with my 3.4 swap and an SAS. Tranny comes first, then engine.

About how hard would you say this is to do. I am not the "master mechanic" but I can follow a reasonable set of instructions pretty well...

 

that looks sweet, glad to see someone do it instead of talk about it good job lets see some wheeling pics now

 

I would have to say from a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this at 6 or 7. If you start off with a good tranny then it would make life easier. I had to drop that sucker a total of 3 times because of the broken stator on the torque converter only using a standard jack. If you plan on tackling this I would HIGHLY recommend a tranny jack Other than that everythinig else just bolts into place.

 

nice looks good!

 

Awesome.. you will be an inspiration to many who have been considering the conversion. A swap to 5-speed at the same time would have been the only way I'd of done it differently.

 

how about some pics on how the winch is mounted?

thanks!

 

Great job and persistence. Mind sharing with us how you finally figured out the stator was bad? Stall test? Lots of revs with little go? Lockup problems?

Thanks for the inspiration.

 

Wow, great project. I admire your persistance as well. Three times in and out with the same tranny is enough to make an old man out of anyone.

 

Nice work Iceman!

Glad to see everything work out so well. I know you're excited to have 4wd now.

 

Thanks for all the comments.

I"ll get some pictures of it later but it won't show much as the lower valence is covering it and its a pretty snug fit in there.

Yeah....stupid stator caused the extra labor. First time I popped it in and fired it up there was a knocking/clicking noise. So I dropped it to double check if the torque converter was fully engaged...popped it back up and the knocking noise was still there Took it out for a drive and it was slow, RPMs were at 2k just to get it moving. Did the stall test and it was at 1,700 rpms when it was supposed to be at 2,250. Dropped that sucker one last time and replaced the torque converter.

 

Here you go :

 

About how much did it end up costing you?

I have a 2wd, and am wondering if it would be more cost effective to just convert it to 4wd.

 

With all the little things added it up...it was around $1500 or so. It all depends on where you source your parts.

 

Do you or does anyone have any idea if parts would be the same for 97 and lower to fit on the 98+?

I am really thinking about just buying a 4x4 one that has been totalled, or blown engine, and then swap what parts I need, and then trash the bad one. I am getting the need to modify itch, and obviously, I dont see a point in lifting and modifying a 2wd, since... its 2wd.

 

Yes they would, just have to have the same engine

 

Dude!! why didn't you do it BEFORE Pismo?

looks good. now you need a 4WD badge...hehe..

 

TC, were you at pismo ?

 

I like how you left the auto shifter in there.

 

Good Job Iceman!

x2 on a tranny jack - I musta R&R'd the tranny 4-5 times during my conversion. First few times because we didn't realize how to properly 'seat' the TC on the trans input shaft - so we couldn't mate the trans to the engine block. With the tranny jack, one person can very easily drop and install the transmission by themselves.

You do not need a transmission from the same engine, I simply swapped bellhousings. Though torque converters are not interchangable

Interesting note on the ECU's. I often wondered if I needed to (I'm still rocking with the 2WD ECU - truck 'seems' to drive just fine). I still am getting 20 MPG on the freeways

$1500 sounds about right on the cost. Mine was prolly closer to 2000 with the additional driveshaft work, the regearing of the front diff, etc...

The conversion (IMO) is not that technically difficult, I'll agree to 6-7 on a scale of 1-10 (10 being most difficult).

To those considering the conversion - Prepare yourself for the 'unknowns' which may leave you struggling for answers/solutions. Despite all the great things about the internet, there will not be a lot of information when you need it the most. Toyota Dealer parts departments will be of little (if any) assistance... With that all said, to complete a conversion like this is very rewarding...

Here is my 4x4 converted PreRunner



eBay is a good source for old school Toyota 4WD emblems...



Again - congratulations!

PS - to Aero - 95.5 I believe is the cutoff. Generally, 95.5 to 04 parts/components are interchangable