Hey all,
I have a '90 4Runner. It's 2WD. Is it possible to convert it to 4WD? I could be wrong, but the way things look under there, thing are pretty much the same as a 4WD (minus the 4WD hardware, of course). I even have the ADD caps on the front. :confused: I know that I would have to get a different trans fluid pan and filter, a shorter rear drive shaft, and all the required hardware for a 4wd. Can someone tell me what I would need to do this conversion? Is it even worth it? I may be better off getting another 4wd 4Runner.

I'm just brainstorming here, but any help would be cool.
Have fun.
DH6twinotter

 

i know its possible. i remember seeing an article in an offroad magazine. i dont know how though you'd need a lot of extra stuff, probably better off with a new runner. it would hold up better too, adding stuff like that is always less tough, for lack of a better work at this late hour.

 

You'd need a WHOLE LOT of new stuff. Transmission, transfer case, axles, front driveshaft, differential, interior parts like center console, and a whole lot of labor. Parts alone would cost anywhere from $2000 for used parts, and who knows how much if you went to the dealer for parts. Bottom line, sell your truck and buy a 4wd one, you'll be much better off that way.

 

A sas 4-runner would be cool:confused:

 

Thanks you all. I didn't realize that a 4wd has a different transmission. Anybody know why? Is the front suspension the same as a 4wd?
Here's the way I look at the whole conversion idea: A lot of those parts needed would have to be replaced sooner or later on a 4wd 4runner. I would be basically just putting in a bunch of new parts all at once. Probably come out the same price as maintaining a 4wd 4runner and I would have all the off road goodies right off the bat.

Anyways, that's my thoughts on that. Maybe I should just live with having a 2wd for now.
Have fun.
DH6twinotter

 

BTW, dumb question: What's a sas 4runner?

 

SAS = Solid Axle Swap.

1985 was the last year for Toy's (on US shores and Canada) to come from the factory with the solid axle.
1986 they went to the IFS like you have now.

IFS = Independent Front Suspension.
It's Ok for a lot of 4WD stuff, but if you get into anything where you have lots of articulation such as rock crawling, it sucks.

Your wheels get lifted off the ground.
With the solid axle set up properly, your wheels remain on the ground, and your cab remains level in most circumstances.

Here is a SAS in process:
http://www.kongs4x4.com/1990_4Runner.html
Note on the above SAS they went even further and took off the rear coils and coverted it to leaf springs.
Not really needed, but it provides even more flex.
Hey, if ya got the dough to burn back there too, why not

Also look in our Tech section here under the Off Road area and you will see Brian's write-up on his SAS on his truck.

Also Crash on the forum here has a post with pics he took during a SAS:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...=&threadid=916

I'd love to have one done to mine, but for the amount of $$$, I could buy an older trail rig and beat it up and not worry about trashing mine.

 

Hey all,
Thanks for the link. That's pretty awesome! I'd think I'd like to keep my suspension as is. It probably has a better ride than a SAS. Plus, I don't have the $$$ or expertise to do a SAS conversion. Does a 2wd frame have all the mounting points for the transfer case and front differential? Is my front suspension the same as a 4wd? It looks like there is a small metal cap that covers the hole where the front axles goes through on part of the suspension that has the wheel attacked to it (sorry, don't know what it is called). I need to rebuild my trans in a bit. Is there anything wrong with getting a 4wd trans without having a transfer case hooked up to it? That way when (if ever) I decide to do a 4wd conversion I don't have to put in another transmission.

Let me know what you all think about that.
Have fun.
DH6twinotter