I've been aching to convert my 2wd 1996 4runner 5vzfe to 4wd for years now. My dad bought it brand new when I was a kid, I bought it off of him when I was 16, and have wanted it 4wd ever since. I've been studying ChildofBoom's 4wd conversion thread and others to get an idea of what it takes. Now at 22, this 4runner has become my baby and nearly my first priority not to mention the mods. So trading it for a 4wd would be difficult for me.

Here's how she looks now:

But anyways on to the details. My plan is to use manual hub front end parts from the 3rd gen tacoma. First starting with the transmission swap, then on with the front diff, hubs, cv axles, etc. I expect the process to take months as i'll be very picky on the parts I pick up.

A few days ago I picked up the A340F transmission with transfer case attached for $350 from craigslist.


Apparently the guy milkshaked his 2001 4runner and thought he destroyed his transmission. After already picking up this transmission from Tampa Florida for $600 at a junkyard, he was able to fix his original. $600 trans +tcase for $350. What a deal! Am I right?! (Still going to have it looked over by a pro)
So next is to find the rear driveshaft, shifter assembly, and the crossmember situation i'm still debating.

Rumor is that the 4wd crossmember is 4 inches behind the 2wd crossmember according to other websites and threads.

Seems as if I could easily fab this bracket to support 4 inches behind, right? If not I will happily chose the other route and pick up a budbuilt crossmember. A picture of the mounted 4wd trans and T-case on the crossmember would be much appreciated!

I've removed and installed transmissions before so I already know the headaches and the multiple cuss words I'll be using during the process. Sorry for the washed out pictures by the way. my Iphone just recovered from being submerged in water.

 

hurry up and build it brotha!!!

 

What no solid axle swap ??

I wish you well in your build myself I would have bought a complete donor vehicle of the same year as yours.

That way you would have all the electronics to match

To each there own!!

 

You might like to look into this thread by iceman601:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/2...mplete-141506/

good luck!!