Hey crew...

I've been staring at my rigs for quite some time now, and I realize something's not right...I need to cut back on transportation. Problem is, I *love* how my stock 4Runner goes it offroad (and on). I also *love* how my stock pickup is as quiet inside as a Lexus or anything else (okay stock after the stereo and sound proofing) and costs half as much to insure. Therefore, I am considering molding my vehicles into one. I want the offroad and onroad ride and capability of the 4Runner combined with the size and cost of the pickup. I have come up with the following plan... step 1) remove drivetrain from 4Runner; step 2) put drivetrain in pickup; step 3) sell 4Runner as swap candidate for SAS and new driveline, either Toyota (3.4 or supra), Chevy, or Ford. I figure with all the weight off the frame the 3.slow won't be so slow or get 14mpg. It seems to me this swap would be very similar to doing a SAS, but I already have the parts, I know what it should look like when done, and the highway drive (I do a good amount of highway driving these days) will be better than SAS or stock pickup. I also would like the 4x4 for these freaking rough PA winters and for offroading in the summer. Despite the fact that I like my 5 speed, I actually do prefer the auto, much less of a fuss in the snow and even offroad/around town.

So, should I be the first to convert a 3rd gen pickup to 2nd gen 4Runner drivetrain??

 

I just had a better idea... sell the 4Runner and spend the money turning the pickup into a 7mgte/SAS monster. I just started thinking about all the problems putting the IFS on the 2wd, '85 was the last year of front solid axles, they are probably a hell of a lot more bolt on than IFS would be. Plus, the 7mgte sorta fits pretty well in the engine bay...more fun than 3.slow even with a ct-26. Unfortunately, that opens up costs like FMIC, new headgasket, possible rebuild, ECU, harness, etc...

 

Sounds like you're creating alot more work for yourself, I think the second idea is better, sell the 4runner, and make the pickup into the vehicle you really want. I'm in the midst of deciding on a trail rig to get, and have been looking at 85 mini trucks. They alread have a front solid axle, and there is a huge aftermarket for parts and such. Since I don't have the skills or tools to do an SAS, why not just start with a vehicle that already has one?

 

How about this:

Sell them both. Buy an old Supra and a bunch of junkyard parts from a 79-85 4x4 truck. Put the complete truck driveline on the Supra.



Maybe a full width Ford 9" rear and a Dana 44 front from a Wagoneer would complete the package.

 

Try turning your 4runner into a traveling zoo.. Slap some fish tanks full of random snakes, turtles and spiders and charge all your co-workers/friends to peek in.. You know you’ll make dope cash doing and probably pay for your 4Runner in about a weeks time…

 

I have actually seen this done once. A friend of a friend had a Toyota pickup mounted to a 4-Runner frame. The guy didn't even realize it. He had bought it this way. I think the 2 parts had been totalled and a body shop put the two together. I don't remember the year of the either "part", but I think they were 2nd gens. What caught my eye was the rear suspension drag links on the truck. It didn't appear to have any major modifications. I don't know about mixing 2nd and 3rd gens though. I had pictures of this truck, but it was about 8-10 years ago. I'll look for them but there is no guantee I can find them. Body shops typically do major chop jobs on cars so why not mix top and bottoms.

 

Why not take the rear off like this guy. Then you got the best of both worlds.

 

 

I have seen that type of chop job on Bronco2's - turned out to be a mix of a little bronco and a ranger but very short WB. That photo looks to be the best of both worlds. Room for 4 with securage storage and a little bed! Cool idea.

 

hmmm. Sell em both and buy a gremlin. Or a pacer.....mmmmmm.. Sweet ride.

 

Or a Pinto.