A question for all you Totyota gurus out there

I've got a 91 2wd ext cab truck but I've always liked the look of the 4wd.
What do I need to change on my 2wd to make it look like the 4wd?

As far as I can tell it's the fenders, front turn signals, and grill. Is the box on the 2wd the same as the 4wd?

Also, how do I get my 2wd to ride the same hight as the stock 4wd?
I really like the ride of the 2wd and don't want to make it much harsher. Do I just need torsion bars and rear shackles or is it more involved than that?

I plan on using stock 4wd tire sizes

Please drop me a line and let me know

Thanks!

 

i think jimabema74 is the authority on this.

the fenders are different, not sure about the box. the box might have different fender flares but it could be different...if all else fails you could cut the fenders.

however, if you mainly have looks in mind keeping your truck looking like a 2wd and putting bigger tires on it makes them look bigger than they really are, because of the smaller fender openings. i think with some lift you can probably run 30s or 31s.

 

Check out Fabtech.

 

and have your wallet and a friend's shoulder to cry on ready

 

Add a transfer case and a front diff.

 

if i were you id send jimabema74 a pm or check out his truck, its a mid-late 80's (not sure of year) 2wd pickup that he has lifted and has 31x10.50 (stock 4wd size) tires on it, it looks really nice, he could tell you exactly what to do

 

Sell your 2wd and buy a 4wd. Much easier, and quite possibly cheaper.

 

buy a 4wd sticker.... all the american companys do it

 

i beg to differ. 4x4s typically go for a lot more money than 2wds...doing a body lift will fit bigger tires easily.

 

Get some mudflaps that have 4WD imprinted on them.

 

You can get the Fabtec 3.5" 2wd lift kit with spacers for the wheels to lift the front. Or, you can use lift spindles like jimabena74 has. I assume using lift spindles will make front wheel spacers unnecessary, but lift spindles are more expensive than the Fabtec front susp. lift kits.

Lifting the back will be a problem though. At least it is for me. Whether to use re-arched lift springs, AAL's or longer shackles is really confusing. I guess it's a trial and error kind of thing. Mix and match sort of deal. However, when you start spending $$$, this can get very frustrating if you know what I mean. I still haven't received a definitive answer on how to best level out the truck with the 3.5" fabtec front susp. lift.

You'll probably need longer brake lines. Most places give you only (3) extended brake lines per kit. So, that means you have to purchase two brake line kits to get all four. Ain't that nice of them? You can go to the stealer and buy (4) clutch line hoses to use as extended brake lines, but that'll probably cost you way more than buying two aftermarket extended brake line kits. Finding (4) of them at the junkyard might be good choice if you're real cheap though.

You may want to upgrade the rear axle ratio if go to with larger diameter tires. Just going from P195/70R14's to LT 27" tires on the same rims made a HUGE impact in gearing on my 2wd truck. 4th gear is practically useless for passing at freeway speeds. I have a 4sp manual with 3.07 rear gears. 4th gear is more like a deep overdrive gear now. Lord knows how it would feel with 31's or larger on it.lol!

 

huh? there's only 3 soft lines that need extending -- front calipers and the line that goes from the frame to the rear axle.

 

Yeah, sorry about that....I forgot that the metal brake line for the rear drums snake over the rear axle to one flexible line. I must have been thinking about rear disc brakes or something.

I remember someone telling me you have to buy (2) aftermarket extended brake line kits to do one 2wd lift.

Also, make sure you modify the LSPV lever arm with a drop down bracket or bend it up when you lift it. If you don't, you'll have practically no proportioning to the rear brakes.

 

You can do a SOA on the back.
But yeah, fenders, bed, grille, front lights, are all the body parts that are different.

 

here is my 4x2

 

Why is it that nobody ever wants a 4WD to look like a 2WD?

 

a 4x4 to look like a 4x2? why? you lift a 4x2 to make it more capable offroad... there is no point in making a 4x4 less capable by lowering it......