Tercel 4x4

[morgsie]

This may be somewhat of an odd question/request, but I'm going to ask it anyway. I've tried searching on google for this information but have not found any. The only other way to find out is post here or find some time to go down to the local junkyard. To cut to the chase: are the (I'll say 81-85) tercel car and wagon the same mechanically? Aside from such things as driveshaft length and anything else that is affect by the extra length. I'm mainly looking at the 4x4 aspects, so tranny, transfercase, axels, etc. Basically I'm wondering if it's possible to swap 4x4 from a wagon into a tercel car. Has anyone done this or ever researched it?

I'm hoping this is the right forum to do this in.

Thanks,
Morgsie

PS: Prehaps I should explain WHY I would want to do something like this. I play on a paintball team and we are looking for a "economical" paintball vehicle. I don't mean for just transportation but aswell for playing in. We already have a Tercel at our disposal and if the 4x4 from a wagon will swap right in it would be excellent for what we need. It would also be cheaper to run than a full sized 4x4 truck or jeep and would fit more people than a pickup (at least safely). Plus the fact that we already have a Ranger 4x4 as another paintball vehicle.

[morgsie]

Thanks archinstl! I will head over there and inquire.

[Donald]

I have seen in Jamaica, Corolla 4WD sedans(88-91) and if my memory serves me right, Tercel 4WD sedans to match the wagons that were sold here. They also had supercharged Corollas, and turbo Tercels. Some sedans even come with rear glass wipers.

These cars were known as "Deportees" as they were used Japan market vehicles that are expoprted to countries that have less strict inspection stsndards, The standards in Japan are so high, those cars would be difficult to resell there, even though they are in very good condition. For "Third World Countries" this is a cheap but high quality alternative to new cars.

If my recolection about the Tercels is correct then I would guess that a 4WD sedan should be possible with some time and patience.

But would it not be a lot easier to just find a 4WD wagon (cheap) instead of trying to build a 4WD sedan. Sounds like a fun project though.

Good luck. Let us know if you make it happen.

[mr2driver]

i think it wouldnt fit in easily because my bro wanted to the swap but the bodys are different dimistions or sumthing, so it stayed 2 wheel drive

[83TercelPHX]

I have one 1983 Tercel 3dr, and one 1983 Tercel SR5 4x4 wagon. I have torn both of them apart to see what all differences they have. While the SR5 transmission and transfer case would changeover to my hatchback Tercel, there is no room for the driveshaft and there are no pre-existing mounts for the corresponding rear end. This would require custom framework, and body mounts. They both have the exact same 3AC motor and setup.

Rob
Phoenix, AZ

[melsae92]

i thought about doing this 4wd swap to my friends 2door tercel (project 9T9D tercel) the drive shaft should be just the rite lengths but we just need to do a lil welding and cutting for the rear end but for now we plan on geting the motor swap first.