[NavyDiver72]

I just have a question and forgive me if it's too stupid - I have been breathing through a hose for a while now... compress air is not good for your brain cells - :lol: Anyway, I called 4 different TOYOTA dealer's parts/service depts in 4 different states; Every time I got the same reaction, silence at the end and then a couple of dumb statements.

I just want to know if you can RETROFIT an 06 TOYOTA TACOMA Pre-RUNNER into a 4WD?
Would it be stupid, too impractical? Are there any DIY tread about it? Is there anywhere that this info can be looked up? And maybe a guesstimation of how much $$$ would take.

I regret very much NOT going for the 4WD option when I got the truck. Is just one of those choices in life that you regret later (you know what I'm talkin about, we have all been there sometime)

Anyway, thanks for all and any feedback.

 

[turfdoc]

This was discussed at length over on TTORA a few weeks back. While it can be done, its going to cost you a fortune, even buying a wrecked 4x4 and swapping out parts. If I were you I would just sell your PreRunner out right then go buy the 4x4 of your dreams. Just my .02.

turfdoc

 

[Jeff Lange]

I would suggest trading in/selling and buying a 4WD. You're going to probably spend more time, money and effort trying to find out all the differences in the trucks. I'm sure it could be done, but it's going to be pretty impractical for sure.

Jeff

 

[Trail Gator]

As above stated, you would be better of just selling your truck and buying a 4x4. To my knowledge nobody has done a swap on a 05+.

Since your asking about 4x4 and your a PreRunner, I am going to assume you want to do some light off roading? Look into a locking rear differential and some good all terrain tires for the PreRunner. You'd be surprised how much more off roading you can do with a locker.

 

[NavyDiver72]

You are right, I did not know for sure, but I had a feeling that it would be so much freakin' expensive. It's kind of stupid, you would think all you need is a few mods and parts here and there.

 

[Angus_NB]

Very impractical. If you have to ask then it probably means you wouldn't be doing the work yourself. If I am wrong, sorry.
It would cost more than selling your existing '06 PreRunner and buying a new '08 4x4. It's not just a matter of swapping out the front end components. You have to add a transfer case and change driveshafts. Add all of the electrical components and interior changes. +++
When you are done the truck would still not be as good as a stock 4x4 and wouldn't be worth any more for resale than your original PreRunner.
It can be compared to buy a new truck piece by piece then putting it together or just buying a complete truck.

 

[NavyDiver72]

Hey Man thanks for the advice I will research the locking diff option. And is not that I am going to do this, is just one of those WHAT IFs, you know. To me is just crazy that it will be cheaper to get a brand new truck than to do the mod you know?

 

[MarineTaco]

Yeah I'm agreeing with everyone on this one man. It's not like the old tacomas or older trucks where you can just throw in a front axle and transfer case. Lots to deal with. Hell, I've heard of guys putting in the front straight axle and that being a pain in the ass. If you like the prerunner, play with it. You can do a lot with it. Or do like me, upgrade to 4x4. It comes down to what you want. Happy hunting.

 

[zmtnbik]

It's been done

Yes it can be done, and has been done, although the company that did it already had a 4x4 to work with. The same work however, is involved, as you are removing the entire front suspension, regardless of pre-runner or 4x4.
Demello did it and they did a kick-ass job, of course they had unlimited funds to do it. If you are to do it, the only way would be to go SAS (solid axle swap)

You can see the Demello's truck build at the following link:
http://community.webshots.com/album/378870315SnHRiA?start=0

These guys are the $hit, and in fab work alone you would spend thousands!

The original thread and more info can be found here as well:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=114144&highlight=demello+sas

 

[Angus_NB]

...
To me is just crazy that it will be cheaper to get a brand new truck than to do the mod you know?

I don't know why it would seem crazy to you.
It sounds simple, turn a 4x2 into a 4x4.
What do shops charge per hour in NJ? How many hours do you figure it would take?
Parts would be twice as much as the labor.
I figure you are looking at $15,000.00 at least.
If you had a wrecked truck to get the parts off of then you have increased the labor time.
It would be just as easy to find a rolled 4x4, put your body on it and sell the left over parts.