Tacoma '04 Lift/2wd to 4wd conversion

[NiNESiC]

I currently own a 2004 Toyota Tacoma, single cab and only 2 wheel drive (looks like this http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/734867, but with stock tires). Instead of buying a new truck im seeing if its worthwhile to do an engine swap in order to change it from the 2wd to the 4whd. What would be neccesary for such a project and the price it would cost.
Also im looking into lifting it just enough to fit some bigger tires under it, so its more capable of off-roading. (I'd like the tires to fill of the space under the car and not give it this "mini-monster truck" look.)

IF you guys would be willing to give me some examples of what could be done and maybe some links as well so i can futher look into that. I have around a 10,000-15,000 budget.

[paulmeister]

You dont need to do an engine swap. All you need is a transfer case, front and rear drive shafts, front differential, some hubs, and a new center console. I think the transmission is the same. There are other things that you will also need. If you want used or referbished parts it may cost around $1,000 to $1,500.

[corym52]

You WILL need a new tranny. Cory

[Flash75]

Check on the prices of the major components you will need at a salvage yard and start doing a little math and I think you will find making the conversion doesn't make economic sense. Multiply the $1000-$1500 figure above by 5 and you mayl be in the ball park. Do you have the mechanical skills to assemble a complete package like the factory? If you have a warranty claim at some later time do you really expect Toyota to repair a cobbled up vehicle? Where do you go if you have problems with your conversion? You will run into all kinds of problems and expenses thatb you didn't expect. I know I'm a little blunt but sell your vehicle and buy a factory built 4 x 4 and enjoy off roading now not maybe 2 years from now. They have built thousands of them and you have built 0. Just my 2 cents.

Clifton

[mdilligan]

Your trouble only starts with the engine/tranny. The 2wd and the 4wd have totally different front suspensions (except the prerunner 2wd, which I don't think you have), I imagine swapping on 4wd would require significant fabrication. This idea is bad any way you look at it. You might be able to turn it into a pretty nice pre-runner style truck for 10-15k but if you want a 4wd you're far better off selling what you've got and buying a 4wd.

Matt

[tc442]

flash knows whats up...lol...might wanna listen..I had enough trouble doing a solid axle swap from an ifs

[Shredhead]

Take a totaled 4X swap out the body LOL