PreRunner 4WD Conversion ( SAR_Squid79 )

[SAR_Squid79]

So I've finally done it!

Right now I'm about 90% finished. I still have to mount the front Drive Shaft, mount the Twin-Sticks, and button up the center console.

Last weekend I got all of the following done:

• Removed stock UCA's
• Removed stock PreRunner Spindles
• Installed new Camburg UCA's
• Installed 4WD Spindles w/ Aisin manual hubs
• Installed Donahoe Racing Extended-Travel Coilovers
• Installed front diff
• Installed CV Shafts

I was so pressed for time (b/c I was doing all the work 100% on my own) that I didn't have time to stop and take any pictures. I couldn't even stop to eat lunch!

Here's a pic from this week where - if you look close - you'll notice Manual Hubs, Camburg UCA's and Donahoes:


This weekend I've gotten the following done:

• Removed stock PreRunner drive shaft
• Removed transmission tail housing
• Installed new Inchworm tail housing/adapter plate
• Installed Inchworm Transfer Case
• BudBuilt Crossmember Installed
• Installed rear drive shafts

Here are a few pics from that:

Tail Housing Removed from PreRunner Transmission:

Inchworm PreRunner Adapter Plate:

Inchworm PreRunner casting and coupler mounted:

Inchworm "Lefty" Transfer Case Installed:

I got the Crossmember mounted up, but I ran out of time at the shop so I didn't get a pic with the Crossmember mounted, and Rear D-shaft connected.

The calculations that I did in THIS THREAD ended up being right on! I took a stock 4WD Tacoma rear driveshaft and had it shortened by 4", and it turned out to be dead on balls! My logic that since I'm shortening the rear D-shaft by 4", I should extend the front D-shaft by 4" . . . that turned out to be WRONG! My front driveshaft is about 1" too long. So I'm gonna have it shortened back down by about 2 1/2" and it should be perfect.

Everything has gone pretty smooth. No big drama, aside from not having a few bolts that I needed, and stuff like that. I will take and post more pics as I get the last few details buttoned up.

[SAR_Squid79]

For you inquiring minds that want to know how much this conversion cost - Here is how it breaks down:

4WD Conversion Parts & Price List:

Front Drivetrain:

• 1999 Tacoma Front Diff with 4.88's
• 1999 4WD Spindles
• Aisin OEM Manual Hubs
• CV Shafts
• OEM 4.10 Gears
  [$800]

• 1999 ExCab F & R Driveshafts
  [$275]

Tranny / T-Case:

• Inchworm "Lefty" Gear Driven T-Case w/ 5.0:1 Low Range
• Inchworm PreRunner Transmission/T-Case Adapter Plate Kit
• FROR Twin Sticks
• Toyota T-Case Mount
• Speed Sensor
  [$2500]

• BudBuilt Crossmember/Skid Plate
  ($218)

Front Suspension Upgrades:

• Used Donahoe Racing Extended Travel Coilovers
  ($500)
• Donahoe Racing Extended Travel Coilovers rebuilt by DR
  ($160)
• Camburg Uniball Upper Control Arms
  ($475)
• WabFab Off-Road Swaybar Quick-Disconnects
  ($75)
• Replacement OEM Lower Ball Joint's
  ($35)

Misc:

• Regearing front diff back to 4.10
  ($260)
• Lengthening/shortening Front/Rear Driveshafts
  ($325)
• Replacement Studs for Manual Hubs
  ($17)
• Repalcement Gaskets for Manual Hubs
  ($12)
• New Center Console (front Half for 4WD shifter)
  ($37)

TOTAL:
$5689 (Plus odds & ends like bolts, permatex, etc.)

[JBH Runner]

Damn thats a project. Looks good though.

Russell

[Wheelin taco2131]

good for you man, thats great!

[jester_motorsports]

Jamie, I SOOOO wish that I could have been able to come up to help you out. If things would have been ready in March, I would have been all over it. I'm glad that things went nice and smooth (kinda like I told you they would). You and I need to talk about Moab though. Bad news on my end but hopefully good news for you. Gimme a buzz sometime soon.

[SAR_Squid79]

I'll give you a call this week.

[Interex]

Excellent work, Jamie.

I'd like to be the first to welcome you to the Pre-PreRunner club.

[wradar]

Hey, Jamie, way to go, especially considering you did this single-handedly! (Well, you probably used both hands, but you get the idea...)

-Radar

[bradleyem]

Nice job Jamie. That Inchworm transfer case looks sweet. Only question that I have is why didn't you just regear the rear to 4.88 instead of staying with 4.10s?

[SAR_Squid79]

Because on THIS TRUCK - I don't forsee myself ever going with any tires bigger than 32's or 33's, and I'm already Supercharged with all the performance mods, and everything - so I have plenty of power.

Even if I was going to regear, I would need to regear to 4.56 as 4.88 would be way too much.

In the T-case I got 5.00:1 in Low Range, so I think I'm all set on my gearing.

[Renaud33]

Congrats on getting it done by yourself. I bet you learned a lot. How do you like the low gearing?

[MysticGold04]

Nice work, Jamie. I hope someday to convert my truck as well!

[wradar]

Jamie, which method of getting the UCAs off and pressing in the slug into the spindle? I'm trying to get prepped for doing mine here soon. Thanks!

-Radar

[SAR_Squid79]

On my Truck getting the stock UCA's off was a snap. Nothing to it. Just remember to unbolt the airbag sensors. Getting all 4 washers on there with the new UCA's was a little tricky, but IT CAN BE DONE (and done by yourself - as long as your arms are as long as mine!)

Getting the slug into the spindle was 1/2 home-made press, and 1/2 hammer!

Got the idea for the home-made press from here:
http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamo...lpro1inuni.htm

[Revivalist]

Awesome job! . . . Congrats from a fellow convert! . . . Got any trails to go back and show who's boss? I know I did. . . . Going back with 4WD makes the old obsticals feel like a walk in the park. . . . But of course there's always bigger and badder stuff out there. . . .

[Arky Tacoma]

Damn dude! That's awesome!

BTW, what's the matter with your fellow Illinoisians, they couldn't help a brother out ; )

[SAR_Squid79]

Originally Posted by Arky Tacoma

BTW, what's the matter with your fellow Illinoisians

...You tell me and we'll both know!

I don't mean this as an attack against anyone, and I didn't expect people to drop what's going on in their lives to help me out, but ever since I moved here from SoCal, Midwest TTORA has proven tima and time again to be nothing but a lot of hot air. With few exceptions most of the guys from around here are a bunch of flakes that can't be counted on.

The times we've tried to get a trail run together (with the exception of Tall Corn) it always starts with 10 people saying "I'll be there, dude!" and it always whittles down to 1 or 2 guys that actually go, or the whole thing falls apart and nobody goes.

I wasn't really counting on anyone to show up and help, and I made sure I had all the resouces I needed to do it all on my own if I had to . . . but it would have been nice to have had some assistance.


Yet another reason that it will be nice to get back to SoCal where there's actually a pretty big corps of ACTIVE WHEELERS - not web wheelers.

[neliconcept]

nice dude, ive been contemplating the prerunner adapter and the lefty, i think im just gonna find a used case and used tranny to do mine

did it throw the case shifter farther back or what?

[gregers05]

nice job!!!

just a question though, why didnt you just do a sas instead? it would have turned out about the same price. just curious b/c thats what i would have done, but you may not be wanting to go that far with your truck YET. lol

[ABXtech]

Nice job man. Questiion. Seems I remember you saying you ran the Superlift ORV park in Hot Springs as a locked prerunner. Are there some decent trails I could run there with my prerunner? Im getting kinda tired of beach wheeling and looking for some trails. Nothing too hard core, but a challege at least. You've been an inspiration. I think I see a conversion in my future

[Bear]

Originally Posted by SAR_Squid79

...You tell me and we'll both know!

....Midwest TTORA has proven tima and time again to be nothing but a lot of hot air. With few exceptions most of the guys from around here are a bunch of flakes that can't be counted on.

The times we've tried to get a trail run together (with the exception of Tall Corn) it always starts with 10 people saying "I'll be there, dude!" and it always whittles down to 1 or 2 guys that actually go, or the whole thing falls apart and nobody goes.

I wasn't really counting on anyone to show up and help, and I made sure I had all the resouces I needed to do it all on my own if I had to . . . but it would have been nice to have had some assistance.


Yet another reason that it will be nice to get back to SoCal where there's actually a pretty big corps of ACTIVE WHEELERS - not web wheelers.

Jamie, being in the midwest, and being the president of a neighboring state chapter, I do take a bit of offense out of this post. Not only that but if I read between the lines, I see some pointed accusations.

Yes I told you I would travel the three+ hours to help you, but I told you I also already had plans your first weekend of work.

I pm'ed you a few times to try to get you to commit to me what you wanted me to do or make arrangements for me to come up.

I don't feel it was my obligation to "hound" or beg you to give me details on what you wanted to do on your truck.

You can ask anyone in the club that knows me, I will do anything I can to help anyone out. There was many upon many wrench a thons held at my homes in Texas. I have gone a few times to "rescue" lunch time wheeler's at the risk of loosing my own job.

so again, I must ask how is it my responsiblity to call you regarding working on your truck?

I am sorry you have a bitter taste over "midwesterners" I, myself am not a native, but from what I have experienced, Midwesterners are generally nice, helpful individuals. I think if you expect kindness, you have to be willing to reciprecate. I offered to help, you never got back to me on the details.

Regarding your comments about Midwesterners being web wheelers, flakes and full of hot air. Again maybe you are looking in the wrong directions!Everyone that has told me they were going to do something for me or the chapter has followed through. Not just in Indiana, but also in Michigan, Ohio, and yes Illinois. If you think we are not active up here, and California is so much better, that is your progitive. We may not have as much to offer in regards to wheel'n, but we do have some places and the individuals to that utilize those areas. How many times have you traveled down to Kentucky just to wheel? How many trips have you made to the Badlands, or Haspin? How many times have I asked you when you wanted to meet to go wheel'n and you have either come up with an excuse? yet a better question, who was the one that was paniced about contacting you when the weather was questionable the one time we did arrange to wheel together and was on the way out the door to meet you not knowing if you were going to show up or not (at 6am on a Saturday) When I was finally able to get ahold of you, to have you tell me that you were not coming.

Jamie, I am not intending to confront you nor make any attacks. I just think you getting on the board and making inuendos (sp?) is unjust and uncalled for. I can not speak on Illinois lack of support etc. But I can speak in general for the Midwest as you have tried to sterotype the group as a whole.

I am sorry if you are harboring ill-feelings toward the Midwest, its members and even me if you have any. But I feel you are not being fair when bad mouthing everyone when there were offers to help you with your project, but as the saying goes "you have to help people help you"

I am glad you got the project completed, I wish I would have come up to help, but not knowing where I was going, where I was staying or even how I was suppose to get on your base. I can't justify driving that distance without any plans being made on your part.

Whether it be bad communication or whatever. I have no ill feelings toward you and if the time does come again where you need assistence, please contact me or get on our board. I am sure the results will be different.

Should we chaulk this one up as a bad communication or misunderstanding?

Berry

[SAR_Squid79]

Bear - I consider you to be one of the exceptions.

I COMPLETELY understand about you, and Josh, and all the guys from Iowa not coming to wrench on my truck. Out of all the guys I've actually wheeled with you're the closest one at 3 1/2 hours away! The guys in Iowa are over 5 hours away! As I said in my post - I didn't expect you guys to get on the road at 3 or 4 in the morning to come wrench on MY TRUCK, and (a) have to stay at my place (b) get a hotel, or (c) drive all night to get home..

Perhaps I should have been more specific instead of encompassing all of the Mid-west guys (as I don't even know any Indiana guys besdies you). The part about everyone flaking out - that was a direct reference to you, but not in the way that you took it. We've tried to get Badlands runs together twice (that I was in on). One of those times nobody was interested, and the other time, when the day actually came - out of all the people that said that they were going to go - it came down to only being me and you (but then Badlands had that bad storm and flooded ). That was the time that you contacted me at 6am, and I was already on the road on my way to Badlands, and had to turn around.

You're right - I haven't gone to Kentucky to wheel. I can't justify that kind of distance for a 1-day trip. That's why I always go to Tall Corn - it's 6 hours away, but it's a 3-day event. ...and yes, everytime I've wanted or tried for Badlands something has come up. ...and I don't even know where or what Haspin is.

I didn't mean to offend you with my post, but it is how I trully feel about the supposed TTORA members in my local area. To count in my head - I can think of 8 people that I have made friends with, that I know are active, and contributing members, that I have actually met and wheeled or wrenched with. Of those 8, 2 have moved away and the rest are so far away that I kind of felt that it was unreasonable to expect them to drive this far for me. You, Bear, are one of those 8.

If you want to chaulk this particular incident up to something - I'd say it was part bad communication, and part that I felt guilty about asking or expecting you and Matt and Josh, and Kurt, and Adam to come all the way here for nothing other than to help me out.

[Bear]

Jamie, I don't think anything of the drive, Hell back in Texas that is same distance is merely a drive from San Antonio to Houston or Dallas.and back home I would drive it without hesitation. I actually laugh at all these "Midwesterners" that think driving from border to border of say Indiana (as an example) where it takes three hours is such a long drive!…but I digress.

What meant to say is I am sorry I wasn't there to help you out. I do feel guilty.But the biggest issue at hand was the comminucation IMO.

So let's chaulk it up to that…bad comminucation and trudge forward from this point, with no hard feelings!

I know you are going to Moeb soon, and want to trail test things. We are trying to origanize a run to the badlands currently. Hopefully we can get it together before your trip out west. If so, you are more than welcome to join us! maybe this time we won't have a Hurricane hit the night before/morning of the run.

(You were actually on the road that morning when I finally got you on the phone? I did not realize that! Damn)

Again, Jamie I am glad you got your project taken care of! Now let's wipe all this under the rug and do what we should be doing…talking toyota's and planning wheel'n trips!

[Renaud33]

Originally Posted by SAR_Squid79

part that I felt guilty about asking or expecting you and Matt and Josh, and Kurt, and Adam to come all the way here for nothing other than to help me out.

You shouldn't feel guilty about asking. You don't know if you don't ask. I wish a couple of us from Iowa could have made a road trip and helped out for a day or two. Bear may have a good point that some of us midwesterners complain too much about driving more then a couple hours.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by SAR_Squid79

TOTAL:
$5689 (Plus odds & ends like bolts, permatex, etc.)

Ouch ! I spent about $2K but did it all with stock parts. Just to let you Pre Runner guys know, those who are considering a conversion, you can do it cheaper. Just an FYI

Nice job by the way. Just my , if your going to spend $5K + might as well SAS it. I didn't have $5K which is the only reason I did a stock conversion. SAS is planned in the future though, at least now it won't cost near as much since I have a few of the big items I needed for SAS

[SAR_Squid79]

Originally Posted by Bear

Again, Jamie I am glad you got your project taken care of! Now let's wipe all this under the rug and do what we should be doing…talking toyota's and planning wheel'n trips!

Absolutely!

X 1,000 on no hard feelings.

Moab is 8 days away, and I still have to get my front drive shaft reduced 2.5"

There's no way I'm going to be able to actually wheel my truck before the 18th.

[Interex]

Originally Posted by Reaper

Ouch ! I spent about $2K but did it all with stock parts. Just to let you Pre Runner guys know, those who are considering a conversion, you can do it cheaper. Just an FYI

Nice job by the way. Just my , if your going to spend $5K + might as well SAS it. I didn't have $5K which is the only reason I did a stock conversion. SAS is planned in the future though, at least now it won't cost near as much since I have a few of the big items I needed for SAS

I think that it's important to note that Jamies $5k price tag also included his suspension upgrades. If you look at just the conversion parts, he spent a total of about $3700 and that was with a crawler box.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Interex

I think that it's important to note that Jamies $5k price tag also included his suspension upgrades. If you look at just the conversion parts, he spent a total of about $3700 and that was with a crawler box.

True enough. I was mainly looking at the $2500 spent on T Case and setup. I spent $250 on mine ($850 w/ 4 WD tranny). It isn't a crawler of course, just a stock T Case. Just letting those poor folks out there like me know that there are cheaper ways to do it

I need to post my conversion again. Just got to find where I got it...

[SAR_Squid79]

Got the shifter mounted today.

It was overall a pretty simple job. Just a lot of measuring and re-measuring. I had to do a little cutting and a little trimming - nothing a few minutes with the Dremel couldn't handle. On the twin stick, though, I did have to take a torch to one of the handles. The shifter comes with one stick bent to the left, and one stick bent to the right. Well the one that was bent to the right would have been too far over, and would have been into the Auto Trans shifter. The fix was to just make it exactly straight up. With that, and the fore-mentioned dremel timming it fit like a glove!

It came out looking pretty good, too, and shifts great! ...but I had to sacrifice my cup holders.

Here's the finished product on the interior:

[Interex]

Yep! I actually did mine for about $1k and I still have my stock PreRunner parts to sell.

Hey, look at that! We've got just about all the PreRunner converts in this thread. We just need drabnor and chrisc and we'll be complete!