I have a 96' 4Runner 2wd with the 2.7 liter 4 banger and 5 speed stick. I have tossed around the idea of converting it to 4wd. I have been told that the 4wd 4Runner T-case will bolt up to my trannsmission. Do any of you guys have any knowledge about this conversion? I assume that I will need the following: t-case, front driveshaft, diff, axle half shafts, knuckles, hubs, front springs, a new oil pan. I'll have to modify my rear driveshaft, of course.
Will I need new suspension arms?
What about the transmission splines and shaft at the t-case?
Is there a great deal of welding involved for the t-case, transmission, and front axle mounts? Or will this all bolt in with the right bracketry?
I think I can pick up the parts in salvage for less than a grand.. hopefully I can find an axle with the same ring and pinion ratios.
I have also considered a straight axle conversion... by getting a 1985 front axle... but I know the mod would be extensive.. steering, etc.. and the axle is narrower then my current rear axle.
I don't want to 'wheel' this car, I have a Jeep for that. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I just want 4wd on the 4Runner for snow driving and slippery road surfaces. And the conversion would be a fun diversion, and increase the resale as well, if done right...
Thanks

IMHO skip the solid axle conversion if don't plan on wheeling. The IFS is much better for the highwy and would be a less complicated swap.

The easiest thing to do would be to buy a wrecked doner vehicle and pluck the parts off of that. You will be forever fetching parts or wondering how things fit/parts needed if you don't. That said, unless you really want the challenge I think you would be better off selling your rig and buying a 4x4.

As far as helping resale value, if you were 4x4 shopping would you rather buy a factory 4x4 or one someone had converted? It might actually hurt the resale value of your rig if it is perceived as being "butchered". Conversions done by professional shops often don't increase the value of the rig.

You'll save a ton of money and time by just selling it and buying a similar 4x4. A conversion to 4wd wouldn't be that easy. If you were planning to use it as an extreme trail rig and torch off the IFS, then you'd have to replace most of those parts anyway, so then it might be worth it. But if you're not going to wheel it? No way.

Thanks for the feedback. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> I was hoping it would just be a bolt on operation.. considering the 2wd and 4wd both come from the same factory in Japan. If it were a bolt on deal than the resale would go up... but as one of you stated.. a butchered weld up would be a waste of my time and cash... unless of course I wanted to 'wheel' it.. then I'd go with the solid front axle... Anyway.. thanks again.

We had a discussion on here a while ago about the 2wd vs. 4wd tranny and IIRC the 2wd transmission has a different length output shaft so the T-case will not just bolt on. You will actually need a whole new 4wd tranny.