2003 Tacoma 2WD to 4x4 Swap

Hey guys so I'm in my early stages of researching 2wd to 4x4 on my 2003 Tacoma PreRunner V6.

Is there a link that can tell me exactly all the parts I need?

Also I need some guidance.

I recently found a good low milage 4x4 transmission with a TC attached to it for $600 dollars. This came from a 2001 Tacoma V6.

I know I've heard some forums mention that 2001 and below AT transmissions are different than 2002-2004 4x4 AT transmissions.

If so can I convert it to be usable with my 2003 Tacoma?

Thank you.

 

Since you have a 2003, you'll need a transmission from a 2003-2004. More info on the 03-04 ETCS-i can be found here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-etcs-i-electronic-throttle-on-2003-2004-trucks.524499/

 

Is there anyway I can convert the 2001 AT to be able to work with my 2003 Tacoma?

 

Nope, not that I'm aware of. Sorry.

 

Can you please check this video out?
This person did a swap using a 2001 4x4 AT for his 2004 Tacoma.

Was this swap a good or bad swap? Seems like his truck runs normal there is another video of him using his truck testing his 4x4 conversion.

Seems like he swaps his PreRunner's transmission valve body unit and some wiring into the 2001 transmission.
https://youtu.be/IOuSP7mqHwE?feature=shared

 

?

 

Yes there is. Seems as though you have found his thread but @Lfaub03 did it a while back

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lfaubs-4x4-conversion-camper-build.420105/

 

Yes, planning on doing that.

How's your swap doing? How long ago did you do it?

 

2 years? I think? It’s done well, no issues, unfortunately haven’t really had time to test it out that much.

 

I found a good transmission a few miles away from me that comes from a 2001 Tacoma. But I may wait a bit longer and aquire the smaller parts such as the hubs, spindles, rack and pinion. Maybe during that time a better transmission pops up.

 

Your much better off buying a complete Donor vehicle !!

Having everything there close at hand makes it so much easier. Then sell or scrap the parts you do not want.

You will forever be chasing after the little parts that are forgotten .

Best of Luck

 

Happy to say my transmission’s still running strong, too! The valve body swap ended up being the move, in my case

 

I wrote down all the parts I used when I did mine. Check it out but as always do your research. Mine is a 2001 btw

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/documented-4x2-to-4x4-conversion.796679/#post-28547445

 

Small parts are super easy and quick to gather.

CV axles for the appropriate 4x4 setup you wish to pursue, spindles (could use your own if you down your truck), front diff (so many available, sometimes free almost).

The most difficult part is finding a transmission and transfer case combination if you're looking for something specific.

The hard is dealing with part-outs as you can never really confirm actual working condition unless you open it up.

You could go manual transmission since your most difficult task would be finding the appropriate auto for your years (03-04).

 

That is why I go with a donor I can drive and make sure the parts I am needing do indeed work.

Herein this area running vehicles with failed frames could be bought really reasonable to prices went crazy.

 

I mean that wouldn't even be necessary (if we're talking all items sans transfer case/transmission).

But yeah seeing the donor vehicle helps; I wouldn't want the setup if the vehicle was totalled from a front-end collision.

 

Just popped in to say that the thumbnail for this thread seriously looked like you took the grille from a Buick and put it on your Taco.

I am disappointed to see that isn't actually the case.