Making a Tacoma AWD

What's to stop me from making an adapter between a manual 4 wheel drive transmission and a transfer case from a 4runner or 80 or 100 series or whatever? I probably won't do it on this truck but I have always wanted an AWD pickup. I would like to accelerate and turn at the same time.

Specifically, I want a center diff for full time four wheel drive.

 

Look into the manual trans FJs. They are AWD and a manual j shift tcase

 

You have a 1st gen? It's been done using a 3rd gen 4unner multi-mode case.

 

Are there any threads on it? If there's a good chance it bolts up to a 5 speed on my 2.7 first gen I'll probably buy a used one and make it happen.

I have manual hubs so ideally the differential would be lockable for regular 2 wheel drive shenanigans.

 

Mostly 4 wheel drive conversions here but worth a peek
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-4-wheel-drive-or-automatic-to-manual.702733/

 

This is the way, heres one i put in my ‘13 taco. Im planning to do the same on my ‘09 using a NWF ecocrawler as the adapter to mate up to an R156F

 

I wish there was a resource for flange dimensions on transmissions and cases. I can cad up and supply drawings for W59 and R150F transmissions and their stock transfer cases if anyone else has something to contribute

 

The driveshaft flange dimensions are listed on Merlin’s site. If you install a triple drilled flange it shouldn’t be anything to worry about regardless.

 

It is just sourcing the parts you need and putting it together .

I think this is a very interesting project If my Body was not broken I would think of doing it .

 

Take a look at this thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-transfer-case-identifcation-for-replacement-swap.753707/

It covers the transfer cases used with the 3.4L engine in 1st gens. I'm told the 2.7L cases are essentially the same but with different input shafts.

I also have a 5-speed 2.7L and have done some cursory research and asking around on this same idea. I haven't done any of the actual work, so anything I say is speculation.

I'm pretty sure the multi-mode cases were only used with 3.4L 4Runners, so you'd have to do some surgery to get the t-case to mate up to a 2.7L's transmission. Swapping your W59 for an R150F might make make things simpler. Or it might not. I don't know--just tossing out ideas.

You'll also have to pay attention to the drive shaft. The multi-mode case is longer than a standard case. I've read that the 4Runner's original drive shaft should fit nicely into a standard cab with multi-mode, but if you've got an extended cab you'll need a custom shaft.

You'll also want to get the 4x4 computer from the donor 4Runner to replace the original 4x4 computer in your Tacoma.

In fewer words: It sounds like it can be done, but it's not a simple bolt-up. You'll have to do some figuring-out.

@Strostkovy has a 1st gen. I don't think a FJ case will work--that's a 2nd gen mod.

 

The transfer case will very likely bolt up, it's the input shaft type, spline, and diameter that need sorting.

The 2nd/3rd gen stuff will bolt up 5/7ths of the way. They have a superior Torsen center diff, while the older multimode units have a planetary center diff.

 

5/7ths as in five of seven bolts line up?

 

Yes, correct.

 

It might be 5 out of 8.... don't remember the number. Post 32 in my AWD swap has a picture of the older case with the newer transmission, which would be the opposite of what you guys would have. Maybe the r15x from a 2nd or 3rd gen would allow the new Torsen cases to completely bolt up?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transfer-case-swap-multi-mode-2wd-awd-vf3am-vf4am.627123/

 

I have the stock AWD t-case in my 1999 4Runner. It's a 23 spline input so it mates to any 1996+ R150F/A340F. The W59 transmission found in the 2.7L has a 26 spline output, so that would need to be changed. The AWD t-case has a separate 4WD ECU that needs to be wired correctly otherwise the AWD and 4WD functions won't work. Good luck!

 

The AWD t-case is 3" longer than the standard t-case, so the front driveshaft needs to be lengthened 3" and the rear driveshaft needs to be shortened 3" if doing the swap.