Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi all,

I am after some information from you Hilux Guru's. I have a 95, 2.8 diesel, single cab, tray back in a 2wd version. It's a great little truck, but I'm sick of getting bogged in my paddocks everytime someone spits on the ground.

I was wondering if it was possible and what the problems would be to transform it into a 4x4 . Therefore I need to know from you guys what model independent front ends will fit it, what those diff ratios would be and wether my gearbox would have provisions for a transfer, or would I have to source one. My beleif is that it is acheivable with a little bit of work, possibily if I got myself a donor SR5 or 4 Runner.

I am thinking of using my ute as a basis because it is such a good little thing, I was never a hilux lover until I got this little one, just needs something to pull it along.

thanks in anticipation,

Tony

When it comes to changing something to something else thats readily available, it's often more economical (and less hassle) to sell what you have and buy what you want.

If it were me I think I'd look for a cheap 4WD HiLux, swap the body (just need to cut a couple of holes), engine, suspension (if you want it low like a 2WD) and whatever you like then sell the 2WD vehicle.

I'm sure you could turn yours into a 4WD, but I'd dread having to mess around with the front end only to end up with something that can be bought reasonably cheaply anyway.

Hmm I think you have 2 or 3 choices her, all with pro's and cons:

1. Change your existing vehicle. You obviously like your 2wd and to change it is not so hard. You'll just need the 4wd gearbox and front diff, plus the drive shaft. Should be avilable quite easily from breakers yard. Just a hassle to do...but not impossible. No point buy a donor vehicle.

2. Change your vehicle...alot les bother.

3. Buy a cheap 4wd drive it around and keep your 2wd.

I think option 1 would be your best bet.

Thinking about this again, to change your gearbox and front diff is not so much of a hassle. You just have to locate the parts. You'll need the haf shafts too, and probably have to chnge your back axle ratio.

Yes, your best option.

Things like suspension and stuff does not matter for now.

2WD Hilux rear axle same as Hi-ace?
4WD Hilux rear axle same as Dyna?

Either way they are different axles, also ones oversprung (4WD), and ones undersprung (2WD). So its not just the front end thats different. May also be worth finding out if the steering boxes are different, and you'll have to get the 4WD crossmember for the tranny.

leave it as is, put some muddies on it and a rear locker, it'll be fun

Being a 95 model, a standard model of the same year either IFS or Solid Front end would be a better vehicle in standard form then what you're proposing, which would also need to be engineered on top of the modifications.

If you were going to build something along the lines of a competition vehicle and not use anything based around stock Hilux components (suspension, axles, engine, gearbox) and essentially only needed a set of chassis rails to start with, then it probably wouldn't matter as much.

There's just so much work to achieve very little, it could be done, but would be a waste of time.

I'd either go with something along ht elines of what justinshere's said and stick some decent tyres on it and an auto locker in the rear for cheapness, or selling it and just buying a 4WD.

AT best as far as doner goes, is if you found a cheap 4WD hilux with a blown motor, or had been rolled or something and you could convert those bits from your current Hilux onto it, to get the wrecked one going.

yeah leave it as is!!
new tyres and welded rear! much cheaper, much easier and way fun

You could buy a rolling chassis from similar model 4x4 less 2.8 diesel but with all running gear inc g/box & transfer all steering components inc. column wiring harness Guards & inner liners use your cab cut extra hole for transfer leaver fit your engine. There may be other things that could be different as in brake booster, master cylinder & pipe work, radiator & cowl just to name a few.
It sounds like a lot of hard work.

The chassis is completely different. As said above, you would need to buy a rolling chassis from a 4x4 and fit your body. The problem you will have is finding a rolling chassis. I looked into this a couple of years ago and rang every 4x4 wrecker in NSW. Most wrecks are stat writeoffs, which means they can NEVER be registered. Your only hope is to wait patiently until you can buy one privately from someone who is parting out a rollover. Try putting a wanted ad in this forum.

PM Lux_89 if your in qld

A locker on a 2wd?? Wah really not worth attempting.

May as well go 4wd. I did not know the chasis was different between the 2wd and 4wd. If this is the case better trade in your 2wd for a 4wd. Or, buy a doner chasis and do the swap.

ricduza wrote:The chassis is completely different.

Actually the 2WD Frame is much closer to the solid axle 4WD Frame than the 4WD IFS Frame is. The IFS Frame does not have as much arch in the front of the Frame to accomidate the solid axle as the 2WD and Solid axle 4WD has.

RUFF wrote:

ricduza wrote:The chassis is completely different.

Actually the 2WD Frame is much closer to the solid axle 4WD Frame than the 4WD IFS Frame is. The IFS Frame does not have as much arch in the front of the Frame to accomidate the solid axle as the 2WD and Solid axle 4WD has.

Thats what I would have thought. For a solid axle conversion for this guys trucks it should really be quite simple...just a little work thats all.

gotoy wrote:Thats what I would have thought. For a solid axle conversion for this guys trucks it should really be quite simple...just a little work thats all.

It really depends on his abilities. For me it would be simple. Im actually looking into doing a couple of 97-2002 2WD hiluxs at the moment. But for others they will struggle to change a wheel. Its by no means a simple job to get it right the first time. And it would take someone with pretty good fabrication ability to do the conversion on the 2WD Frame.

Been there done that

Before


After


Mine was a frame change used a 4WD frame, I would not do this again. I would definately go the SAS on the 2WD frame, the 2WD frame will accept the solid axle setup better as it has the same front arch as the early solid axle frames unlike the 4WD IFS frames.

Thats all

Buddy

2wd to 4wd conversion done. Chassis painted IFS front to Solid Axle, original engine and fresh cab. RUFF thanks for the inspiration about peoples ability, maybe you are not the only GOD.