04-4-4-4 Conversion/Build

LAF943

Observer
In late 2003 I was set on purchasing a 4cyl Tacoma. The vehicle's primary role would be a DD, and a DoubleCab would enhance that function. In the 4 cylinder it was either 4WD or 4 doors, not both. I had an acquaintance at NUMMI and I had hoped that they would be able to build a 4cyl DC. In the end, the doors won, and I purchased a 2004 PreRunner in April of that year (getting it through NUMMI):
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For 60,000 miles I drove the truck stock with no issues. In 2005-06 several individuals were completing PreRunner conversions with great success. I joined the ExPo and began to research. A special thanks goes out to SARSquid (Jamie) and Pray4Surf (Rick) for all their technical support and R&D. Both have saved me numerous hours of pain and suffering. I appreciate it. I would also like to thank all the members here that I've PM'ed over the years. Thank you for your insight and willingness to help. Here's the 04, 4cyl, 4 door, 4WD build:

Started with a spacer lift/tires/wheels:
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Then the topper:
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Got rid of the chrome and went to black stock parts:
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Alignment:
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TBC:
 

LAF943

Observer
Continued

First step in conversion, spindles:
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Then, towed to transmission shop for output shaft swap (I had a connection at a transmission shop that could handle the swap...Thanks Mario!):
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The center console was sourced from eBay, and the shifter was bought new from Toyota.

Drove for a while like this (no front diff or axles):
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Got rid of the spacer lift (went with OME...Thanks Kurt-Cruiser Outfitters!)
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LAF943

Observer
Continued part 2

more OME:
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Then an ARB bumper with end-cap mod (Thanks Wil @ Sierra Expeditions!):
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LAF943

Observer
Continued part 4

The frame reinforcements were for the Outdoor Logic rear bumper and swing out:
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Spindle gussets:
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LAF943

Observer
Continued part 5

Back to steelies (the '05's have a different offset than the earlier models...found that out the hard way!):
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Receiver for ARB:
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Back to the conversion...pressing out the bearings/hubs to make way for manual hubs (had to make a jig for the press....Thanks Mark Hogan!):
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LAF943

Observer
continued part 6

Pressed in the new bearings, hub, abs tone ring, etc. Also had to "customize" a hub socket to fit...and torque to 205 ft lbs.:
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axle re-build, and installation:5.jpg6.jpg7.jpg8.jpg9.jpg10.jpg
 

LAF943

Observer
continue part 8

The BudBuilt belly skid wouldn't work on a PreRunner without modification....it seems the crossmember is too far forward:
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LAF943

Observer
continued part 9

Had the gears done (5.29's...thanks for the advice TangoBlue!) and ARB's front and rear installed at Central 4 Wheel Drive in Sacramento. The compressor install:
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After trying several configurations...I settled on the compressor inboard from the battery. It seems to fit better there. The hold-down bracket still needs to be modified.
 

LAF943

Observer
continued part 10

wiring up the ARB switches:
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I moved the hazard switch to the blank cut out on the left hand side of the steering column. That created a nice spot for the compressor switch. I lost the clock in the process however. The material behind the air locker switches was donor material from the PreRunner center console.
 

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