Topic: Thoughts of 2wd -4wd conversion but in a different approach.

[EJsarus]

As per my title many can assume that I am 2wd on my Xterra.

As many 2wd X owner the 4wd conversion idea has popped up from time to time. From what others in our community have explained,  this conversion is both expensive & fairly difficult to tackle due to many factors such as our 4wd are electronically controlled & sourcing out front 4wd components such as T-case, front differential , Trans etc.

This Idea has been lingering in my head since I bought my X and slowing thinking of a way to go 4wd. I thought of going the usual route and sourcing out factory components and slowing building it together but after some research I came across a way to convert 4wd yet have quality components.

Idea:
Sourcing out a R180 front diff, T-case and transmission with the obvious half shafts & driveshaft. 
Instead of sourcing out a M226 Elock rear end, why not use my C200 rear end and slap an air locker therefore the front diff as well. That way I eliminate the electronic control ordeal & have good quality diffs installed.

As part of off-road checklist for going on excursion is to carry a compressor to air tires after some wheeling. I can take this moment to get a solid permanent air compressor system installed in the X to use for both wheel airing supply and air supply for the lockers.   

One of the advantages I have is that I work for Toyota as a Technician, is that I have connection thru my parts dept to get parts from LKQ or salvage yards.

This is just a rough idea that I have, not sure if others have though of this route. Please any criticism or words of advise would be greatly appreciated. I have a feeling that I am missing something but I will still have this idea until I'm 100% sure that going this route would be ideal, if not just go the usual route of sourcing factory parts and start with stock 4wd.

[EJsarus]

Just to have an idea on my goals:
Just want a daily Xterra that has the capability to do some moderate offroad obstacles or ultimately do a GoneMOAB event.
Ideal tire size would be going 33" tires.  So I'm going to assume that I will have to change up my gear ration to some above 3.13?

[CAWoody]

My two cents for what they're worth.

If you are looking to convert from 2wd to 4wd with stock components you're looking int he neighbor hood of $4-5k with front axle, half shafts, transmission w/ transfer case swap, then all of the electronic to go along.  All models carry the same wire harness, it's just finding the right leads.  Since you're a tech you probably could do the labor yourself.

If you go solid axle you're probably close to the same cost in parts but you'll need to find a good shop that do the custom fab and configure it correctly and that could cost you dearly.

If your are looking for a daily driver, you might be better of tracing in your rig for a 4X model and save yourself the grief.

[Ruination Fan]

Not much help, but I did do this on my first gen X....I am fully swapped to 4wd. Another site to check for parts is car-part.com Its a junkyard database search throughout the us...mexico....canada if need be. I sourced my front diff and trans with transfercase via that site (trans only had 49k on it too).

[EJsarus]

My two cents for what they're worth.

If you are looking to convert from 2wd to 4wd with stock components you're looking int he neighbor hood of $4-5k with front axle, half shafts, transmission w/ transfer case swap, then all of the electronic to go along.  All models carry the same wire harness, it's just finding the right leads.  Since you're a tech you probably could do the labor yourself.

If you go solid axle you're probably close to the same cost in parts but you'll need to find a good shop that do the custom fab and configure it correctly and that could cost you dearly.

If your are looking for a daily driver, you might be better of tracing in your rig for a 4X model and save yourself the grief.

I was considering solid axle but that would be defeating the "daily" requirement. If I slowing peice together my drivetrain I'm confident that I can do just parts less than 4k. I understand that it would be wise to just use the money to say buy another X and avoid the headache, but call me weird that I enjoy more the building than actually driving..

Not much help, but I did do this on my first gen X....I am fully swapped to 4wd. Another site to check for parts is car-part.com Its a junkyard database search throughout the us...mexico....canada if need be. I sourced my front diff and trans with transfercase via that site (trans only had 49k on it too).

nice, I remember when I had a 1st gen. I have used car-part.com in the past. didnt buy anything but usually to get part numbers n sorts.

[CAWoody]

I was considering solid axle but that would be defeating the "daily" requirement. If I slowing peice together my drivetrain I'm confident that I can do just parts less than 4k. I understand that it would be wise to just use the money to say buy another X and avoid the headache, but call me weird that I enjoy more the building than actually driving..



nice, I remember when I had a 1st gen. I have used car-part.com in the past. didnt buy anything but usually to get part numbers n sorts.

I'm with you there and it shows in the insanity that is my X.  Go big or go home.

[Deadpilot]

Here's my thought process since I just did this with my X. I just went big and did a SAS with a divorced transfer case. So I would say go that route. Since your planning on going to Gone I would go with the SAS and go with 35s. With lockers front and rear. You won't regret it.

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[GreenGoon]

An SAS'd rig is a fine daily driver. If you're going to do this, you might as well go solid. It's a ton of work to limit yourself and stay IFS.

[Riz98]

An SAS'd rig is a fine daily driver. If you're going to do this, you might as well go solid. It's a ton of work to limit yourself and stay IFS.

I have been daily driving my SAS'ed Xterra for a couple months now.  At first it was weird to get used to because I was coming from a Sti with a quick steering rack so any little movement of the wheel and the car was turning quickly.  Now that I am fully used to driving with solid axle it feels great.  I did get the "speed bug" out of me for now so I spend my time in the Xterra just cruising around.  I am on 33's also for the daily use.

[Toro]

Converting a 2wd to OE 4wd isn't as difficult as you might think.
$100 - 200 R180 in 3.13
$100 - 2 half shafts (RockAuto)
$50-100 front DS
$200-300 Transfer case
$100-200 4wd spindles

The wild cards are the Trans and Electronics.

I wouldn't be suprised if you can do it for less than $2k with your existing rear diff.

[EJsarus]

Converting a 2wd to OE 4wd isn't as difficult as you might think.
$100 - 200 R180 in 3.13
$100 - 2 half shafts (RockAuto)
$50-100 front DS
$200-300 Transfer case
$100-200 4wd spindles

The wild cards are the Trans and Electronics.

I wouldn't be suprised if you can do it for less than $2k with your existing rear diff.

doesnt sound too bad...


Well after some thought and talking with the bank teller (aka wife) I have decided to keep my X in the current 2wd platform. After im done paying off some debt and sorts, I will end up getting an  older X but in the 4wd platform and possibly be my toy and have my wife take my current X as a daily.

Therefore I'm going to do minor mods to my X to keep the offroader spirit alive such as a simple 2" lift with meaty tires & maybe M226 elock rear end. From there everything else will be just for looks or future purchases for my next X.

[Celt]

I have both IFS and SFA vehicles. My X is IFS but I've done a couple modifications along the way to get it off road. In the end if I had a 2wd and wanted to convert it I would just buy a 4wd. If you really wanted a 4wd I would strongly consider doing the full convert to SFA so you wouldn't have as many limitations. Riz, Green Goon and Dead Pilot pointed out some great points to ponder. In the end it is your vehicle and only you can decide which direction to go in but in my opinion it seems like a pain converting a 2wd into a 4wd. I think Toro gave you some good cost estimates in his post (He's smart like that). Thinking about some interim options may be to get a rear air locker and on board air. With a locked rear axle and some good wheeling skills you can easily get to some really cool places and you now have an OBA setup for the air down/up needs.

[GreenGoon]

Nice post Eric.

[Celt]

Nice post Eric.

  Thank you!