Marlin Crawler Tacobox

Just wanted to fire up a discussion thread and provide some basic info about this mod for our 5th gens.

I, for one, am not satisfied with 33:1, having been wheeling in anza-borrego, Pismo and Moab already with our 2019 TRD OR. I think the key to drivetrain durability in rough, rocky terrain is the ability to ease or crawl your way through it. Also, 33:1 down some of the steep parts of Moab trails was a bit too spicy for our tastes.

 

@RFB has done it. I saw a rig walk around by Cruising the Land and noticed that Richie had a well integrated lever setup. Maybe he’ll chime in to discuss the TB and how it was done.

Cheers
Mike

 

There’s a guy in our group that put one on his tacoma. It’s pretty neat. Most of the trails around us are doable by stock trucks if you use the easy bypasses. But, he has no problems finding spots to use it when we go on trail rides lol

 

Here's some info on the TacoBox, if you're not familiar.

Crawl ratio Calculator
Marlin Crawler.com > Dual Case > Determine your Crawl Ratio

With our 3.73's we go from 33:1 to 157:1 in Low-Low

Built units currently available
TacoBox | Marlin Crawler, Inc.


From Marlin's site:

We have gathered a few dozen core t/cases to bring back fully-built TacoBox Dual Case Units for a limited time!!

These TacoBox Units are built using adapters from our sister brand, Inchworm, and feature our Marlin Crawler 4.70:1 Low Range Gear Set, Marlin Crawler Double Roll bearing, Marlin Crawler 52% stronger HD Lower Cage Bearing, Marlin Crawler Dished Coupler, Marlin Crawler EcoSeal, Refurbished Toyota Shift Handles, Marlin Crawler Shift Knob, High Quality JIS Hardware, and everything needed to bolt into your rig! Hand-built in-house and ready for installation!

What is the TacoBox?
The TacoBox is a compact reduction unit based on the famous 28-year time-proven Marlin Crawler Dual Case 'Crawl Box' design and is inserted between your transmission and transfer case. To achieve this, front & rear adapters are used to convert the bolt patterns of both your transmission and transfer case. The front adapter is based on our 25% stronger 5/8" thick USA-made Billet Aluminum Adapter to mate a Marlin Crawler Reduction Housing behind your 23- or 26-spline automatic or manual transmission. The rear adapter is based on our 6th generation USA-made Billet Aluminum MC09 Adapter which bolts to your original transfer case, and is fully clockable in 5° increments. The result is the Marlin Crawler TacoBox™, a fully assembled Dual Case Unit ready to be installed into 1995 and newer Toyota and Lexus 4WD drive trains.

 

I agree to an extent - we were able to cruise around Pismo/Anza where momentum and wheel speed are key, but definitely didn't try some of the rockier trails out in ABSP. Moab is a different story. Arches NP was fine with 2.5" lift and 32's, but on Fins and Things we definitely would have welcomed more reduction, not to mention all the more difficult trails we didn't try that would have been made more achievable with a lower crawl ratio.

Also, that was just our first year of wheeling with this rig. We have tougher trails in our sights in the Big Bear and Lake Tahoe areas. Also, might plan some backcountry exploring/fly fishing in AZ where extra control on some narrow shelf roads is a good thing.

 

Yeah, the Lever install is one of the only custom parts of the install, from what I gather, everything else is pretty cut and dry. Love to see some center console pics if he's so inclined.

 

Here's what to expect from a 5th gen install (FJ cruisers and Taco's might be different):

1. Disconnect front and rear driveshafts
2. Disassemble center console, remove shifters as needed.
3. disconnect and remove tcase,
4. assemble Tacobox and fill with appropriate oil and install on Transmission
4.5 extend vacuum lines and plug harness to reach Tcase's new position
5. locate/create hole for shifter in center console - custom bend shifters to poke up where you want them. create or install shifter boot.
6. measure for and shorten/lengthen front and rear driveshafts.
7. Modify skid plates for new location of transfer case. Rear lip of belly skids probably need to be trimmed.
7.5 Possibly reinforce tcase mounting system for longer setup
8. Install new shafts, top off fluids, function test

 

What I like about the TacoBox option:

• 100% bolt on with minimal mods other than extending vacuum lines and wiring harness. Tacobox's are built for Tacoma's, FJ's and 4runners.

• ATRAC Leaves ATRAC/MTS and stock t-case intact and functional

• Shifting: shifter is 100% mechanical and direct to the box.

• Allows for a wide range of gearing options:

2wd Hi (13:1) (normal daily driving)
2wd /Crawler Low-3rd gear (24.5:1)
2wd /Crawler Low- 2nd gear (35:1)
2wd /Crawler Low -1st gear (61:1)
4wd hi/ Crawler Low-3rd gear (24.5:1)
4wd hi/ Crawler Low- 2nd gear (35:1)
4wd hi/ Crawler Low -1st gear (61:1)
4wd Low/ Crawler Low - 3rd gear (63:1)
4wd Low/ Crawler Low - 2nd gear (90:1)
4wd Low/ Crawler Low - 1st gear (157:1)

 

This is a great calculator, btw, to do some armchair modifications of your rig and to see what you'd end up with ratio/rpm-wise.
Gear Ratio Calculator (grimmjeeper.com)

After a few weeks of imputing different options, I came to some big realizations:

1. 4.56's and 4.88's are a good option, but don't get me where I want to be crawl ratio-wise and really mess with your street-ability. We really like how our 4runner road-trips and don't want to mess with what works.
2. In terms of RPM's, 4.56's aren't really required until you go to a true 35" tire. 3.73's seem to do fine for 285/70-17's and 285/75-17's (33's and 34's, respectively)
3. Also, cost vs benefit was way off when quoted for the install by a few shops.

For us, sticking with 33's and 3.73's was a big discussion, but an easy decision. no major mods to fit them, no major change to drivability, reduced tire cost, and more availability since 285/70 and 285/75 are common sizes. If we want to go a bit bigger later, we can, but we'd like to learn how to drive our rig on the 285/70's for the time being.

 

I’m running 4.88 on 35” tires. I feel I’m just a bit short with them but I appreciate the range off road. Taco box isn’t on my roadmap ATM, but I’d eagerly follow any 5th Gen build thread when the TB is part of it!

 

Well, hop on board then, cuz our 2019 TRD OR is Tacobox equipped.

 

It’s a very new mod…have had a ton of interest, so i thought i’d share.

 

Console install

 

New tcase location and trimmed skid plate.

 

few more shots

tacobox installed


gas tank clearance

 

this positioning works great for us, though, like I said, i’d love to see other solutions.

It leaves both cupholders intact, and finally makes use of the slot in front of the pass. side cupholder that we never did use…

 

Ok, here’s some observations after a couple months of ownership.

fuel mileage: unchanged
Road ride: unchanged
Offroad ability: incredibly more controllable and sure-footed.

downsides:
Cost
Ever so slight gear noise in the cab. Hardly noticeable with normal radio levels or with AC on.

 

Yeah, same here. Everything else was installed in my driveway. and yeah, i get just the faintest noise up around 65-70, - not a whine like my old willy’s d18 - just a rotational click/tick noise.

And i agree, 4runner is a great truck already but the ability to reduce speed up, over and down obstacles is pretty awesome. The Tacobox is hands down my wife’s favorite mod.

 

It all sounds so simple, could it be true?

I have no idea but I thought you needed to source a donor T-case, disassemble and transfer gears to the TB. You need new driveshafts too right?

I love the idea but in my head, there is a high level of commitment and cost.

Someday maybe, for now I’ll just settle with my 488s.

For you OP and RFB, respect man, just respect

 

While it’s not what i’d call an easy install, it is very straightforward and didnt cost very much shop time to farm out. Our installer loved the job since he was used to big custom builds. Honestly, having installed our skids, sliders, winch bumper, rear bumper, swing-away tire carrier, shock armor, control arm armor, roofrack, cargo area molle/deck plate all ourselves, we felt fine having pro’s install our suspension and this crawl box since both are made much easier by having airtools and a hydraulic vehicle lift. Still, i’d say it’s definitely achievable for a shadetree mechanic.

• Tacobox comes fully assembled. As I understand it you Fill with oil, prep a few bits (shifter assembly, etc) and set it aside.

• Then you drop the tcase, bolt on and install the Tacobox to the tranny, bolt the tcase to the Tacobox.

• While it’s out, extend tcase vacuum/wire harness, trim belly skids if you have them, and decide where your stock tcase shifter will come out. (Tacobox uses existing tcase spot) and then bolt back up using stock crossmember(s)

• Measure for driveshafts and have them made, and then bolt them on.

The only custom part is the shifter location in the center console, since preference defines your setup, otherwise you just follow the install instructions step-by-step.

• 4.88’s are awesome for sure, especially if you’re running 35’s-37’s to keep those highway revs down. What we like the best about the dual case idea is that it drives/feels 100% like a factory truck on the road with stock 3.73’s and 33’s, but then off-road you can use 33:1, 60:1, 99:1, or 157:1 to suit your situation.

Very much a “sleeper” setup since we haven’t installed our bright yellow marlin Crawler stickers yet.

 

And let’s be honest, No two ways about it…this is a VERY expensive modification. You’re spending $5000 (installed) on a $45k truck, the cost of which will likely never be able to be recouped if we decide to sell down the line (unlikely).

We’re just normal middle class folks with 3 kids, but we promised ourselves that this was our “buy once, cry once adventure build”. To that end we have set aside/saved up/waited for sale prices to buy the gear on our list.

We started with the goal of using the best parts we could afford to make a simple, swiss-army knife of a truck that is factory reliable, holiday inn comfortable and extremely durable on tough trails or long trips.

This mod, for the money spent COMPLETELY changes the nature of this rig offroad, but sacrifices nothing (so far) on the highway.
Rock Crawling was invented by Marlin Crawler and if you haven’t seen a dual cases rig attempt a trail alongside a factory toyota, the difference is breathtaking. Total game changer.

 

Holy shit, that is rad. Fuck yes my dude. That,... that is fucking awesome. Well done. My god that is a mother rig, and i love it.

 

Agreed! Next level.

 

I watched the video twice. I very very much wanna go for a ride in this..... Very much.

 

Tried out 2wd low-range last week on our property. Very cool to have both 33:1 and 61:1 available without engaging 4wd.

 

Just out of curiosity, I popped over to Marlin’s web site. Looking at the Tacobox, and didn’t see any option for the 5th Gen.

For those of you who ordered from Marlin, which option did you order for a 5th Gen 4Runner?

Just curious, thanks!
Mike

 

Hey Mike, I had the same question - the choice you want to go with is the 1995+ 4runner on their website. Only option is the 4.7:1 Gear ratio.

Transmission is the A750F for our 5th gens with the 3.52 first gear.

 

Why am I even dreaming about this lol. Noob question, what is the stock ratio for 4hi and stock 4lo. Does the tacobox give you options for 2wd that are a little lower than the stock ratio, to use as a “pseudo” regear? Not sure if Im making sense

 

Good question.

Factory 5th gen specs are 3.52:1 first gear, 2.56:1 Low range and 3.73 in the axle.
Stock 4hi is (Transmission) x (axle ratio) since 4hi tcase is 1:1. (3.52) x (3.73) = 13.1:1
Stock 4Lo is (Transmission) x (tcase) x (axle ratio). (3.52) x (2.56) x (3.73) = 33.6:1

Taco box 2WD low adds 4.7:1, so (Trans) x (Tacobox) x (axle ratio):
(3.52) x (4.7) x (3.73) = 61.7:1 in first gear

Here's the full range of gears (if i'm not mistaking my math) with this setup:

2wd Hi (13.1:1) (normal daily driving)
2wd /Crawler Low-3rd gear (24.5:1)
2wd /Crawler Low- 2nd gear (35:1)
2wd /Crawler Low -1st gear (61:1)
4wd hi/ Crawler Low-3rd gear (24.5:1)
4wd hi/ Crawler Low- 2nd gear (35:1)
4wd hi/ Crawler Low -1st gear (61:1)
4wd Low/ Crawler Low - 3rd gear (63:1)
4wd Low/ Crawler Low - 2nd gear (90:1)
4wd Low/ Crawler Low - 1st gear (157:1)


So, to your last question - Yes, the Tacobox definitely offers you TONS of options offroad in 2wd, by choosing not only hi/low range in the Tcase and Tacobox but also your 1st, 2nd 3rd gears in the transmission, too.

2WD with the crawl-box engaged is a really exciting option for me personally, in tight spaces, since you're not driving the front axle. Great for low-speed, controlled tight turns around say, an off-camber switchback. 33:1 vs 61:1 in 2wd low makes the 4runner a completely different beast.

What's great for us, too, is that there's NO change to on-road driving characteristics, as with a re-gear. You have a vanilla daily driver where this mod is transparent and then an absolute unit, offroad, when you grab that little yellow shifter.

 

@bigdaddy2021 or @RFB

about to pull the trigger on one of these. i want to order all new F/R shafts in advance and would like to know if you can provide the actual flange to flange depth of the TB itself?

i see a range of #'s on Marlin's site, but since you have the units in hand, perhaps you know exactly, and how long the drive shafts needed to be for a 5th gen

thanks guys!

JB