Make two wheel drive into 4x4?

I have a 2005 4Runner 4x4 with everything in good shape and low mileage ... but with bad frame rust. The most likely "out" for me is to buy a high mileage 2 wheel drive 4runner (because they sell for less) and swap my engine and transmission etc. into it. Can you easily do that to a 2 wheel drive vehicle? Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum, it’s been done several times.

 

If you're mechanically inclined enough to do that kind of work I am not sure you'd have to ask if it was doable on a forum.

I am pretty mechanically capable and that's probably well beyond me.

Could you? Maybe if you're not in a rush and love learning and just enjoy the process, then sure....I say go for it.

If it's a daily, or you need in the next 3 months, that's a hard pass.

Also, and this probably won't matter much, but the VIN, tags, paperwork will always be 2WD and will affect resale, but I highly doubt that's a consideration.

Last thought, if you're making an offroad beater, you should just finish the evolution and solid axle the front.

 

I’ve swapped several 3rd gen 4Runners, 2wd to 4wd. You need access to a lift. Raise the body, roll out the chassis. If you leave the body on frame and swap drive trains you’ll need to swap the wire harness. It can be a lot of work, just take your time.

 

Welcome from Arizona! Anything is possible with time and $$