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View Full Version : Previa RWD to Alltrac conversion possible?



pdgizwiz
08-27-2014, 09:56 AM
I've been looking for a nice later Alltrac LE for some time, and have had little luck in my neck-o-the-woods. RWD models come along, of course, as do cosmetically challenged Alltracs.
There are discussions of how to go about converting an Alltrac van to RWD, but is is possible to go the other way? I know that a lot of work and parts would be needed, and possibly a donor Alltrac. The entire front end from differential out to the spindles would need to be changed, and I'd need the transmission, transfer case, and both driveshafts. But is the floor/body the same between the two? Are there features on a RWD van to bolt the AllTrac hardware to? I don't want to do a lot of custom fabrication work - I'm hoping for a bolt-on operation. But given the impossibility of converting a bench-seat Previa to a captain-chaired Previa, I'm hesitant to assume that it's possible. Maybe someone out there with both types of vans can offer some observations...

timsrv
08-28-2014, 04:09 AM
It's possible. At least one person has done it on the Yahoo Previa group. He took a RWD sunroof model and swapped over all the running gear from a manual transmission All-Trac. He also lifted it and put a 2 speed van transfer case in it. I don't recall his username, but thinking it's Frankenvan or something like that. Tim

From what I understand the unibody is the same on All-Tracs & RWD Previas. Tim

pdgizwiz
08-28-2014, 09:43 AM
Thanks, Tim-
It's helpful to have some support for the idea, even if it's third hand.
I'll broaden my quest.

mountainhick
08-28-2014, 10:18 AM
It's corey CMH1129 at yahoo. He also has good threads on Toyota nation.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/search.php?searchid=7256490

Get out your welder. The TR10 (RWD) chassis does not have front diff mounts. http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/85-previa-forum/403749-got-hardest-part-frankenyota-s-alltrac-conversion-done-pics.html

pdgizwiz
08-28-2014, 01:32 PM
Ah, that's exactly the info I was after! Thanks for the link!

Good news - it's possible and has been done. Not-so-good - Some cutting and welding involved. This doesn't look too onerous, but it's worse than I'd hoped....

timsrv
08-28-2014, 01:42 PM
Depending on what's behind that frame member, it looks like you might be able to drill and bolt these brackets. A plate or big fender washers for extra support would probably be a good idea. Tim