I have a 2wd 1994 Tracker that I have been messing around with off road for some time. I hardly ever get stuck, because I go through the mud and stuff at greater speed than those with 4x4. Any time there is an incline and I don't have much speed my tracker cannot handle it though, because the power wheel loses traction and then I have to have my friends push me out (which takes 30 seconds because my car is so light).

Here is where I need help. I'd love to attempt a 4x4 conversion, and make my tracker a 4x4. I've been looking around for cheap 4x4 trackers or samurais or sidekicks, but I haven't found any in my area in my price range. I have a lot of junkyards that I'm going to start checking for parts trucks... should I even bother? Is a 4wd conversion practical at all? Can anyone type up a list of all the parts that differ on a 4wd tracker that I would need to get (T-case, 4wd shifter, front axle, locking hubs etc) Thanks for the help.

I have a 2wd 1994 Tracker that I have been messing around with off road for some time. I hardly ever get stuck, because I go through the mud and stuff at greater speed than those with 4x4. Any time there is an incline and I don't have much speed my tracker cannot handle it though, because the power wheel loses traction and then I have to have my friends push me out (which takes 30 seconds because my car is so light).

Here is where I need help. I'd love to attempt a 4x4 conversion, and make my tracker a 4x4. I've been looking around for cheap 4x4 trackers or samurais or sidekicks, but I haven't found any in my area in my price range. I have a lot of junkyards that I'm going to start checking for parts trucks... should I even bother? Is a 4wd conversion practical at all? Can anyone type up a list of all the parts that differ on a 4wd tracker that I would need to get (T-case, 4wd shifter, front axle, locking hubs etc) Thanks for the help.

Very possible. There are some mounting tabs for the front diff that are not on your 2wd chassis but other than that it is just swapping all of the pieces parts over. I almost positive Mr. Hagen has done this conversion... Hey Mikey, whatd'yaknow?   

-Eric

Another cheaper option is to put a lockrite locker in the rear.  That will give you 2 drive wheels and be similiar to an unlocked 4x4.

What parts besides

Hubs
Transfer Case
Front Axle
4x4 shifter
Front differential mounting brackets

are different on my tracker that I need to get?

Ok I found a website describing how to do this with a samurai, and for that conversion all that was needed was a Transfer case, front driveshaft, and front axle, all of which bolted right in. Is it the same for the tracker/sidekick 2wd? On the samurai there was just a metal plate with 4 bolts covering where the transfer case shifter usually goes, and it was all together a very easy install.

I found the page

http://www.izook.com/tech/samurai/suspension/2wd_4wd/2wd4wd.htm

Most small vehicles like these have the same Chasis,  I would look under the front of the tracker and see if there is a mounting postion for the diferintal, the 4x4 and 2X4 use IFS, so there is a good possibility that  there are mounting points, if not then its probably an issue of taking the whole front assymbly, control arm to control arm and bolting it into the 2X4 chasis and if yer gona do that why not just bolt a toyo front IFS under it? or just go to SAS and lockers.

I've heard people talking about using the toyota IFS, but I don't really know what that consists of, such as where to get it and what it comes off. I've heard its stronger, but I don't really know anything about it. Could I use the toyota IFS and then just get a new driveshaft and t-case?

I just went out and looked under my tracker, and there is already a spot for the shifter cut through the floor, right now its just a plastic tray I have change in but I can see it.

Would I be able to use my current transmission on this?

no you will need to 4wd tcase.

no you will need to 4wd tcase.

huh?

Oh yeah and thanks for the help so far guys, I've learned a lot.

Do the lock rite and see if you need more. You will be suprised


    Kevin

I called up a local junkyard and theyve got a 95 tracker 4x4 2door... its just missing the soft top and the radio, which I don't really care about. I'll go look at it tomorrow, but the guy wants $1200 for the whole thing. It runs supposedly, but I doubt its worth $1200.

I'm starting to think a lock rite and a 2" body lift and some 31s will be fine for what I do. With a 2" calmini body lift could I clear 31s?

dicker down on the complete 4x4 ... sell the 2x4, and go from there.

2" BL, some spacers for the springs (or go OME springs and struts), some fender trim, 31's are good (and aren't too hard on the stock driveline). Lock the rear (and front also to be nearly unstoppable) ...

that's what I've done for about 12 hard trail runs so far this year and yet to have breakage.

Selling my tracker isn't really feasible, its my only mode of transportation and it is very reliable, and I don't want to get a sketchy new tracker that might or might not have a lot more things wrong with it. I'll see how much I get all the 4x4 parts off the other tracker for, and do a conversion, or I will just go with a locker and body lift... which I will eventually do to the 4x4 anyway.

I'm going to go look at it tomorrow and maybe come home with some parts, is there anything I need besides

Front Driveshaft
Front Axle
Transfer Case

I've asked it a few times, but I would really appreciate an answer.

Edit: Actually if any of you don't mind taking  a few pictures of underneath your track/kicks, maybe showing the transfer case's position as well as the front axle and so on I would greatly appreciate it.

At LAST!! This is right up my alley.

I have a 1998 ZJ that I converted to 4wd. The process is really not that different.
here

On the Trak/Kick, you will basically need the following:
4wd Tranny
transfercase
front &rear driveshafts
Front Differential
Front CV shafts
Hubs

Now. I am not positive that the Track/Kick is similar to the XJ/ZJ in that the bearings are preloaded by the front stub axle or not. You may want to snag the whole knuckle assy on each side.

You will also need to be sure that the gear ratios on the donor rig match yours. Or swap the axle, too. The Track/Kick does not have a divorced transfercase, so a 4wd tranny is required. It makes the swap more difficult. The absolute easiest way is to have all the stuff from a SINGLE rig in order to get it. If you don't have that, then you can gather all the individual peices as you go. I did with my ZJ, and had about $1100 invested total in the swap and initial 3" lift. You will need to examine the speedo cable to see if it will be long enough once you get the t-case/tranny in.

As many people ask when it comes down to it... why not get a 4wd track/kick? They are more plentiful in the used market than ZJs and WAY cheaper.... cost was my fuel at the time. (and how much the zj was costing me...)