- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Executing a 4x4 (Four-Wheel Drive) conversion
on a long-wheelbase F700-platform Toyota Rush or Daihatsu Terios is a popular, albeit complex, custom project
for off-road enthusiasts.
Key Mechanical Steps in an F700 4x4 Conversion
1. Sourcing Donor Parts
To make the conversion work,
fabricators typically source parts from international 4WD donor specs (like the Daihatsu Terios Nautica or
J200 4WD variants):
-
Transfer Case: A matching unit that bolts onto the rear of the transmission to split power to the front driveshaft.
-
Front Axle & Differential Assembly: Complete front differential housing and axle shafts.
-
Front Drive Shaft (Propeller Shaft): To bridge the transfer case to the front differential.
2. Drivetrain & Suspension Modification
-
Removing Independent Front Setup / Crossmember Tweaks: Standard F700 models feature a 2WD front crossmember and steering layout. This often needs modification or custom fabrication to clear the incoming front differential housing and CV axles.
-
Bolt-On vs. Custom Mounts: While major chassis rails share structural similarities with the J200 platform, custom mounting brackets must often be fabricated or adjusted so the front differential housing aligns correctly with the frame.
-
Modifying Propeller Shafts: The rear driveshaft typically needs to be shortened to accommodate the extra length of the newly installed transfer case, while the front driveshaft is fitted to match the new front-end geometry.
3. Ground Clearance & Suspension Tuning
-
Adding a front differential and heavy-duty 4WD hardware adds weight and alters the front-end profile.
-
Builders frequently encounter issues with low ground clearance under the newly added front 4WD frame components, requiring custom suspension lifts, spacers, or stiffer springs to restore proper ride height for light off-roading.
Summary of Differences: Factory vs. Converted
| Aspect | Stock F700 (Indonesia/Malaysia) | Converted F700 4x4 |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (4x2 / FR) | Four-Wheel Drive (4x4) |
| Front Subframe | 2WD independent setup | Modified / Swapped 4WD axle and differential housing |
| Transmission | Standard 2WD tail housing | Integrated Transfer Case setup |
| Capability | On-road, light touring, high ground-clearance utility | True active 4WD for mud, sand, and rough terrain |
Executing a 4x4 (Four-Wheel Drive) conversion
on a long-wheelbase F700-platform Toyota Rush or Daihatsu Terios is a popular, albeit complex, custom
project for off-road enthusiasts.
Because the vehicle left the factory as a rear-wheel-drive (FR) layout,
builders must source and adapt components from the global short-wheelbase 4WD models (such as the J200
Daihatsu Terios / Toyota Be-go / Daihatsu Terios Nautica).
Key Mechanical Steps in an F700 4x4 Conversion
1. Sourcing Donor Parts
To make the conversion work,
fabricators typically source parts from international 4WD donor specs (like the Daihatsu Terios Nautica
or J200 4WD variants):
-
Transfer Case: A matching unit that bolts onto the rear of the transmission to split power to the front driveshaft.
-
Front Axle & Differential Assembly: Complete front differential housing and axle shafts.
-
Front Drive Shaft (Propeller Shaft): To bridge the transfer case to the front differential.
2. Drivetrain & Suspension Modification
-
Removing Independent Front Setup / Crossmember Tweaks: Standard F700 models feature a 2WD front crossmember and steering layout. This often needs modification or custom fabrication to clear the incoming front differential housing and CV axles.
-
Bolt-On vs. Custom Mounts: While major chassis rails share structural similarities with the J200 platform, custom mounting brackets must often be fabricated or adjusted so the front differential housing aligns correctly with the frame.
-
Modifying Propeller Shafts: The rear driveshaft typically needs to be shortened to accommodate the extra length of the newly installed transfer case, while the front driveshaft is fitted to match the new front-end geometry.
3. Ground Clearance & Suspension Tuning
-
Adding a front differential and heavy-duty 4WD hardware adds weight and alters the front-end profile.
-
Builders frequently encounter issues with low ground clearance under the newly added front 4WD frame components, requiring custom suspension lifts, spacers, or stiffer springs to restore proper ride height for light off-roading.
Summary of Differences: Factory vs. Converted
| Aspect | Stock F700 (Indonesia/Malaysia) | Converted F700 4x4 |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (4x2 / FR) | Four-Wheel Drive (4x4) |
| Front Subframe | 2WD independent setup | Modified / Swapped 4WD axle and differential housing |
| Transmission | Standard 2WD tail housing | Integrated Transfer Case setup |
| Capability | On-road, light touring, high ground-clearance utility | True active 4WD for mud, sand, and rough terrain |
Comments