Eco-Crawler - The easiest & strongest gear box for your Toyota 4x4.
Current Eco-Crawler Lead Time is 8-10 Weeks on all Variations
The NWF EcoCrawler VF4 adds a selectable 2.57:1 low-range reduction between your transmission and transfer case, giving you significantly more control and gearing off-road while retaining normal 1:1 operation when the EcoCrawler is in high range.
Designed around Toyota's VF chain-drive platform, the EcoCrawler uses a CNC-machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum housing and the planetary gearset from a donor VF transfer case. An NWF input shaft connects directly to your transfer case, eliminating the separate shaft adapters and splined couplers used in many traditional dual-case setups.
Is the VF4 EcoCrawler Right for Your Toyota?
The VF4 bolt pattern is commonly found in:
- 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner
- 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner
- 2nd Generation Toyota Tacoma
- 3rd Generation Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Lexus GX470
- Lexus GX460
VF1, VF2 and VF4 refer to the bolt pattern between the transmission and transfer case, so vehicle model alone should not be used to determine fitment.
Verify your transmission and transfer-case combination before ordering. If you're unsure which EcoCrawler you need, contact NWF and we'll help confirm your setup.
Tacoma 6-Speed Manual – Important Fitment Note
When mating an EcoCrawler to a VF4 transfer case from a Tacoma equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, the input retainer must be shortened.
Use the outside O-ring groove as the cut line.
If you're unsure whether this applies to your Tacoma, contact NWF before ordering.
What Does the EcoCrawler Do?
The EcoCrawler gives your Toyota an additional selectable 2.57:1 reduction ahead of the transfer case.
This gives you substantially lower gearing for technical terrain, crawling, descents and situations where greater low-speed control is needed, while still allowing normal gearing for street and highway driving.
How It Works:
The EcoCrawler uses the planetary gearset from a donor Toyota VF chain-drive transfer case.
Installation consists of:
- Removing the planetary gearset from the donor VF transfer case
- Installing the planetary assembly into the EcoCrawler billet housing
- Installing the EcoCrawler between the transmission and your existing transfer case
- Connecting the EcoCrawler to the transfer case through the supplied NWF input shaft
There is no separate splined coupler required between the EcoCrawler and transfer case.
What You'll Need:
The EcoCrawler is not supplied with a planetary gearset. You will need:
- VF chain-drive Toyota transfer case to donate the planetary gearset
- Compatible EcoCrawler shifter setup
- Stock “J” shift-style levers if NOT using NWF Trident Shifters
Torsen-type VF transfer cases are NOT compatible.
“One-Touch” 2WD–4WD shifters are NOT compatible.
Specifications:
| Specification | EcoCrawler VF4 |
|---|---|
| Gear Reduction | Selectable 2.57:1 Low Range |
| High Range | 1:1 |
| Overall Length | 6.5" |
| Housing Material | 6061-T6 Aluminum |
| Oil Capacity | Approximately 1.5 qt |
| Recommended Oil | Red Line MT-90 or factory-recommended chain-drive oil |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machined In-House by NWF |
Installation & Driveline Changes:
The VF4 EcoCrawler adds approximately 6.5" between the transmission and transfer case.
Because the transfer case is moved rearward, driveshaft modifications will normally be required. Final driveshaft measurements should be taken after installation because vehicle configuration, suspension, and transfer-case combinations can affect the required lengths.
Important Compatibility Information:
Torsen Transfer Cases: Torsen-type VF transfer cases cannot be used as the donor planetary for the EcoCrawler.
Shifters: Stock “J” shift-style levers can be used where applicable. Toyota “One-Touch” 2WD–4WD shifters are NOT compatible.
Tacoma 6-Speed / VF4: The input retainer must be shortened when mating the EcoCrawler to a VF4 transfer case from a Tacoma equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. The outside O-ring groove is the cut line.
For unusual transmission or transfer-case combinations, contact Northwest Fabworks at +1 (250) 248-6024 or info@northwestfabworks.com before ordering.