Eco-Crawler - Selectable dual-range gearing for Australian Toyota 4x4s.
Current Eco-Crawler Lead Time is 8-10 Weeks on all Variations
Northwest Fabworks – Innovation in Motion Since 2005
The NWF EcoCrawler adds an additional selectable 2.57:1 low-range reduction between your transmission and transfer case, giving your Toyota significantly more control and gearing off-road while retaining normal 1:1 operation when the EcoCrawler is in high range.
Designed specifically around Toyota's VF chain-drive platform, the EcoCrawler uses a CNC-machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum housing, a 4140 HTSR main shaft, and the planetary gearset from a donor VF transfer case.
For the Australian market, Toyota introduced VF chain-drive transfer cases in 1997. The EcoCrawler provides a compact dual-range solution without relying on outdated gear-drive transfer cases, multiple adapters or separate splined couplers.
Which Australian EcoCrawler Do I Need?
The correct EcoCrawler depends primarily on your transfer-case drop, shift configuration and vehicle application.
Right Hand Drop:
Designed for Toyota Hilux models manufactured from 08/1997 through 01/2005.
Transfer cases used in these vehicles are right-hand drop and forward shift, with either “J” Shift or “Hybrid” Shift (push-button 4WD) configurations.
NWF supplies new shift rails to convert a forward “J” Shift case to top shift for use in the dual-case setup.
Important: A Hybrid Shift case can be used as the donor, but cannot be used as the transfer case behind the EcoCrawler.
Applicable Frame Codes: KZN165, LN167, LN172, RZN169, RZN174, VZN167, VZN172
Left Hand Drop:
Designed for Toyota Hilux, FJ Cruiser and Fortuner models from 02/2005 to present.
These VF chain-drive transfer cases are left-hand drop and were produced in forward-shift, top-shift and electric-shift configurations.
Important: The transfer case installed behind the EcoCrawler must be top shift or electric shift.
Applicable Frame Codes: GGN25, GGN125, GUN125, GUN126, GUN156, GSJ15, KUN26
Left Hand Drop – Torsen:
Designed for Land Cruiser Prado J120 and J150 models from 09/2002 to present equipped with Torsen-differential VF transfer cases.
These cases were produced in several configurations, including:
- Top “J” Shift
- Top “Hybrid” Shift
- Forward “J” Shift
- Forward “Hybrid” Shift
- Electric Shift
Important: Torsen transfer cases CANNOT be used as the donor planetary for the EcoCrawler.
The Torsen transfer case installed behind the EcoCrawler must be top shift or electric shift.
Applicable Frame Codes: GDJ150, GRJ120, GRJ150, KDJ120, KDJ150, KZJ120, RZJ120
Conversion to Right-Hand Drop:
This configuration allows a right-hand-drop transfer case to be installed behind a transmission originally designed for a left-hand-drop transfer case.
It is primarily intended for newer engine and transmission swaps into older Toyota 4x4s where you want to retain the vehicle's original right-hand-drop driveline configuration.
You will need the left-hand-drop VF transfer case originally matched to the newer transmission to provide the donor planetary assembly.
NWF supplies the shift rails required to convert the forward-shift right-hand-drop transfer case to top shift.
What Does the EcoCrawler Do?
The EcoCrawler adds another selectable 2.57:1 reduction ahead of your existing transfer case.
With both the EcoCrawler and compatible factory transfer case in low range, the system provides approximately 6.60:1 double-low reduction.
This gives you substantially lower gearing for technical terrain, crawling, steep descents and situations where greater low-speed control is needed, while retaining normal gearing for street and highway driving.
How It Works:
The Australian EcoCrawler setup requires two VF chain-drive transfer cases: your transfer case and a donor case for the EcoCrawler planetary assembly.
Installation consists of:
- Selecting a donor VF case with a planetary assembly that matches the transmission output
- Removing the planetary assembly from the donor case
- Installing the planetary assembly into the EcoCrawler billet housing
- Installing the EcoCrawler between the transmission and transfer case
- Connecting the EcoCrawler to the transfer case through the NWF main shaft
There isn't a separate splined coupler required between the EcoCrawler and transfer case.
What You'll Need:
Depending on your configuration, you will need:
- VF chain-drive Toyota transfer case to provide the donor planetary assembly
- Compatible VF transfer case behind the EcoCrawler
- Appropriate shift configuration for your application
- Stock “J” shift-style levers where applicable, or NWF Trident Shifters
Torsen-type VF transfer cases are NOT compatible as EcoCrawler donor cases.
“One-Touch” 2WD–4WD shifters are NOT compatible.
Specifications
| Specification | Australian EcoCrawler |
|---|---|
| Gear Reduction | Selectable 2.57:1 Low Range |
| Double Low | Approximately 6.60:1 |
| High Range | 1:1 |
| Overall Length | 6.5" |
| Housing Material | 6061-T6 Aluminum |
| Mainshaft Material | 4140 HTSR |
| 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 Australian EcoCrawler adds approximately 6.5 inches 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 height and transfer-case combination can affect the required lengths.
Important 6-Speed Manual Fitment Information
When mating the EcoCrawler to a left-hand-drop transfer case from a 6-speed manual application, the input retainer must be shortened.
Use the outside O-ring groove as the cut line.
If you're unsure which Australian EcoCrawler configuration, donor case or transfer case you require, contact Northwest Fabworks at +1 (250) 248-6024 or info@northwestfabworks.com before ordering.