98 Explorer Sport 2wd to 4wd?

[csuskaterboy]

Hello:

Someone told me that the 98 Explorer Sport 2WD and 4WD are on the same frame and to convert a 2wd to a 4wd is practically just a part swap. Does anyone know if this is true?

If it is is, I can easily get a donor vehicle for the parts as my roomie works in a junk yard and sees them often (not sure what he means by that).

Also is the process something that can be done in a summer? I would trade for a 4wd but this was my first car and I love it. Been the best car I've owned.

Thanks

Michael

Specs:
1998 Explorer Sport 2WD
5-Speed Manual Transmission, 4.0L OHV
All mechanical items are stock.

 

[section525]

Yes. You wouldn't even have to change out the suspension components. Just swap in the front differential, half shafts, knuckles, driveshafts, and a transfer case. The hardest part will be the transmission. I'm sure they made 4WD manual tranny Explorers.. but I think they're pretty rare. Easiest would be to get a 98-01 4WD manual Explorer with a manual shift tcase in it. Then it would be simply bolting parts in. You can do an Auto shift tcase but it would be a little more work.

 

[Adam012985]

Hey, I am deffinatly interested in this topic, and could be quite helpful, as i own a 99 Explorer 2wd as well as a 96 Exploder 4X4 Both are five speed manual.

 

[Explorerallday08]

can the same be done with a 95 2wd explorer just swich parts from same year 4x4 one ? If so what years explorer can i use? For the parts? Thanks

 

[00whxploder]

Go here it should help i just did this to mine.


http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367063

 

[fordtrucknut77]

shame your not close by, I have a 98 sport 4x4 that im scrapping lol.