2wd to 4wd?

[fordtech1]

Hey guys i already expect that some of you will just say to buy a 4wd truck but i already have this one and its in mint condition but it is 2wd. Its a 88 ford ranger 2.9 standard cab. My question is what all parts can i use? Are the bronco 2 parts interchangable with a ranger and will any ranger this generation work for a donor truck. Any info greatly appreciated.


Thanks,
fordtech1

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

On Explorers 2wd to 4wd is easy on Rangers its not so easy.. Reason being is the Frames are different on the early Rangers. So unless you have a frame to swap under it. it will be quite a bit of work.

I have Three 2wd to 4wd Explorers under my belt so if you have any Question Feel free to ask.

 

[Trail Runner]

Kris,

I just picked up a 94' 2wd expo. Looking to do the swap to 4wd. I know the Trans and drive shafts need to be swapped. Whats involved with the axle swap?

Thanks

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

For the Front your shopping List will include:

Complete Front TTB Axle
Axle Pivot Bracket for the passenger side beam
4x4 radius arms
Steering Assembly
rotors with 4x4 hubs (calipers are the same)
The 2wd Spring will work but have a different Rate 4x4 ones are more Stiff.
you can reuse your Current Shocks as well.


Transfercase side. If you use an Electric Shift t-case you will need the wiring and the Shift Computer. I personally have always swapped in a manual Shift case since they are more reliable..

 

[RockRanger]

90ranjo on this board did the similar swap to what you want. Maybe get ahold of him. He is over in the sand box of Iraq so it might take a bit to get an answer from him. If I were to do a 2wd to 4wd swap i would swap in a 4wd tranny and tcase then do a solid axle up front.

 

[FROADER]

90ranjo on this board did the similar swap to what you want. Maybe get ahold of him.

I agree about the SAS from the start instead of the beams.

Here is 90Ranajo's thread for reference http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145059

 

[Trail Runner]

I do have a housing and locker.gears from a Rubicon . That is another plan. I allready have a 4x4 manual trans and BW1350 T case.

The TTB suspention is not given enouph credit. It has its benifits when it comes to hitting the whoops!

 

[90ranajo]

I agree about the SAS front the start instead of the beams.

Here is 90Ranajo's thread for reference http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145059

90ranjo on this board did the similar swap to what you want. Maybe get ahold of him. He is over in the sand box of Iraq so it might take a bit to get an answer from him. If I were to do a 2wd to 4wd swap i would swap in a 4wd tranny and tcase then do a solid axle up front.

I agree. In hindsight it would have been much easier and maybe even slighty cheaper to skip the TTB and go straight to the SAS.

But if you want to do the TTB swap and have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[Kuriencary25]

On Explorers 2wd to 4wd is easy on Rangers its not so easy.. Reason being is the Frames are different on the early Rangers. So unless you have a frame to swap under it. it will be quite a bit of work.

I have Three 2wd to 4wd Explorers under my belt so if you have any Question Feel free to ask.

i have an '02 ranger xlt and i was wondering about how much it would cost to drop a 4wd into it

 

[rhauf]

just hang some solid axles under it on leaf springs. easy, strong, simple, done.

oh, and you'll need to get a 4x4 trans with t-case from a 4x4 model.. (or swap out the tailhousing on you're trans and put a t-case on it) and of course driveshafts and other obvious stuff.

IMO if you have to ask it's probably more than you want to tackle.

 

[Kuriencary25]

ok now ive heard some stuff about a prerunner and im wanting to know what that is...im not experienced with lifting trucks or off roading but there isnt a job that i cant do..i do all my own repairs on eerything its just the price i need to know about. thanks man

 

[nugs]

ok now ive heard some stuff about a prerunner and im wanting to know what that is...im not experienced with lifting trucks or off roading but there isnt a job that i cant do..i do all my own repairs on eerything its just the price i need to know about. thanks man

$$$$$$$$$ expensive components

 

[MrQ]

If you have air tools and all the parts you could transform your truck to a 4x4 in about 5 days...with no coffee breaks.

It has taken me a full year to rack up the parts, the money and still do the work. I work a part time job so money is a little hard to come by for major builds like this.

I still have to swap in the rear axle and install the transfer case shifter