2wd vs 4wd trans

[jdc421]

Hello. I'm new to Serious Explorations so I hope I'm posting this question in the right place.
I have a 2000 4x4 Ranger with a 3.0 v6 and an auto trans (4r44e). The trans, I believe, is in need of replacement or rebuild. The truck doesn't want to move forward or back. It will go forward if first gear is selected. Otherwise it feels like the parking brake is set (it's not set or stuck on). I adjusted the bands accessable from outside with no change. The fluid is not low and not especially brown or burnt smelling.
I can continue trying to diagnos the problem by doing pressure testing, replacing servos, dropping the pan to check for metal debris etc but don't know if it's worth the time since it does have 150000 miles on it.
I have available to me at a very reasonable price a used trans (4r44e) with only 38000 miles on it. I'd rather put my time into swapping the newer trans in however it is out of a 2wd truck. Could anyone tell me if the 2wd tail housing is removed will the transfer case bolt right up or is the output shaft different/shorter on the 4wd trans? Any help from you folks would be most helpful. You guys have a great site and are a wealth of onfo. Thanks

 

[albi1cnobi1]

You would have to change the output shaft, and that requires a complete tear down as the output shaft is the first piece to go in and the last to come out.

 

[4pullingGM]

Yep, you'll either haft tear 'em both down and swap parts or find the right on for your application. Welcome to the site!

 

[jdc421]

Thanks for the info guys. It's not what I wanted to hear but has saved me lots of time and money. If I've got to tear both trans apart then I may as well just rebuild what I've got and save a four hours of driving each way to get the "new" one.

 

[jdc421]

So now that I know the 2wd trans won't practically work could anyone suggest possible likely causes of the symptoms I'm experiencing? No forward or reverse movement. It feels like it wants to move but won't as if the parking brake is on. It will move forward when selecting first gear. Bands have been adjusted and the fluid level is good. The fluid is is not brown or burnt smelling. I'd love to fix it without removing it.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Really the only thing you can do without removing the tranny is a valve body rebuild. There are several sources for rebuild kits here on EF. Do a search for valve body rebuild and see what it turns up. It can't hurt and you might get lucky and find a blown separator gasket. If that doesn't help you would have done it while rebuilding the rest of the tranny any way.