2wd vs. 4wd???

[Poohbair]

So here is the deal... I am looking for a CHEAP Explorer to use for my next project... it will be getting a 302, a ZF5spd, and 208F tcase, full width D44 and 9", and probably some 36's. So, I have been looking for an Explorer w/ either a blown up engine/tranny/etc... since I won't be using any of it anyways.

I Just found an Explorer w/ a blown head gasket and a 5spd for cheap, however it is 2wd. Is there a difference in the frames between a 2wd and a 4wd? Is doing the full width D44 swap going to be any different on a 2wd vs a 4wd???

Thanks!

 

[cgriffin_5139]

I would say it would be fine since your going to be building all your own Xmembers anyway. What year is it by the way?

 

[Poohbair]

It is a 91.

I wasn't worried about crossmembers, or anything like that. My biggest concern was frame with and shape. I have never looked underneath a 2wd Explorer so I have no idea what kind of from suspension they have? Steering box setup? etc...

 

[cgriffin_5139]

It is a 91.

I wasn't worried about crossmembers, or anything like that. My biggest concern was frame with and shape. I have never looked underneath a 2wd Explorer so I have no idea what kind of from suspension they have? Steering box setup? etc...

It has Ibeams and if your worried about the frame box it it will be fine. As for the steering box the 4x4 and 2x4 should be the same.

 

[DeRocha]

As cgriffin_5139 the Frames are the same..

 

[Mud Bug 94]

they are the same... use a dana 300 case...4.3:1 twinstick or a np205 same deal 4.?:1 and twinstick both cast iron...bullet proof.

 

[Poohbair]

they are the same... use a dana 300 case...4.3:1 twinstick or a np205 same deal 4.?:1 and twinstick both cast iron...bullet proof.

The reason I was going to use the 208 is because it will bolt up behind the ZF w/o having to buy any adapters like I would w/ a D300. I am not using a 205 because they have a horrible low range... it isn't 4.? to 1... they are 1.96 to 1 in low range. To get the 4+ to 1 out of a D300 you have to buy the $500 low range kit. The 208 is 1350 fixed yoke, bolts up w/ no adapters to buy, and it has a 2.61 to 1 low range.

 

[bikeboarder]

what is the low on the stock transfer case?

 

[Mud Bug 94]

2.48:1