88 BII 4x4 conversion

[wesdog]

I have just picked up a 89 BII 2.9, 2wd. I am looking to convert to 4x4 maybe a solid axle. This truck is in excellent shape. My question is how much of a pain is this process. I know a lot of people will say to sell and buy a 4x4 . but like i said this is a very solid truck through and through.
Plus with all the mods on this site i knew y'all would have some experience and insight. thanks in advanced.

 

[rookieshooter]

Well I'll give it a shot.
It's all about attitude. Do you really really enjoy working countless hours on all that fabricating?
What is Pain for you may be a labor of love for someone else. Are you going to do it or pay someone?
How good are your fabricating skills?
Is there a certain time frame that this would have to be done, referring to the solid axle?

But your right, there are guys here that could walk you through it.

 

[4x4junkie]

A BII is actually stupid-simple to convert lol.

You need:
Front axle w/steering linkage (D35 from a later Ranger/Explorer preferred)
Pivot bracket for passengerside axle beam (if you buy a 4WD suspension lift kit, you'll automatically get this bracket).
4WD Radius arms (I think... not sure if BII 2wd arms are different like Ranger 2WD arms are)
Functional transfer case
Front driveshaft


Unbolt 2WD I-beam front axle.
Remove 2WD beam pivot bracket from rear of crossmember (bracket on front can stay)
Bolt 4WD pivot bracket to crossmember
Bolt 4WD axle in
Unbolt dummy hollow 2WD transfer case thing
Bolt real transfer case up.
Reinstall rear driveshaft, and then the front driveshaft.
Enjoy your "new" 4WD

 

[janderson4010]

Well I'll give it a shot.
It's all about attitude. Do you really really enjoy working countless hours on all that fabricating?
What is Pain for you may be a labor of love for someone else. Are you going to do it or pay someone?
How good are your fabricating skills?
Is there a certain time frame that this would have to be done, referring to the solid axle?

But your right, there are guys here that could walk you through it.

haha that is awesome.

 

[rookieshooter]

Great Post 4x4junkie.
There it is wesdog, I told you there are guys that could walk you through it.
It can be as simple or as complex as you make it.
Like ripping everything out, doing a SAS, relocating axles rearward and forward, doing a long arm linked suspensiion front and rear and the list of mods is endless.
Keep us posted.
And don't be afraid of making mistakes, I make so many that once and awhile, I'll get it right

Note, if you go v8 let me know, I've got some stuff that you many just need if you can't find them.

Good Luck.

 

[wesdog]

thanks for all the reply's fellas. Rookie your kind of build is really cool. i like the backless approach. probably wont go v8 with it just yet but i have a 92 ex sport 4x4 I'm planning on doing. I'm going carbed also with the v8. not doing a 302 I'm going with a 351 C since i have access to one and thought it would be different and i really love fabrication. Why buy it when you can build it