BW1354M behind 5.0 in 2nd gen

[ThePolishJoke]

Hi guys.
I am just in progress of putting together, a 5,0 2nd gen. Basically swapping everything from 96 US market explorer into a pristine 2001 EU market body.

Recently I was sweeping my parts pile, and came across a bw1354m, and 4r70 with aod to bw13xx AA adapter.
Soooo...
What if...?

Obviously, I am going to need to either try to swap a homokinetic joint driveshaft flange into 1345, or install a free wheel front axle, from early ohv.
Those double cardan front driveshaft don't handle well turning constantly at highway speeds.

I need your opinion!
I know it is going to work, but am I sane?
bw4406M is not an available option. I live in Europe, and they just don't exist here for sale.

The goal of this build, is a mall crawler/wifes daily/sunday trips on unpaved roads.
Or should I keep awd transer case, enjoy handling, and keep myself out of trouble where low range may be needed.

 

[410Fortune]

I have that setup in my 1988 bronco ii
Ina e an early advance adapters adapter it is the 7” version I believe.

My 4r70w is custom was rebuilt with an custom advance adapter tailhousing and output shaft to bolt to the 1354m
1354m is from a 96 ranger

I am using 1993 explorer front and rear driveshafts that were shortened for a bii
You can use driveshafts from a 91-94 explorer or ranger in your rig with that t case

It Holds up fine to the v8 power
The 91-94 driveshafts will work fine in your 2000 the double cardan front shaft won’t care that your diff is stationary and never moves

The later model 1354m which was found in like 2002-2011 ranger fx4 uses the cup style cv joints at the front shaft… so that is another option.