CHEAP 2WD into 4x4

[CMR89]

I have a '99 XLT 4.0 SOHC 2WD, and I want to somehow turn it into 4x4. My problem is I have no idea where to start, and I don't want to sell or trade it for anything. I don't have alot of money so any ideas would help. Thanks

 

[slyfoxexplore]

Best way to do it find someone that wants your drive train and do a swap for theres. If not the junkyard going to be the next best place to look for like transfer case, drive shafts, front driveline, and many more.

 

[CMR89]

I was thinking, what year explorer would work? any 2nd gen? and one more thing, what year or years rangers are interchangeable with my xploder? thanks for the help

 

[Justawajz]

I think you may run into a problem with your trans if you wanna go to 4wd. the 2 wd models had a longer trans output shaft with a extension on the transmission housing to accommodate the drive shaft. the 4wd models had a shorter output shaft so it would mate up with the transfer case. pretty sure you would have to swap trannys or crack it open and replace the output shaft. somone correct me if im wrong though..

I was thinking, what year explorer would work? any 2nd gen? and one more thing, what year or years rangers are interchangeable with my xploder? thanks for the help

 

[slyfoxexplore]

this other guy is great with what you need to do his id is 410FFortune he knows alot with that stuff

 

[IZwack]

Keep your Explorer as a daily driver or whatever, and buy a Suzuki Samurai as your off road rig, or an old Toyota pickup with solid axles on both ends. For $1k and you have an awesome trail vehicle that is simple to wrench on, dependable, cheap replacement parts, and has an off-road aftermarket support much larger than the Explorer (for gearing, drivetrain, lockers, etc). Plus its not another Jeep on the trail .

 

[slyfoxexplore]

ya i had one droped a geo tracker motor in that beast and lifted it with 35s i was able to do more than my wrangler any day and my explorer could never dream of. And the things are so light I had three guys pick it off a rock haha.

 

[CMR89]

Thanks alot you guys all see what I can do, Happy Wheelin'

 

[gijoecam]

I think you may run into a problem with your trans if you wanna go to 4wd. the 2 wd models had a longer trans output shaft with a extension on the transmission housing to accommodate the drive shaft. the 4wd models had a shorter output shaft so it would mate up with the transfer case. pretty sure you would have to swap trannys or crack it open and replace the output shaft. somone correct me if im wrong though..

You are correct, sir. The swap would involve essentially the entire drivetrain, a good chunk of wiring, the front axle/drivetrain, and most of the front suspension. If you could find a wrecked 4x4 on the cheap with a good trans, transfer case, and salvagable wiring, you might be able to make it work.... But it's not gonna be easy. Or cheap.

 

[Justawajz]

Yeah, I'm thinking buy a explorer that's already 4wd. Or somming else that would be cheaper to bulid up like everyone was saying. Good luck!

You are correct, sir. The swap would involve essentially the entire drivetrain, a good chunk of wiring, the front axle/drivetrain, and most of the front suspension. If you could find a wrecked 4x4 on the cheap with a good trans, transfer case, and salvagable wiring, you might be able to make it work.... But it's not gonna be easy. Or cheap.

 

[Four0Sport]

keep it in the Ford family, go out and find an old Bronco II