Converting 2WD Ranger to 4WD

[01EB5.0]

I am wonderinf if this is even possable? i am condiering buying a beater truck to use for hard offroading. i was specifically looking for an 83-87 Ranger turbo diesel. i found one ranger, but it is a 2WD. Would it be possable (or worth it) to buy this and try to convert it to 4WD? Thanks

 

[asp84]

a turbo diesel ranger?????? What year is that? I know they made a diesel version in the early 80's, but did not know it was turbo. If this ranger you are buying uses the same tranny's as the regular engines; ie; 2.3, 2.8, 2.9, then Yes you can make it in to a 4X4 rig. You could probably find the parts cheap on the Rough Rangers Offroad club board (rrorc.com)
You would need:
-Dana 28 or Dana 35 (if you want something stronger)
-Front Driveline
-BW 1350 series manual Transfer Case
-Manual TC shifter.
-Stiffer 4WD coil springs

 

[Sandy]

As stated, it can be done. We have a couple of people in the Mass Mudder Truck Club that have made the conversion with 2.9 engines and it has worked well. All the parts fit from a 4x4.
The only problem that did arise is that the frame is not the exact same thing. The front cross member is larger on the 4x4, does seem funny that they aren't the same but it must be the extra height that is needed for the front diff and the added strength required for the 4 wheel drive.
After a while the frames toward the front started to weaken and crack, OK so we fixed it but it happened two or three times.

So, if you get my point, the parts fit with a little extra lift but the frame is not up to the task. Although if this rig has a diesel then it may have a frame that is a little heavier, I do not know.
If you do the conversion watch the frame just behind the front wheels, that’s where the cracks started.

Oh ya, the header needed to be altered to fit.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[RangerX]

Maybe it would be easier to find a 4wd Ranger and drop the diesel into it.

 

[01EB5.0]

Yeah, those old rangers didn;t have coputer ocntrolled stuff did they? maybe it would be easier to just drop a diesel in one of those.....or better yet a 302! ;-)

 

[RFR2212]

Computer wiring CAN suck! And sure, anything is possible!
Pete

 

[Sandy]

RangerX,
How's things going, we haven't talked for a while.
How are your projects coming along ?