how do u turn a 2wheel drive into a 4x4

[breezyranger02]

i got a 1986 ford ranger 2wd and i want to go off roading so i need it to be a four wheel drive if you have any answers please write back.

 

[90ranajo]

You can do it one of three ways. You can either do it the hard way and swap in a D28/35 TTB and related gear; you can do it the easier way and swap in a solid axle such and related gear; or you can do it easiest way and buy a cheap 4x4 to beat on.
Which ever way you chose it will take some planning and wrenching. But if you're set on keeping your truck swap in a D30/44 solid axle and a BW1350/1354 t-case. All the basic parts can be found in the junk yards and/or classified ads.

 

[HR57]

Or you could slide out the mechanics, electrics, and chassis from your 2WD '86. Then slide in the mechanics, electrics, and chassis from a 4WD.

Me I'd just buy a cheep 4WD to beat on

 

[JDraper]

Most cost effective way is to sell your 2WD truck and buy a 4WD truck......

 

[410Fortune]

TO convert
remove 2wd transmission
rebuild transmission using output shaft from a 4x4 version
add 4x4 tailhousing and manual 1354 t case

then convert your 2wd beam front suspension to the 4x4 TTB beam suspension (dana 35), make sure the gear rations match in the front and rear diffs.

Add a front d shaft and your 4x4

Or like they said buy a 4x4 drivetrain or truck and get to swappin parts

You can pick up a 4x4 86 Ranger these days for next to nothing, but they come with the 2.9L V6, a 5 speed or crappy A4LD auto, 7.5" rear end and a dana 28 TTB...all of this stuff should be upgraded IMO
You might consider strarting with a 90+ Ranger or 91+ Explorer with the 4.0L, that gets you a better V6 a 8.8 rear axle and a Dana 35 front axle

 

[CDW6212R]

Jamie set you a path, good luck with it. If you need a 3.55 traction lock diff, I have a whole rear from a Turbo Coupe. Regards,