MrQ's 4x2 to 4x4 Conversion w/ Auto tranny

[MrQ]

I scored a manual shift BG 1354 for $170!!

Ok that consumes this paycheck and my next one , but on the upside there will be no extra wiring, no push button, no computer, and little chance of breakage.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

Good deal! can't wait to see the end product!

 

[crazyflights]

nice find, did u get lever also?

 

[MrQ]

nice find, did u get lever also?

No I need that piece. You know where I can find one?

 

[MrQ]

Finally located the linkage. A guy on the Ranger forums had a few. Now I guess I just need the shift boot and the top of the shifter and the t-case part is complete.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

I like the guys over the rangerstation. I once read about another dude over there that did a 4x4 conversion on his ranger. He had to take out his auto tranny and completely disassemble it to get the output shaft out to replace it with a shorter one. He did it all in his garage.

All documented very well with lots of pictures.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

Finally located the linkage. A guy on the Ranger forums had a few. Now I guess I just need the shift boot and the top of the shifter and the t-case part is complete.

Hopefully you will be able to find a door in the floor you can just take off instead of just punching a hole in your floor.

 

[MrQ]

Right now, that is something that can wait. I have got a lot of outflow and not enough flowing into my wallet I still have a ticket to take care of and insurance for this month. So once the TC is purchased, this deal is on hold till I get more money.

 

[MrQ]

I got the transfer case today with the paycheck I got yesterday. I am pretty excited about this, but I am still trying to decide on the lift. I posed this in another post. Let me know what you guys think.

I am pulling the front and back axles from a lifted ex in a salvage yard. However the back axle has an SOA and the front has some kind of lift kit with 18 1/2" coils. The front shocks were shot.

So far I pulled the coils but it appears somebody had dropped the front axle brackets by about 4 inches. Unfortunately these were welded to the frame so I cannot pull them.

I am now looking at two options here on my conversion.

1. Install with the SOA and the lift coils WITHOUT the extended axle brackets (extensive positive camber and new longer shocks)

2. Install it without the SOA and with the standard 4x4 coils (are these the same as the 2wd coils?) (Regular alignment issues, possible purchase of regular 4x4 coils, but current shocks will work)

The first option will cost more, but I can get the extended swaybars from the donor on the back axle. If I go this way I NEED to know what the lift size is.

The second option will cost less, but I need the coils.

 

[DB_1]

Hopefully you will be able to find a door in the floor you can just take off instead of just punching a hole in your floor.

If the first gens are anything like my Ranger, it will have a cover plate with 4 screws...you still have to cut a hole in it if you choose to use the plate.

You can tell if the plate is there or not by looking underneath where the shift lever would go.

As for the manual T-case...you killed 2 birds with one stone there. One is they are more dependable, no shift motor to crap out on you when you need it most. Two is you 2wd isn't wired for an elec. case anyways. What fun that would be retrofit the wiring into a 2wd.

 

[FordLover]

If the first gens are anything like my Ranger, it will have a cover plate with 4 screws...you still have to cut a hole in it if you choose to use the plate.

You can tell if the plate is there or not by looking underneath where the shift lever would go.

As for the manual T-case...you killed 2 birds with one stone there. One is they are more dependable, no shift motor to crap out on you when you need it most. Two is you 2wd isn't wired for an elec. case anyways. What fun that would be retrofit the wiring into a 2wd.

Actually my mother's 2WD 92 XLT had the push button wiring for 4x4. I could jumper two of the pins and make the 4x4 light up on the dash, odd eh?

Anyhow, the transmission tunnel in my 92 2door that was a 5 speed and manual t-case and a big metal plate that covered both holes, and the manual t-case still had a plug on it that would light up the low range or 4x4 light on the dash when it was in 4x4.

 

[MrQ]

Actually my mother's 2WD 92 XLT had the push button wiring for 4x4. I could jumper two of the pins and make the 4x4 light up on the dash, odd eh?

Anyhow, the transmission tunnel in my 92 2door that was a 5 speed and manual t-case and a big metal plate that covered both holes, and the manual t-case still had a plug on it that would light up the low range or 4x4 light on the dash when it was in 4x4.

Thanks man. I really could catch a couple more breaks. Collecting the items takes the longest as I am trying to make it all work within my so called "budget" of $90 a week. So far I am pretty pleased with the stuff I have been able to find.

It will just be nice to have all 4 tires rollin' in the dunes!

 

[black91EB]

when you install the t-case, measure very carefully for the hole, if you have to cut one. I had to cut the a hole on mine, and ended up making it far too big, and rather unsightly. (new interior going in next month, so that will be fixed )

 

[MrQ]

Ok I picked up the extension housing for $25 and the manual shift linkage for $55. I'm getting there...

Also another break...I can use the 2wd coils instead of the jacked up coils I have from the yard. As much as I want a lift these other coils would give me 5"+ of lift!! A little out of my comfortable ride height zone there.

So if anybody is interested in them shoot me a PM. Normal coils are 13.5 these are 18.5.

 

[MrQ]

Woot!! I got the shifter, boot w/bezel, transmission hump plate, and shifter knob on the way!! In exchange the guy is getting my 5" lift coils. He may consider it a steal...and so do I!! Don't you love it when a plan comes together??

 

[lifeguard379]

i just don't want you to get it all apart and then find out you it won't work and then be stuck.

The main two things you need trans wise are the 4x4 output shaft and the 4x4 extension.

from the thread
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180857&highlight=2x4+4x4

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

I was afraid of that earlier. But Mr Q was able to rule out some how that the A4LDs don't use different output shafts.

 

[MrQ]

PM sent to Glacier.

But as you can see clearly in this exploded view of the A4LD the only difference is the extension housing.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh209/MrQ11/transmissionexplodedviewa4ld-1.png

Hopefully this can be solved. If I have to tear into the transmission then this project will be put on a long term hold, however I am over 70% sure this will not be necessary.

 

[lifeguard379]

pm BrooklynBay aswell. i dont think Glacier is on everyday.

 

[MrQ]

The tailshaft IS different. My apologies.

Now since my trans has nearly 160k on it I am looking at rebuilding a 4wd tranny and then doing the conversion.

The TC is at my house now along with an extension housing. Some manual hubs are also on the way. I have the possibility of picking up a 4wd a4ld for $100 and then rebuilding it, so that will be my next big hurdle.

Keep checking back. I will continue to update my progress, so that people foolish enough to try this will know what it takes


Around and around I go,
Where I'll stop nobody knows