Ranger 2WD to 4WD ?

[barnacle bill]

Hey all...

I have a 2000 2wd ranger.
Id like to change to 4wd. Everything looks like it's there for the change over.
Mounts on the frame for the front differential...knock outs in the cast spindle's for the axels, holes drilled in the frame for the mounting of the transfer case...Ive crawled under a 2000 4wd.. There seem to be conflicting reports.

1) If I find a front differential and transfer case... knowing that my rear differential is an 8.8, what should the front differential be, ratio wise? By this I mean what should the designation numbers be on the front diff?

2) Can the transfer case be adapted to my exsiting transmission? Without a brain transplant. Mine of course

3) Knowing that I dont want the electric solenoid to engage 4wd, what is the best alternative? example: warn hubs or can yeah just create a throw with a lever like old school?

thanks for your patience here...Im not in a financial position to purchase a donor vehicle and thought I could bargin shop and zen this these parts together
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[Dan Whitaker]

IMO it would be more work than it's worth. You would be better off seeilg your 2wd and buying a 4wd.
You will have to change transmissions.
You can not use Warn hubs on the front differential.
A factory manual shift t-case was not offered.
You most likely will need a new rear drive shaft.

And the list goes on.

 

[rwenzing]

Hey all...

I have a 2000 2wd ranger.
Id like to change to 4wd. Everything looks like it's there for the change over.
Mounts on the frame for the front differential...knock outs in the cast spindle's for the axels, holes drilled in the frame for the mounting of the transfer case...Ive crawled under a 2000 4wd.. There seem to be conflicting reports.

For 98~2000, The 2WD and 4WD have a completely different front suspension and frame. Unless you intend to do something very involved like a solid axle swap, it would not be possible. There is no way to do a bolt-on 4WD conversion to your 2000 2WD using factory donor parts.

[The only exception to the above is the limited production 2000 Trailhead model. It is a 2WD based on the torsion bar 4X4 chassis.]

 

[barnacle bill]

trail head model?

Well this would explain why it sets up high, has 16in wheels and all the holes, brackets and looks I swear just like a 4wd undercaraige...How does one determine if they have the trailhead model and if they do is the undertaking fesible?
thanks..this is the closest Ive come to something that makes sense
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[rwenzing]

Well this would explain why it sets up high, has 16in wheels and all the holes, brackets and looks I swear just like a 4wd undercaraige...How does one determine if they have the trailhead model and if they do is the undertaking fesible?
thanks..this is the closest Ive come to something that makes sense
BB

The Trailhead is the only 2WD Ranger made in 2000 that has 16" wheels and the torsion bar front suspension of the 4x4. The rest have coils. It is regular cab, short box and has the 3.0L V6. The trim level is XL.

 

[scrapper]

any idea if the wiring is there in a 94 ranger to install factory cruise control. One of the plugs to the brain box goes to firewall , i got it, the other is in the dash somewhere? I need some sort of diagram or small extra long and very bendy arms one with a light one with a eye.

 

[rwenzing]

1) If I find a front differential and transfer case... knowing that my rear differential is an 8.8, what should the front differential be, ratio wise? By this I mean what should the designation numbers be on the front diff?

2) Can the transfer case be adapted to my exsiting transmission? Without a brain transplant. Mine of course

3) Knowing that I dont want the electric solenoid to engage 4wd, what is the best alternative? example: warn hubs or can yeah just create a throw with a lever like old school?

You'd need the diff, front half shafts, transfer case and both front and rear driveshafts, of course. You may also have issues with the steering knuckles and bearing hubs.

Now for the biggest problem. The 4x4 transmission uses a different output shaft and tail housing. That means that you either have to find a 3.0 4x4 trans or do a complete strip to install those 2 parts.

A 1354 manual case (Explorer/Ranger) will fit but they can be a little harder to find than the electric case. Ditto for the linkage, shift lever and floor plate.

I recommend that you read this series of threads. It is a 4x4 conversion on an 04 Edge which is similar in concept to the Traihead.

http://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2/showthread.php?t=43250
http://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2/showthread.php?t=44246
http://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2/showthread.php?t=45068


Your front axle ratio must match the rear. The Trailhead axle ratio is probably 4.10:1. You can check the axle code on the driver door sticker and look up the axle code here:

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/tech/?p=76

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

Yes they are right.

I am currently trying to figure out how to convert my 2002 explorer to 4x4, mainly with the electronics. If anyone could help me with my project come on over to this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=216564

You would need a new transmission output shaft, transmission tail housing, front differential, left and right drive shaft, transfer case, and drive shaft from transfer case to front, and possibly a new rear drive shaft.

Also, if you acquire an electronic transfer case you would have also get the wiring harnesses and transfer case computer.

I'm also assuming that your rear differential is open. Even with a 4x4 system an open differential could still get you stranded. Perhaps it would also be wise to install a locker in your rear, I think they run around $300.

 

[Turdle]

I feel like e harmony (edit--e idiot)

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213763

edit-
I could have sworn it was a 2nd gen explorer-my mistake.

 

[barnacle bill]

Thanks man! How did you get so wise...
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