Swap 4WD to 2WD

[X-North]

Hi
I really dont need the 4WD system on my explorer 1993 how can i swap form 4wd front end to 2wd...even it would be better for me because it will be eaasier to change oil pan gasket and rear seal etc.
Where i am its damn cold in winter so if something broke i need to change it easier

 

[schmidlkofer]

keep it. or get a different explorer...if it gets cold it probably snows.

 

[X-North]

I dont have money to get another one and the truck could get a lot of more miles on it so i want to swap anyway

 

[X-North]

I really want to do it so anyone could help me? Telling me to do it wont help me so other help please
Thank you

 

[Donner]

This is a modification question... wrong forum.

(I edited this post, because although it's not my business to know why the change is being done, the logic behind it doesn't calculate. If you don't need it, you don't need it, but you're saying you want to avoid extra work "if" something happens, and yet you are getting involved in a project that involves massive amounts of work, and maybe expense. You don't need to respond, but what changed regarding the oil and seal situation that you could do it before but not now?) Sorry for the intrusion, but I'm just asking.

 

[Spdrcer34]

Do a search for 2wd to 4wd. It has been discussed before. It gives the whole list of parts needed to the swap. Don't worry though, the list is short.

Ryan

 

[rhyno]

Remove the front driveshaft. Booyaaa - 2wd.

 

[Hyper26414]

Booooyaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Hyper26414]

Discover food booooyaaaa now you're FAT!!!!!!!!!

 

[Spdrcer34]

Hyper...if you don't have anything to HELP the conversation, could you keep it off of here?

When I typed in "2wd to 4wd swap', I came across a few lists of what was needed to do the 2wd to 4wd swap....so with that information you should be able to see what you need to do the exact opposite.
Here is the list of 2wd to 4wd parts:

Complete Front TTB Axle
Axle Pivot Bracket for the passenger side beam
4x4 radius arms
Steering Assembly
rotors with 4x4 hubs (calipers are the same)
The 2wd Spring will work but have a different Rate 4x4 ones are more Stiff.
you can reuse your Current Shocks as well.

With that information you can figure out that you need:

Driverside and Passenger side 2WD I-beams
I-beam pivot bracket for Passenger side Beam (on the rear of the Engine X-member)
Steering Linkage, from Pitman arm to L and R outer Tie Rods
Spindle (also called a knuckle) for 2WD
2WD front rotors and calipers

that will get you WELL on your way....and once you have gathered THOSE parts, it should be fairly straight forward.

Ryan

 

[ZBlackBeast]

i see what hes trying to do as well. But i also agree with Donner, if you are worried about creating more work for yourself, y are you ingaging yourself in such a HUGH project? It doesnt make sense.....

 

[jimwww]

Doesn't make sense at all.. just don't put it into 4wd - presto a 2wd truck!

 

[Donner]

Out of curiousity...

Hyper...if you don't have anything to HELP the conversation, could you keep it off of here?

When I typed in "2wd to 4wd swap', I came across a few lists of what was needed to do the 2wd to 4wd swap....so with that information you should be able to see what you need to do the exact opposite.
Here is the list of 2wd to 4wd parts:

Complete Front TTB Axle
Axle Pivot Bracket for the passenger side beam
4x4 radius arms
Steering Assembly
rotors with 4x4 hubs (calipers are the same)
The 2wd Spring will work but have a different Rate 4x4 ones are more Stiff.
you can reuse your Current Shocks as well.

With that information you can figure out that you need:

Driverside and Passenger side 2WD I-beams
I-beam pivot bracket for Passenger side Beam (on the rear of the Engine X-member)
Steering Linkage, from Pitman arm to L and R outer Tie Rods
Spindle (also called a knuckle) for 2WD
2WD front rotors and calipers

that will get you WELL on your way....and once you have gathered THOSE parts, it should be fairly straight forward.

Ryan

Ryan, how much would all of that cost vs. purchasing an identical 2wd? Consider labor costs please, approx... That is good advice on how to accomplish the transformation, but regardless of the poster's situation, would the cost and effort defeat the "if" and "how to" behind the objective to save money and time?

And the potential repair costs for a mechanical breakdown if the poster attempts this transformation on their own could be substantial, not to mention the cost of a tow, where and when the breakdown occurs and vehicle failure at freeway speeds could be disastrous - These are just possible scenarios if things don't go right.

Not criticism, just would like to note this information "if" the poster's plan doesn't work. You know what you are doing and saying, so this would be safe for you to attempt or perform on a vehicle, I would say.

I don't know the poster's motives for making this transformation, but since there is no response, I lean toward approaching this situation with caution. If it gets that cold where they are, I would not only want 4wd, but I would want my vehicle to be safe.

 

[Spdrcer34]

Cost wise..depends...

He could go with a Junkyard, and pay in upwards of $350 for all the parts needed...

OR he could score a good deal on eBay (local auction would be the only way to go, to save $$), or craigslist.....and be out less than $100. Depends on his situation, his willingness to 'wait it out' to find a good deal.

As for your 'breakdown theory'...we know nothing of his mechanical ability. He could pay top dollar for the parts AND labor, and STILL have some type of breakdown down the road. Adding in the POTENTIAL cost, of a POTENTIAL breakdown isn't logical.

But this swap is pretty straight forward. The only non-factory modification would be the bracket for the passenger side I-beam.. That bracket would now be bolted in, in-lieu of being riveted. But people have been cutting the rivets out of their Radius arm brackets, and replacing them with bolts for years. It is even a Ford approved alternative to the rivets.

Oh yeah, and just an FYI....were you aware of the Cold Weather Crash Statistics? Did you know that when there is snow or ice on the roads, traditional 4x4 vehicles are the cause of more accidents than their 2WD counterparts? Do you know the reason? 4x4 drivers have a tendancy to get 'foolish', and over zealous with their driving with those conditions. A good majority of them don't know how to drive in 4x4 mode, and make dumb mistakes.

There is another advantage of 2wd vs. 4wd...weight!

All things being equal, a 2WD vehicle will get better gas mileage over a 4WD one.

Ryan

 

[Donner]

Agreed...

Cost wise..depends...

He could go with a Junkyard, and pay in upwards of $350 for all the parts needed...

OR he could score a good deal on eBay (local auction would be the only way to go, to save $$), or craigslist.....and be out less than $100. Depends on his situation, his willingness to 'wait it out' to find a good deal.

As for your 'breakdown theory'...we know nothing of his mechanical ability. He could pay top dollar for the parts AND labor, and STILL have some type of breakdown down the road. Adding in the POTENTIAL cost, of a POTENTIAL breakdown isn't logical.

But this swap is pretty straight forward. The only non-factory modification would be the bracket for the passenger side I-beam.. That bracket would now be bolted in, in-lieu of being riveted. But people have been cutting the rivets out of their Radius arm brackets, and replacing them with bolts for years. It is even a Ford approved alternative to the rivets.

Oh yeah, and just an FYI....were you aware of the Cold Weather Crash Statistics? Did you know that when there is snow or ice on the roads, traditional 4x4 vehicles are the cause of more accidents than their 2WD counterparts? Do you know the reason? 4x4 drivers have a tendancy to get 'foolish', and over zealous with their driving with those conditions. A good majority of them don't know how to drive in 4x4 mode, and make dumb mistakes.

There is another advantage of 2wd vs. 4wd...weight!

All things being equal, a 2WD vehicle will get better gas mileage over a 4WD one.

Ryan

You are correct on all fronts... and seeing that the poster is having difficulties with both the vehicle and possibly finances, it's like everyone noted - it's a lot of trouble to put himself through to avoid trouble. There's got to be someone or a dealership willing to trade his vehicle at no loss. But these are options. Good breakdown of the facts there Ryan!

 

[X-North]

Ok guys i will make it clear ...Thank you for the guy who made the part lists ..for those who dont agree then dont even take time to write. I said earlier i need to access more easily to inside the engine without the 4WD blocking the oil pan and when i will have done the swap i wont have to get the engine out to change oil pump and everything.
What you dont understand in that ?? Its easy to understand i mean. For thoses who said to buy another truck..duuuuuuuhhhh ....come on jerks why i should buy a complete truck if mine is correctly working ??? Stop telling stupid ***** that dont make sense .there is other threads that need your help go there.
BTW Donner if you think thta the truck could break on the highway..Dont do it yourself it only mean that at the beginning you did not even know how to it well. I can do everythong in mechanic..and btw look I have a 1993 explorer with 210000 km's and cant trade it to the dealer..but you should have read that earlier.

Thank you again spdracer
It will really help

 

[Donner]

Different ways of helping...

You shouldn't be offended... we are all trying to point out options. These people at this board are very knowledgeable and don't post maliciously... That's why I stick around... Keep in mind we all have different views, and just don't want to see problems for you... Everyone can assist you better if they have a handle on your reasoning. I have a disability, and also know nothing about mechanics/cars... but not everyone knows that, so they assume that we are capable of the same things. I think everyone here wishes you the best.

Your edit is understood, but not insulting. I still wish you the best, take care SexyFantome.

 

[Spdrcer34]

SexyFantome....I know it appears like I am the only one being helpful. I may be the only one telling you what you want to hear, but believe me: Almost everyone else is trying to be helpful too.

Getting defensive, and name calling isn't really needed. Honestly.

We are all here to help those that want and deserve it. You are talking like someone that is wanting our help, but now you are acting like someone that doesn't deserve our help.

There are many ways to get your point across on the internet, without calling names. Your whole rant in your last post could EASILY be cut down to the last 2 lines you posted. It gets the point across that you got the info you wanted.

Good luck in your project. Keep an eye on Craiglist for locals parting out their Explorers. There are PLENTY of people nation-wide parting them out!

Ryan

 

[X-North]

If im on that forum its not for advices but for technical informations. I am able to do my own choices based on my needs so that is why others are not useful they did not gave technical infos as you did. Now i will be able to do the swap. Thank you . My part on this thread is done but you can continu do discuss about it if you will
Have a nice day

 

[sn0border88]

Im just trying to understand things here. How will changing to 2wd make this any easier?

What is blocking your access? You will still have front I beams in the same spot, the only things on the underbody that wont be there anymore will be the t-case and driveshaft, neither of which should hinder changing the gaskets because the t-case istn even close to the engine.

I do understand wanting to make such tasks easier,and Im sure your competent of doing it, but you may be underestimating the amount of work involved.

Does replacing the TTB beams and brackets, new radius arms and coil spings, getting/installing a new 2wd transmission, reworking the speedometer, changing the computer, getting a new rear driveshaft, changing out the steering and changing all the crossmembers really justify making an occasional pan gasket change easier? Have you added up the cost of this? New brakes, rebuilt trans, the cost of getting the other parts from a u-pull it is probably close to 250.

If you are constantly finding you need to change the oil pump and pan gasket, there are bigger problems. Those are probably only needed 1 maybe 2 times in the life of a vehicle. from the sounds of it you have already done it once so I doubt you need to do it again unless something went wrong.

Your dead set on doing the swap? Fine, easiest way will be to get a 2wd version and swap the drivetrain in.