switching from 4wd to 2wd??

[1991x]

can someone tell me what i would need to do to switch my 4wd 91x to a 2wd? i just got this truck on a trade and would like to do a full air ride system in it but cant do this with 4wd.

can someone guide me in the right direction?

i have many places i can get stock x parts from so parts wont be a problem

 

[Anime]

A full 2WD conversion would require replacing all the TTB (Twin Traction Beam) 4x4 parts with the Twin I-beam 2WD parts from a similar Explorer, (Including the brake rotors, hubs, spindles, etc. etc.) removing the front drive shaft and transfer case, replacing the rear transfer case adapter on the tranmission, and then removing all the assiciated 4WD electronics inside.

You're looking at a LOT of work that typically isn't worth it unless you have or can get a 2WD donor vehicle or a REALLY good deal on all the parts you'll need.

If by air ride system you mean air bags, I'd say you're better off doing it with a vehicle that has the IFS of the 95+ Explorers. You can bag a 91-94 for sure, but there's a lot more fabrication involved.

 

[1991x]

wow never realized how many things needed to be changed i figured just trans and a couple small things. guess ill look into lifts instead.

 

[Anime]

Believe it or not, you can lower a 91-94 4WD 2 inches.

Eibach makes a set of 2" lowering springs for the front, and you can either just use blocks in the rear or have the springs de-arched. Most 91-94's have a good bit of spring sag in the rear from age and use, so if you just swap the springs from left to right and keep the stock shackles, you might get about the right amount of lowering, especially with a full tank of gas and a load in the back like a sub box. Overall it would be a ton less money than either an air bag drop or a big lift.

Throw on some 17-18" sporty rims with low-profile tires and it can look pretty cool.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/270720

 

[1991x]

do you have a link by chance to the lowering springs? is that your truck? if so i love it those rims are my favorite i have them in black on my sn95 with a 460bb

 

[rhauf]

there's a button on the dash that turns it into a 2 wheel drive.

 

[1991x]

yeah except that button doesnt allow the travel of front axles like i need it to

 

[nitro71]

If you have a pull n save type junk yard you could go get all the pieces you need. Rebuild them at your leisure then put them in. I see a moderate number of 2WD's lately at the local wrecking yard.

 

[Anime]

http://www.directtuning.com/store/pc-24765-60-EIBACH.aspx

http://www.autocarparts.com/c_Ford_Explorer_c_Suspension_Springs_m_Eibach/


Used to be the kit was for the 4WD, this site says it's 2WD. I don't think the springs are the same from the 4WD TTB to the 2WD I-Beams, but maybe.


You can of course just slap some big 18-22" rims on there and not bother with lowering at all. They make the popular BFG All-Terrain tire in low-profile sizes now, so you could always have a cool hybrid that's tough enough for off-road, but nice on the streets, too. A very good use of the Explorers' intended abilities, actually.


I would say you're better off getting a 2WD if you want a lowered vehicle anyway, otherwise you're just hauling around a lot of extra drivetrain weight for no reason if you never go off road or even need it for snow or severe weather.