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Old 02-11-2018, 09:45 PM
KarstenM KarstenM is offline
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Post 2wd to 4wd Conversion?

I have done research on this topic, but everything I have read has not been useful. I understand it is probably easier to just trade the truck, but as an enthusiast, I would love a project.

If it's possible, what parts would I need in order to do the swap?

My truck is a 2000 Ranger XLT, Reg. Cab, and a 2.5l automatic
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Old 02-12-2018, 05:47 AM
tomboy tomboy is offline
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Default Re: 2wd to 4wd Conversion?

The biggest parts would be, a different transmission, a transfer case, complete front end drive unit, including axels and rotors, different rear driveshaft, and the list would go on from there.
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Old 02-12-2018, 05:53 AM
Kealel Kealel is offline
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Default Re: 2wd to 4wd Conversion?

Quote:
Originally Posted by KarstenM View Post
I have done research on this topic, but everything I have read has not been useful. I understand it is probably easier to just trade the truck, but as an enthusiast, I would love a project.

If it's possible, what parts would I need in order to do the swap?

My truck is a 2000 Ranger XLT, Reg. Cab, and a 2.5l automatic
I really do hope you like a project, because this will be one!

You'll need driveshafts, a transfer case, a new suspension (literally the whole front end, remove your coil springs and put on torsion bars), a front diff, CV axle shafts, steering knuckles, a whole new brake system, wiring for your transfer case (electric shift is way cheaper, but manual shift is way easier to install), a mount welded to your frame for the diff to bolt on to


Most importantly, a transmission. It's been a long time since 4cyl Rangers were given a 4x4 option. You may be able to rebuild your transmission to be 4x4, but at that point you'll have a very gutless truck.

So if you really want a project, redo everything. Get a 5.0 Explorer Awd, you can use it as a parts donor for both an engine and a 4x4 swap.
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Old 02-12-2018, 09:54 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: 2wd to 4wd Conversion?

Quote:
Originally Posted by KarstenM View Post
I have done research on this topic, but everything I have read has not been useful. I understand it is probably easier to just trade the truck, but as an enthusiast, I would love a project.

If it's possible, what parts would I need in order to do the swap?

My truck is a 2000 Ranger XLT, Reg. Cab, and a 2.5l automatic

As someone doing this above the suggestions offered to me.. I am not sure if anything changes beyond 97 but for me and my 93. There are things that correlate between 93-94 and 95-97 and the differences between the 2wd vs 4wd is the front cross member. In the 2WD, the cross member is straight across and in the 4WD, the cross member has a hump in it to allow room for the Dana 35 to fit in it.

Now the options were to shear off the rivets and die cut the cross member out and weld in a new one which I didnt personally want to mess with.

or..

As I opted for, a 94' 4WD frame I picked up as a rolling chassis with which I did for several reasons. Even though I had a complete front Dana 35 assembly and a complete rear diff/axle matching from a donor vehicle along with the complete I/P harness, 4x4 push button switches. I did have to source a transfer case however and adapter for the rear of the manual trans. and I was just going to rebuild all new bushings, components, seals, bearings, U-joints, what have ya.. There's no way to just bolt it up and go.



Now those became extra service parts for now and I laugh when I say it but by 2020, i wont be using some of that because I am swapping engines and trans as well the transfer case because I finally found a Cummins 4BTa to shoehorn into my Ranger.

So now that Ive got the "Project" part down pat. The frame I got allowed me to pull everything off and clean it up. When I get a chance to the frame is going to get media blasted and then powder coated and reassembled with all fresh rebuilt everything. then I'll be body swapping the cab onto the frame and then putting a aluminum UTE tray bed on the back instead of the bed.
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Last edited by Undrstm8ed; 02-12-2018 at 09:57 PM.
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