1978 Ford ranger xlt 2wd to 4wd

1978 · #1 01-23-2011, 11:33 PM

I have just bought a 1978 ranger xlt that is 2wd. I plan to rebuild this truck from the ground up. I was wondering what i might need to get in order to make this truck a 4x4 once i get ready to rebuild it. I know I need a transfer case, a driveline, the front axle assembly, but i was just wanting a detailed list as to what I might look for, so that when that time comes, I will be prepared.

Thanks,
Ryan

blkranger231 · #2 01-24-2011, 12:14 AM

Get a dana 44 from a 70 model f150 or bronco with the everything including the arms and brops.
also get the spring buckets off the fram up top (take pics and measurments of their locations)
Grab the tranny and tcase along with the drive shafts from the truck.

Drop it all into yours.

Fordzilla80 · #3 01-24-2011, 10:46 AM

Is this for an F100, F150, F250, or F350? Ranger XLT is just the trim level of the truck.

modelageek · #4 01-24-2011, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1978

I have just bought a 1978 ranger xlt that is 2wd. I plan to rebuild this truck from the ground up. I was wondering what i might need to get in order to make this truck a 4x4 once i get ready to rebuild it. I know I need a transfer case, a driveline, the front axle assembly, but i was just wanting a detailed list as to what I might look for, so that when that time comes, I will be prepared.

Thanks,
Ryan

This website is for Ford Rangers that will built from 1983. they are smaller trucks then the F series.....as stated already yours is an F series truck with the "Ranger" trim package.......you want to join another forum, check our ford-truck enthusiasts....and there are others as well

crowdpleazer · #5 01-26-2011, 05:19 AM

just to help the guy out, heres what i think youll have to do

need an entire front crossmember (engine cradle) with the right set up for 4x4. need spring hangers the holes should be in the frame. steering pitman arm and tie rods. and of course the axle. everybody says to use dana i personally have not had the best luck with them, i prefer 9 inches but you should match what is in the rear of the truck. watch out, some of those trucks had spicer rear ends also.

and your gonna need a lot of time. good luck!

blkranger231 · #6 01-26-2011, 07:40 AM

If he does the Spring buckets he shouldnt need the cradle from a 4x4. And it comes 44 and a 8.8 or 9in in the fullsizes if your lucky maybe a 60s

Fordzilla80 · #7 01-26-2011, 11:09 AM

If it's an F100/F150, D44 or 9". F250+ will either have a D44HD?, or D60 front, and D60 rear.

The 8.8 wasn't introduced until 1983.

And who cares if it's a full size. Alot of us here own these trucks too and can help out just as much as we can with a Ranger. As long as he doesn't come here with a Chevy or a car he's fine.

blkranger231 · #8 01-26-2011, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordzilla80

If it's an F100/F150, D44 or 9". F250+ will either have a D44HD?, or D60 front, and D60 rear.

The 8.8 wasn't introduced until 1983.
And who cares if it's a full size. Alot of us here own these trucks too and can help out just as much as we can with a Ranger. As long as he doesn't come here with a Chevy or a car he's fine.

Yeah wasnt sure if he was gunna pull to have a matching gear set