Drivetrain Tech General discussion of drivetrain for the Ford Ranger.

turning my 2x4 into a 4x4

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Old 04-20-2006
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turning my 2x4 into a 4x4

What would I all have to do to turn my 2x4 into a 4x4? and about how much would it cost in total?
 
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Old 04-20-2006
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Originally Posted by spec_ops57
What would I all have to do to turn my 2x4 into a 4x4? and about how much would it cost in total?
Look into a SAS or even TTB (i may be wrong)

It should cost about 2k if you can do it yourself. If not...more like 4/5k

thats just my guess from reading around here on SAS

why not just get a locker and call it a day?
 
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Old 04-20-2006
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Bottom line, it will be cheaper to sell the 2x4 and purchase a 4x4.
 
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Old 04-20-2006
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I'm trying to trade it off and this guy wants a 4x4
personally 2x4 is fine for me. I'm only into mudding/offroad with my quads
 
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Old 04-20-2006
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You can do a SAS like me. I'm going from a 4x2 - 4x4. It make take more money, but I love my baby!

Brenton
 
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Old 04-20-2006
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You'd need:

front axle (IFS or Solid axle, up to you)
necessary suspension to go along with said front axle
4x4 transmission
transfer case
front drive shaft, new rear drive shaft
necessary wiring if you have an electric transfer case motor

It's pretty expensive in all honesty.
 
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Old 04-20-2006
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Just nail two 2x4's together and walla you have a 4x4!
 
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Old 04-20-2006
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Originally Posted by rngprerunner
Just nail two 2x4's together and walla you have a 4x4!
Alright jason i am game you think duck tape and crazy clue will work?!?!??!
 
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Old 04-20-2006
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I think duct tape and crazy glue together are a bit overkill man, he doesnt need to waste moeny on both if he wont be taking this plank off roading. if its just for you to trade out I say velcro on either side of each 2x4 so you always have the option of disengaging the 4x4.



you brought this on yourself lol
 
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Old 04-21-2006
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It's cheaper than a new truck, if you like yours.

I'm doing mine and some don't understand why. Here's the deal for me. By the way, the list that Kyle gave you is good, but it omitted the fact that you have WAY more to do because you're an XLT if you want to put on the IFS. 4x4'x are slightly lifted and the spindles and control arms are sized differently.

Anyway, I'm doing it for this reason:

1. I like this truck, and already have substantial mods into it.
2. It IS cheaper than a new truck and the payments it'd require.
3. I don't have to start modding all over.
4. I'll learn a bunch.
5. I already know how to work on this truck pretty well.
6. I can make the truck my "own" for the money I spend, not just GET a truck with the money I spend, if you know what I mean. I'll make it what I want it to be.

Basically, I have a "platform" which requires some conversion -- but it's not beyond my skills. If you are not capable, and/or don't have help, it could get ugly cost-wise. But junkyard parts and knowledgeable friends can make this the cheapest way to get into a capable 4x4 if your willing to invest the time.

Really, I can't even start the conversion yet. I need a bit more bucks, and time to take the truck off the road (meaning I need a beater for commuting). I'm still looking at perhaps being done with it by summer of 2007. I've wanted to do it sooner but life happens, lol.
 
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Old 04-21-2006
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looks like it's a bit too expensive
 
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Old 04-21-2006
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It's not that bad, just buy parts here & there.

Brenton
 
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Old 04-21-2006
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Hold on guys you are talking to a guy with a 1991 ranger he has the ttb IFS front. If you were closer to me id help you do it . You need to change out the motor X member with a 4X4 one install the front TTB and get a 4wd transmission with Tcase pop a hole in the flor for the shifter. not an weekend project but not as bad as a ifs 2wd conversion look on therangerstation.com for info on our year vehicals
 
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Old 04-21-2006
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Cheapest way to do it would be buy an explorer that is wreckes or has been rolled and has a good tranny fron the 91-94 years then it would be all sweat from there
 
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Old 04-21-2006
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if he's 2wd doesn't he have i-beams?
 
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Old 04-21-2006
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right but if you change out the X member you can bolt in the TTB front axle
 
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Old 04-21-2006
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Originally Posted by crazzyearl
right but if you change out the X member you can bolt in the TTB front axle
Ok that's right. I remember talking with another member about that. Very convenient!
 
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Old 04-21-2006
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nobody looks at the vehicle in question before they do these threads :-)

My advice is drive your truck on top of 4 4wheelers, bolt em in. Control em all on one computer then you'll have unstoppable 16 wheel drive.
 
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Old 04-23-2006
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Originally Posted by Red_Ak_Ranger
nobody looks at the vehicle in question before they do these threads :-)

My advice is drive your truck on top of 4 4wheelers, bolt em in. Control em all on one computer then you'll have unstoppable 16 wheel drive.
damn I like that idea
 
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Old 05-25-2006
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spec ops, if you haven't already decided against it (i know this is an old post) you have one advantage. Your truck is 2wd. You will not have to remove any 4wd components. don't get me wrong, it will still be a little expensive. But get a D44, some front leaves, and divorce mounted, manual shift transfer case. Your truck's computer will think its 2wd, and you won't have to do any wiring. Not to mention a solid axle Ranger is hardcore.
 
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Old 05-25-2006
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n3elz 4x4 is BUILT NOT BOUGHT!!!!!!
 
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Old 05-25-2006
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Originally Posted by HarryTasker
Bottom line, it will be cheaper to sell the 2x4 and purchase a 4x4.

x2
 
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Old 05-25-2006
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turning a board into a 4wheel drive system is gonna be hard work..


4x2 is a different story
 
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Old 05-27-2006
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hi, this is kind of opposite of this topic but i had no where else to put it. i was thinking about turning my 4x4 into a 2x4. but i dont want to go through the hassle of taking out my whole front end. i was wondering if i would be able to just take out my drive shaft and transfer case, and replace them with a tail shaft and a 2 wheel drive driveshaft. i was looking for advice or if anyone knows how it would be done. thank you.
 
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Old 05-27-2006
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Jus take out your driveshaft only, walah 2wd.

May I be the first to ask "wtf?"

It wont help mileage ya know, since you still have the weight of the front 4x4 axle there.
 


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