hey guys,

I have a 98 2wd 4.0, and i am really set on changing it to a 4x4.
People have recomended that if i am going to bother with the swap to just go and do a SAS, but i'm only looking to go through mud holes, snow and better in the rain. not really any climbing. Would it be best to look for another 98 ranger to get the axles ect off of? or is their a prime year for the ranger and the 4x4? What are the flaws of the ranger 4x4 that i would be able to correct (if any) while doing the swap?

thanks for your help

Josh

 

since you don't have a Ranger Edge, you are pretty much trying to do the impossible to swap in a stock 4wd system.....the front suspensions are totally different from a '98 2wd to a '98 4wd.....the 2wd's have coil springs that go into the bottom of the frame while the 4wd don't have any front springs.....

unless you do a SAS, then you are really wasting your time and money...

you will spend about 3 to 4 times what it would cost for you to trade your truck in on a 4wd Ranger.....

 

Be alot of work...if you do start a project thread.

 

I was going to find a complete suspension eveyrthing from another ranger and swap everything out.but...

Well i am set on swapping in a 4x4, so i guess i gotta go with a SAS.
I have a 1990 jeep grand wagoneer sitting in my back yard the dana 44's are in great shape, but, i dont wanna tear that apart because i am saving that project for another day

So staying on the SAS what are my best options for axles. i kno the dana 44's and 60 the chevy 3/4 also. what are the suggestions? What would be a good doner vehicle to keep my eyes open for?

 

do some research....there are a number of threads on here about SAS's...

 

i have researched the SAS but i havent found anyone going from a 2wd to a SAS 4x4.
My main question is about the mods im am going to have to do may be different because i am 2wd at the moment. I can weld and all of my friends can too, and i have acesss to many many tools so that is not much of a worry here. But im also not trying to drop alot of cash my budget will be about 2000 or less
.does anyone have any knowledge of the differences from a normal SAS in a 4wd truck than a 2wd?

thanks again

Josh

 

edge i sent u a pm

 

You would need to do a frame swap, that would be the easiest method. If you wanted a stock 4x4 swap. Torch off bracketry can be done but its a lot of work.

Most cost effective method is the SAS or sell your truck and buy a 4wd.


As far as budget you need to factor in a new transmission and transfer case. If your willing to wait about 6 months or so to collect parts 2k might be about right. But you will be looking nearly once day for parts.

 

I have done this swap. I bought a rolled 98 4wd and put my 99 body on it. It's alot of work but in my opinion worth it. I went into it not understanding what was involved because I didn't research it but be prepared to change all the wiring harnesses (under hood, dash, and transmission). Also make sure you are set with the engine/tranasmission/transfer case compatibility. I couldn't use my 3.0 engine with the 4.0 trans I had. I actually ended up doing it free other than the work because of the parts I sold.
John
Here's the finished product

 

how much did you find the rolled ranger for?

 

I got it on ebay for 450.00 but he didn't have it listed in the right catagory.
John

 

i found 2 dana 44's off a 73 f250, they are 175 each is this a deal?
I think im going to go leaf springs to keep it more on a budget.
now im on the look out for a new steering box