I have an 02 FX4 4.0/5R55E that needs an engine. I found a 96 Explorer with a 302 and a 4R70W, and from what I understand, I can use that combo in my truck. Problem is the Explorer is 2wd and I want to keep my truck 4wd.

I know I can use a 4406 t case, but my question is can I use the 2wd 4R70W or would I need to modify it, or would it be easier to source a trans from a 4wd Explorer?

 

Certainly easier to find a 4R70W from an early AWD Explorer ('96-97) or F150 but you can "convert" the RWD 'box for a transfer case.

Never done it, but as I understand it, you'd need to swap out the tail shaft and tail shaft housing. The issue is the tail shaft is just about the 1st thing that gets dropped into the transmission body on a build so converting the transmission means pulling the transmission fully apart to get at the output shaft.

If you've any interest in fresh frictions in the box anyway, probably not that big a deal.

I know there have been some threads on the 'net about the swap.

 

Have a read here: MudSlanger's Explorer 5.0 Swap In A 2000 Ford Ranger

 

I was hoping I wouldn't have to pull it apart. The 4R70W currently in the Explorer was built by a local, reputable builder less than 20K miles ago. If it turns out to be cost effective, I may just buy a salvage 4406 t case and have that trans converted. Would an AWD t case out of a 96-97 Explorer be worth it, or should I go for the part time case?

 

The awd t case sucks. I hate it. Im putting the 4506 in mine this week. I found a whole 97 f150. 97 to 03 i believe for sure. Maybe more years. Ive heard a lot of explorer guys do this swap in their explorer and they say the awd t case actually takes power way.

 

AWD has no low range, it is 2wd high and 4wd high only

If 2wd trans has recent rebuild then it should be sellable or tradeable.

A complete rebuild is required to change an 4R70W 2wd to 4wd transmission, plus the parts