so i have tried several search combinations to find a list of what all i would need but cant seem to find any...

i have a 2000 trailhead with the 3.slow and a m5od with 4:10 gears, i have a line on a 302 out of a explorer(unknown year) with wiring harness and ecu for $200 from a friend and want to know what all else i would need as i want to make my truck a 4x4 (starting to watch the local junkyards for a 4x4 ranger to come in so i can get the transfercase, driveline and front axle goodies... but my questions are could i use a 3.0 trans for this or do i need to find a t-5 and mate a transfer case to it?

 

You need a V8(302) transmission and transfer case

The Ford F-150 from 1997 to about 2004 used a 4.2l V6 engine, but the 4.2l had the same trans bolt pattern as the 302, and its M5OD-R2 had shifter in the same place as Rangers M5OD-R1 manual transmission

So manual trans and transfer case from a 1997 to 2004 F-150 4.2l is what you want to go with you Ranger V8 swap
The M5OD-R2 and transfer case from the 4.2l V6 is the same trans and transfer case used in the V8 F-150s, so can handle the power, its the bolt pattern you are after

No you can't use the Ranger trans or a Ranger transfer case with V8 engine, won't bolt to 302 and would most likely break with V8 power if it did.

ECU from explorer will be for an automatic trans, so you will need it programmed for manual trans and have the PATS(passive anti-theft) deleted at the same time

You can use Ranger axles with V8, usually not a problem with power, but many do use Ranger 8.8" axle if they had a 7.5" Ranger axle
Front axle must, of course, have the same 4.10 ratio as the rear

Frame on 2WD and 4WD Rangers are different up front
4WD has boxed frame for more strength.
While you can change any vehicle to 4WD of course, it is often better to get stock 4WD and add your body and parts to that.

 

trailhead model sits on 4x4 frame and suspension... i do have the 8.8 rear

trailhead model, not your average 2wd, it has the 4x4 underpinnings just no tranfer case or front axle pretty much, i even have all the electronics behind the radio bezel, but no switch sticking through it.



thank you for the clarification on the trans and transfercase though RonD.

 

2000 Trailhead was the Edge so had torsion bar suspension like the 4x4s, but didn't know it used 4x4 frame
Yes, less work if it did, but you still need to get 4 wheel alignment spot on, that the hard part when fitting new axle setups

 

well a 4 wheel alignment is pretty much a given when changing suspension and wheel setups, i am more looking to find out what components i will need for the swap as there is no real list to be spoken of that i have found...

302 motor
ecu
motor mounts
trans
transfer case
driveline
rad
etc