So I've found some RBV IFS (not TTB) 4WD Explorers at the junkyard and was wanting to know if there is any reason the parts will not work for a 4x2 to 4x4 conversion? I'm talking from the front drive shaft forward, front axle, CVs, hubs, etc.

 

Depending on the year the front driveshaft may not work, just check to make sure the t-case side has the correct flange for your application. Also make sure and check the axle for the center axle disconnect cause you don't want it if it has that.

 

@Ryan/Razor... I think just the '95 Explorer isn't the one to pull parts off of. Something with the front axle makes them very undesirable.

Otherwise, virtually all of it is usable on a Ranger. They're live axle. Most if not all the parts needed for your swap can come from a 95-01 Explorer. I still think using Ranger 03+ Knuckles is a better choice for their 12" rotors though since you've gotta get some knuckles anyway.

Ryan noted on the front shaft.... 97 and prior tcases have a double cardon front shaft. 98+ cases have that stupid CV design. If you choose manual tcase, it's 98% likely you'll be getting a 97 and earlier case because the 02-03 fx4 twin stick cases are uuber rare to find. You'd want to have a cooresponding shaft, 95-97 Explorer front shaft for the double cardon and the IFS just like the Ranger.

 

Can't I just leave it locked if it has the disconnect?

Also, are there any axle width problems?

 

The front axle disconnect ended in either 95 or 96.
Aside from that and possible driveshaft changes, everything forward is the same.

 

As far as axle disconnects go, I think it is the full time 4WD Explorers ('95-'96) and all '97-'01('03) that don't have them, while the part-time 4WD Explorers ('95-'96) do. At lest according to car-part.com

 

dont the 97 up explorers have the auto tcase too

 

Most 95-97(and all 98+) expos are electric shift cases. But there were a few manual tcases too. That doesn't matter though...even the early(95-97) electric shift cases in expos have the same front output as the manual 1354 cases. All 98+, regardless of Ranger or Explorer, got the CV front shaft with the bucket/tulip on the front output.

1354's are found on all 90+'s and 1354M's lasted from 90-97, 02-03.

BUT...I suggest using a 95-97 Expo shaft since they're the proper length for a 98+ IFS Ranger when using the up to '97 tcase. TTB front shafts...while they have the same double cardon as the 95-97 Expo's, they are too long of a shaft for a 98+ IFS. Shortening would be required.

 

I would avoid the headaches involved with that. Non-CAD axles are much more common so you shouldn't have any trouble finding one.

 

^^and more reliable. One less BS thing to break on ya. Went through 2 of those disco axles in my cherokee til I found a non-disco d30.

 

The 95 explorers have a disconnect on the pass side axle. Its part of the automatic electronic 4wd system.

Im not sure what years have this auto option. Or how they did it in different years. I do have a 95 with this odd hosed boxed on the housing. So I know its an issue.