I have an 07 STX which is 2wd and the area i live in almost requires a 4wd which i found out through this winter with how many times i got stuck just tryin to get out of my driveway. the roads are rough as hell and often times the snow plows dont go down them at all since theyr not of major importance other than the few houses on them.
If i could afford the extra cost of gas, my high risk insurance status and extra loan payments then i would just trade it in on a 4wd ranger but since i cant afford those im curious about what i would have to do to convert my stx over to 4wd.
i know i will need to swap out my front spindles to handle the front drive axles, my suspension may need to be beefed up and i know i will have to get a transfer case to drive the front tires. i also plan to swap out the rear axle with one out of a 96 explorer since its already geared for a 4wd and has disc brake brakets already on it. i will also need the switch controls for the dash to switch back and forth from 2wd to 4wd and back.
do i also need a different tranny and wiring harness for it? will i need to reprogram my computer?
if i do go this route i will remove and sell the stx front bumper thats on it right now and put a regular one on it. its got a couple scuffs in it but otherwise is in great condition.
i know this will be an expensive route to take but in the long run is gonna be cheaper than just buying a new truck and will still get decent gas mileage. i know the gearing may throw the mileage off a bit and a lift and offroad tires will also affect it some but not much.

 

seriously just sell your truck and buy a 4x4. way easier and more cost effective

 

get a 4x4 or some cheap awd car.

 

the point here is i cant afford another loan or to have full coverage which is required for a car loan. that why id rather just convert my current one. ive already looked and im not gonna get a decent reliable 4x4 in this area that doesnt just suck the gas down for under $5k which is about all i could sell my truck for if its not possible or is too expensive then it just wont get done but all i asked was what all would have to be done.

 

Most likely the easiest thing would be to find a 4x4 frame and swap the body over. Since your truck is an STX you have a completely different front frame section. To use your stock frame the only real option would be to SAS it. Either way you will have alot more money in it than you think. I bought my truck in 2010 with 114k on it for $3500. Never had a single problem with it and pretty must beat the **** out of it. Find a cheap 4x4 and call it quits.

 

Swap it with someone that wants a 2x...
Not an easy swap over.

The frame swap might be the best alternative.

 

buy a locker, buy snow tires, learn to drive.

Ive been getting by just fine with no weight in the bed of my truck and 33x12.5 tires that float on snow. no reason to buy a 4x4, when driving skill alone can get you more places.

canadian winters + 2wd still = just fine.

 

i had an 07 rwd sport with the factory limited slip, snow tires, no weight and it handled the canadian winters with ease.

 

i agree with this 100% there were very few times this winter with all the snow we had when i HAD to put it in 4x4 (open rear end). all other times were just because i could.


if you want a 4x4 then buy a 4x4

 

like everyone said.. get some better tires and learn to drive in the snow. i rarely use 4wd in my ranger now that i put the duratracs on it.

secondly.. you do realize that if you swap to a 4wd drive train.. it would be the same as a ranger with your motor that was 4wd.. so your argument about gas mileage is invalid.. becasue you would just make a 2wd a 4wd.. and in all honesty..ive never noticed much difference between 2wd and 4wd trucks in terms of fuel mileage unless its a 4 banger.

thirdly. saying you cant afford loan or insurance etc. its going to cost a pretty penny to convert your truck to 4wd.. you can sell off your ranger and buy an older ranger and not have a payment..

EDIT: just noticed you said you would only get 5k for your truck.. its an 07. what the hell is wrong with it? you should be able to get double that at least

 

What are you guys talking about?! This is definitely the easiest option! You can just use your stock transmission, gearing, and rear axle! No new harness or anything! Do it! I want to follow along!

 

Park the truck for the winter and get a beater 4x4 explorer or Cherokee or escape or Kia or anything. Than you can drive your 2wd STX in the good weather and enjoy it.

I park my 02 fx4 and jeep rubicon for the winter and I picked up a clean 99 Cherokee 4x4 for $700

Winter ruins nice things.

From everything I've read on here. Turning your truck into a 4x4 is far more involved that one would think.

If you under take this. It will cost you a ton of money (more than you think) and it will take longer than you think leaving you without transportation and if something did happen and your insurance finds out its a 4x4 you may not be insured properly. Will they cover the damage? Will they drop you and black list you.?