The difference between the 4 high and the AWD is power distribution the 4 High does a 50/50 power distribution,where as the AWD transfer case does a rear bias of 65/35. And as for the Subaru comparison the stock STI's make less torque then brutey V8. Making it an ultimate tire burner.
And why go for a 5 speed manual?That came from the factory. Why not a 6 speed manual AWD turbocharged 5.0L in a ranger,lower it throw in an IRS suspension?Now That would be amazing.

 

I'm the grandfather part of this team, so let me give you a history of how we got here.

I originally bought the Ranger for a little putt around truck. It had a 4 banger and a 5 speed manual with 2 wheel drive. I have a 1994 F150 XLT 4WD that will pull a house down, but gets about 13MPG. Hence, the Ranger. Then grandson #1 gets a driver's license and thought it would be a good idea to put a V8 in it. So... We found a junkyard '88 Thunderbird 302 with fuel injection and tore it completely down, valve job, screw-in studs for the rockers, roller rockers, CompCam cam (mild lope). We found a C-4 and completely rebuilt it as well. Then there was the computer we got from a Mustang that changed the firing order to match the cam and make the injectors pulse correctly. We got the custom motor mounts and headers, modified the heater box. We did a lot of modifications to make everything fit. It wasn't easy. We put a couple of 'glas packs on it and that's where we stopped. We knew that we were going to need an 8.8 rearend or the first time he stepped on it, the stock 7.5 rear would be shredded.

So, here we are with a 2WD 5.0L 3 speed auto with ttb front end in need of a rear. We already put a lot of money into it and it wasn't exactly what we wanted.

This 1998 Explorer became availabe for $600. It had some smashed up fenders, but no frame damage. I knew there were things wrong with it, but it was still cheaper than buying an 8.8, fixing what needed fixing and still have a 2WD with ttb front end.

We went through all the suspension on the Explorer, including the Dana 35 in the front and the front driveshaft. The pinion gear was ground down to nothing. There was no gear oil in it. So after putting in a timing chain set, a new fuel pump and all the suspension parts, we have about another $500 in it, but now the rolling chassis is like brand new.

Now, as you know, we are tackling the body, wiring, interior, etc. When done we will have a 5.0L AWD 4 speed auto, 8.8 rear locker with all the options,

I would recommend a car/truck project for every family. It's a learning experience for all and definitely a bonding experience, if you don't kill each other first. Besides, you won't have any extra money to do anything else anyway.

 

I guarentee your not gonna burn any tires in an automatic AWD. My buddy with the Subby couldnt burn the tires for more than a second revving up to 7 grand and dumping the clutch.
And as for trannys: one extra gear wont change much. Youll put more money and time into trying to get a 6 speed to fit than buying a 5 speed thatll bolt in.

 

Im starting to sound like a d*ck on here but just stating the truth/my opinion on some. A 8.8 out of a junkyard would be less than $100 also.

 

A correct assessment on both points. However, the objective was the challenge and not so much the money. So, tell me about your projects. Hmm.....???

 

I built a ram air for my Ranger lol. Mines a 2011 so im not touching it for a while.
Im not trying to diss your project, I actually love it. Im just trying to figure out what your trying to acomplish

 

We are trying to accomplish something never done before. The same reason why George Riley made a flathead a SOHC engine. just to be different. A project people will look at and say "that's wicked, I want one.".

 

Its definitly wicked lol. I want you guys to keep some updates on here about progress and the finale. And especially about drivability and mpg and the whole 9 yards

 

Dude you ruin every thread. You talk a lot of **** and say you can do this and that and don't back anything up. Why do you even post here? Get with it dude.

Sweet project too! I was not a believer at first but you changed my mind! Keep up the good work.

 

I havent said I can do anything? might wanna reread there bud. I never said this project cant be done. I never doubted anything in this thread. I just asked some obvious questions and I got answers. You dont have to read my post if you dont wanna so you can keep your mouth to yourself

 

This is only one of our existing projects. On the automotive front, we have a 1990 Eclipse we are rebuilding that I bought new, a 1993 Explorer that needs some work that one of my other grandsons will probably get, if he contributes some labor. Finally, there is my 1933 Ford Victoria replica with a custom chassis, Chevy 350/345hp crate engine, TCI turbo 400 transmission with Streetfighter torque converter, Curry 9" Ford rearend w/positraction and 3:55 gears. All the bells and whistles (A/C, PS, PB, door poppers, Mustang interior, Alpine stereo, etc). Someday, that will get on the street, if I live that long.

 

 

I am 19. Building a ram air was quite an accomplishment for me. Seeing your builds gives me some push to try something custom though

 

Im gansta! A gansta in boots and wranglers!

 

Andrew and Ron, you guys have done AWESOME work. Told ya anything could be done!

I have to agree on the family project. My 68 LS1 C10 is what brought me and my pops together, and now we are going full Hot Rod Shop together. The next project will be the LQ4 (6.0 Vortec Chevy V8) into my Ranger.

Please stick around and update us with what is going on. I love the build so far!

 

I appreciate the compliments. We will keep the thread updated. Andrew is finishing up in the engine compartment right now (wires, hoses, radiator and such). It's going to look like a factory install, except it needs a little cleaning, but that will come.

Family is the thing that counts, if it functions properly. Many don't. Good luck on the Hot Rod Shop. I think that's where Andrew wants to be, but first he has to finish his engineering degree.

 

I just checked out your thread. Talk about awesome work! Great job.

 

Yea, i am finishing up my Accounting and Business Admin degree. School sucks, but it is well worth it in the end. Thanks for the complement!

 

Looks awesome guys

 

Very cool. Keep us posted on the process.

 

Here is the latest:

The core support is finished and we decided to go with electric fans (every horsepower counts).




The engine compartment looks like the stock Explorer and it fits like it belongs in the Ranger engine bay. We need to hook up a couple of radiator and heater hoses and it's done. Oh, yeah there is one small brake line from the master cylinder to the ABS module that need to be replaced. We used the Mustang 5.0L badge on the engine because we thought it looked cooler.



Then we installed the Explorer dashboard and all its electronics into the Ranger. It is a direct fit, plug and play. Of course we used all the Explorer gadgets and steering column, so even the PATS works.




We put the battery in just to test it out and everything lit up the way it was supposed to. We cranked it over, the fuel pump kicked on and nothing. No fuel. It turns out that Mr. 19 year old wired the pump backwards and that's not conducive to fuel flowing in the right direction. He flipped the wires and voila, fuel. It started right up. There's one oil leak at the oil filter adapter. Someone put it on without an O-ring (it wasn't us) and it was leaking there. I'll have to get one tomorrow, since I don't have any that big around here.

Next is finishing up the interior wiring and lighting (seats, carpets, drapes, just kidding about the drapes), then evacuating and charging the A/C.

Then the body work... Stay tuned.

 

Great job!! A project like this never would have crossed my mind.

We want more!!

I giggled a little bit after reading that sentence.

 

That little faux pas with the fuel pump wiring,was totally on purpose. You know,for comic relief.

 

Good work. Anxious to see a finished product.

 

suuuuuuuure.......

Its looking good fellas. What did you take that E fan off of?