Thanks RF for excepting my membership!

I have a 1998 4x2 2.5L 5sp and am a big fan of this little truck. I also have a donor 1997 Ranger 3.0 4x4 5sp and would like to upgrade my 1998 with the 4x4 parts. I measured (measurement with a tape measure) the length of the rear axle and it appears to be identical in length. If I cannot complete this transformation, I would at least like to have the 4:10 rear-end and also the larger rear brakes in my '98.

The front axle is the TTB I believe is the reference? My main concern is the transfer-case selection: is the best option to consider to go completely manual?

I am requesting an educated starting point and follow-through for this project.

Kind regards,
PD