I know getting a 4x4 truck is much easier than converting the drivetrain. However, can anyone give me a detailed explanation on how it could be done? I am in college and want to convert a 4x2 to a 4x4 as a school project.

 

Welcome to the forum

On Rangers(and most 4WDs) the front frame is boxed on 4x4s and front axle mounts are different
Boxing the frame is not hard just some welding

The mounts are the hard part because of 4-wheel alignment, so "close" is not good enough or tires will wear out fast and/or driving at speed will be "squirrely"/dangerous
Best bet is to find a similar year 4x4 Ranger with same engine as yours, that's been rolled or damaged but still has front frame and axle in good condition, no bent frames, so you get all the components, like transmission and transfer case, drive shafts and front axle, but also for measurements

Rangers used different front suspension by year, seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...spension.shtml
You need to stay within your 2WDs year group

Just to recap, 4x4s need a different transmission that can bolt to YOUR engine size and also bolt to a transfer case, you can't convert a 2WD trans to 4WD trans, and these can be year specific