How hard is it to SAS a 1994 ford ranger with a 2.3. Here’s the kicker, this is a 4x4 swap too so I’d like to find a manual transfer case too. What y’all got?

 

Not sure DIY SAS(solid axle swap) will be much cheaper

Article here on Ranger SAS: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...xle_swap.shtml

Rangers had 2 different frames, 2wd and 4x4, the 4x4 frame had Boxed front frame rails, so you should box the frame, where possible, when doing the conversion

The SAS install requires adding brackets of course and they need to be installed so you can get 4 wheel alignment or tires will wear out FAST and worse case vehicle will be unstable at speed, so measure 5 times, weld once, lol

You will need a 4x4 transmission along with transfer case, 2wd trans can't be bolted to transfer case
And 4x4 transmission also needs to bolt to a 2.3l Lima engine
You will want an M5OD-R1 4x4 manual transmission, I imagine, but..............problem is these are made engine specific, so has to be from a 2.3l Lima engine to fit a Lima engine
M5OD-R1 is just a model number not what it fits, so a 4x4 trans from a 3.0l or 4.0l engine won't fit on the 2.3l engine
Weren't alot of Lima 4x4s made so will be a tough find, but they are out there

Manual transfer cases are available and not too hard to come by, you want a BW1350 or BW1354 model, these are not engine specific, but you do need a 1997 or earlier model because they have speedometer cable hook up, 1998 and up do not
What IS hard to find are the manual shift linkages for them, seems they can break and most of them have been scavenged out of wrecking yard or used transfer cases
So make sure you get complete transfer case with linkages and shifter, also floor plate and boot would be good to get

 

I'm doing the same thing so keep us updated on your progress. I would think you could run a divorced transfer that's what I'm planning untill my tranny dies then I'll manual swap my 2.9.

Are you planning to do leafs or springs there's a kit for doing a swap but it's only for 4in lift and I'm trying to run at least 37s and up to 44s down the road...

If anyone knows could I use long arms for a Cherokee that looks like a pretty pretty cheep option... Good luck to you man!

 

They use the kit here, https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/17...e-swap-part-2/

I'm not sure of that would work for me since I'd be looking to get in like 8 in lift does anyone know?