im trying to start a build out of my 2008 3.0L auto 2wd ranger. my real problem in starting is verifying a transfer case unit that may work with my stock trans, if its possible. is the newer 4x4 and 2wd rangers using the same auto trans so i can easily find a 4x4 case and nicely bolt it right up and plug it in or will it require alot more effort in the engine bay? im looking at getting a 5.0l with manual t case put in, when i need it,, but id rather use what i have till i need any more torque, ive seen a few nissan and toyota 4x4 trail runners with smaller engines work fine in offroad situations without suffering to much. another idea was to find an aftermarket standalone unit that i can make my own connection from output to input, but other then that not to much concerns me other than gearing my 3.0l to be any good offroad and still have it be drivable on road for weekend trips with say 37-40" tires so any reccomended differential gearings would be appreciated.

 

Well Dan, its just not that simple. First you have a 2wd frame, you would have to do major modifications to the frame to get a front axle under it. Next your trans is the same type but in a 2wd version. The tailshaft has to be changed to bolt a transfer case up. You should trade your truck in on a 4wd...

 

Serach.

If you had more than 1 post you'd get some answers.

 

Why would you buy a 08 just to cut it up? Sell it and get a older ranger that is already 4x4

 

i just wnat to know if i can add a 4x4 transfer case to my original transmission to make it a 4x4 version the rest of the build is just a project to me and will be completed over time. but i need to know if that will work or if i need to go pick up my 5.0l and drivetrain sooner than id like

 

You need the output shaft for a 4x4 5r44e or just a 4x4 5r44e itself then it will work.

 

ok ill start researching that, thanks, i was tempted to sell the truck for a 4x4 but i would be just gutting a 4x4 anyway because i really want an sas build and i hate working with rust lol but i think the end result will be more impressive with newer components.

 

i think a 08 would look ba with SFA, good luck... start working now!

 

i'm not really sure i get the point here. you're basically gutting a new truck? riiight...

 

ill be finishing up the dana 44 for the build soon but as soon as i can get some free time at work ill start making up all my track bars and stabilizer bars, along with brackets all out of a large amount of dusty stainless sitting in the back of my shop just waiting for me . not sure to try and mount loose coils or expensive compact coilovers but im sure ill know which one will win over once it comes together. but this would be my first attempt at an automotive creation so i hope my local shop can give me correct sas geometry suggestions. but im sure it will be alot trial and error.

 

you should do a sEARch on how to spell

 

well the drive out of my ranger is a little to be desired especially for winter with my 33" mt atz's i have on it and with over 40000km on it already im finding the truck is already seeing its days and i dont think resale on the truck would even justify buying a slightly older truck and gutting it also but my original idea for this build was to build something i can appreciate and not keep picking at its flaws or repairing its rust spots and i hope to be able to use the stock powerplant in it so im only playing with the underbody i hope. ive defeniatly had my days with this truck and now id like to see what new toy i can make of it.

 

Your all a bunch of girls. I say if you have it cut it up.

 

Haha Andrew... I'm a little lost why you would do that big of an overhaul on a brand new truck but where there's a will there's a way... why didn't you just get a 4x4 from the beginning?

 

the 4x4 ranger really would have been nice but with work being as bad as it was at the time i saved the extra 8 g's for a new 4x4 and took the cheap 2wd, it worked fine until i got bored of getting stuck everywhere lol. now i kinda regret it but i would of wanted something more aggressive anyway so if im gonna build it from scratch anyway i dont mind starting with fewer scrap parts with a 2wd and spending 8 g's on a superior setup that i can really work with.

 

Well good luck and I look forward to the build thread...

 

Very good point, you should be able to build a pretty badass rig for 8 grand. Keep us updated!

 

this whole thread makes no sense...

SAS a brand new truck... wtf

Couldnt afford a 4x4, so wants to SAS a 2wd... wtf

Is it just me or is this really confusing?

 

Look for my thread in the project log forum.

 

u got it, if you have some problem with that then why comment something useless i wasnt able to work alot at the time but i just needed a reliable truck to get me places, i now found a solid local shop to take me in and found a sense of adventure with the ranger but now relalize i lack mechanical support on the truck end, why not play with what is there and im sure i can get it done alot cheaper than any custom shop could do for me.

 

I dont understand why people are givin you crap for it. Its your truck and your money, do what you want i say and good luck. Its doable, just make sure your measurements are right and look through previous SAS threads for advice or tips.

 

Are you linking it or using leafs?

What are you running for front and rear axles?


Damnit man we need details. If you arent BSin, the good on you for cutting up a brand new truck. Although I still dont get why you are doing it to a new one... but hey it is your truck

 

Like I said above, just cause your to big of a girl to cut up a new truck doesnt mean others are.

 

OP, there really isn't much in the room for having a divorced tcase on a ranger, you are much better off either getting a 4x4 trans, or converting your current trans by replacing the output shaft for a 4x4 output shaft and bolting on a 4x4 tailhousing. That way you can run a 1354M(manual shift) that came in 97 and older explorers and some rangers.

Tell us about your plans!! Links? Leafs? Coil-overs? Airshocks? What axles? Look forward to this build.


*Screw all those people for hatin' on you for torching up a couple year old truck. In all reality, age is nothing but a number, yours is 1, others are 10. who cares. If you wanna do it, F the others, do it. Didn't beard do his SAS when the truck was like 3? Didn't see any hating when he did that.





Classy Trevor. Real Classy.

OWNED!

Agreed Entirely.

 

thanks for the positive feed back!

once i get my trans problem determined ill be trying to get this going as soon as possible. what i have going on it so far is a dana 44 recently built and restored from a late model junkie, w/ electronic locker. ill be making all custom adjustable linkages and beams for the build up. next ill be figuring if i want coilovers or coils, but im sure coilovers will win out because of their ease of mounting with just a shock hoop and brace. main frame mods will progress along at that point, i will remove bumper and valance then plate the front rigid with 3/4" steel and supports, and complete my front end support with winch mount locations. frame gussets will be replaced with stronger gauge aswell, then the rear will be plated off with similar methods. ill be linking the rear suspension with preferably a 3 link set up and dana 30 with e-locker and long travel coilover with a light bedcage for an external long travel shock mount incorporated into the bed itself, so ill still have storage place. if all this still leaves me with a fairly drivable ride then it will be a go, but alot of this will be a big learning curve, and what ever will get me the ride benifits and reliability im looking for will win over. tube bumpers and lighting will finish off my build along with fiberglass fenders and bedsides if i can get a hold of a set around here, if not cutouts will be my only option. ill keep you posted in the months coming ahead just trying to get some shop time to get some measurements.