Fm146+D28 TO 2WD?

Shoddy Cologne · Feb 8, 2016

I know i have asked a similar question but my idea is to delete my Transfer case and front axles/driveshaft. Looking at the book there is a seal that goes over the axles to what apears to be the inside of the spindle? Is it possible to run without those seals?

My other thought is the transfer case has an internally splined input shaft that the output shaft in the FM146 goes into. So is it possible to put a yoke on the trans and build a new driveshaft? The idea is to drop as much weight as practical as possible.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

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RonD · Feb 8, 2016

Mitsubishi FM146 didn't have a 2WD option, that's why Ford added essentially empty transfer case housing in BII 2WD manuals, you would need to get one of those empty transfer cases or pull yours a part and see what can be deleted but still allow power to go to rear drive line.
I doubt you could build a tail shaft housing and get different length drive line for less than swapping the trans for 2WD model.

If you have a 2.9l engine then you can use a 2WD M5OD-R1 trans from a 4.0l.
2.8l, 2.9l, 4.0l OHV or SOHC all used the same transmission bolt pattern.
M5OD-R1 was used from 1988 and up on 2.9l and 4.0l 2WD Rangers

There is also the Mitsubishi FM132, which was used with 2.9l in 2WD Rangers, but if you are going to swap transmissions this would not be the one I would chose

So on the front you will remove the drive line, which is fine
And you are asking if you can pull out the axles?
And leave them out, no probably not wheel bearings would get dirt inside without the axle in place.
So no on leaving seals out as well, dirty wheel bearing.
You may be able to make a back side seal, a solid seal, that prevents dirt from getting in the hole left by axle removal, front side is protected by 4x4 cap.
Also pull the guts from the differential, leave pinion.

adsm08 · Feb 8, 2016

I'm going to have a set of 2wd beams and knuckles available some time this spring (hopefully). That would solve most of the questions/problems about the front end.

As for the trans, find a 2wd M5OD. You would need a custom drive shaft though.

redhurricane · Feb 9, 2016

+1 on the M5odr1 2wd, and have a driveshaft shop make you a shaft. Better trans, and new balanced driveshaft.

85_Ranger4x4 · Feb 9, 2016

The nice thing about a 2wd BII is that a 4wd axle will drop in. But I think that would mean that the 2wd BII axle beams are unique to it and you can't just pop in 2wd Ranger beams.

I would wonder about stripping the axle and putting cup type expansion plugs in the back of the spindle to seal it off. :icon_confused:

RonD · Feb 9, 2016

I would just cut a thin flat circle of metal that fit in the back side hole then pound in a stock seal to hold it in place.

Shoddy Cologne · Feb 9, 2016

Thanks for all the responses. What ill most likely do is leave the A4LD and tcase in and remove the junk up front and make my own seals like some of you suggested.

Id really like to use that Fm146 though. I liked the way it shifted and fought like hell to get it out of my donor b2 before i had to junk it. Maybe ill just wait for a 5spd swap till im ready to do a 5.0 swap. Still havent decided if thats the way i wanna go.

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Fm146+D28 TO 2WD?

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