going from 4x4 to 2wd

[fordxranger]

what all is involved in doing something like this? I plan to do this on the 92 explorer in my sig. I know I need the beams, steering, spindles and brakes but what else? I know its obvious I need a 2wd tranny but is it possible or cheaper to convert the tailshaft to 2wd or will the entire tranny need to be replaced? to my knowledge the I beam brackets look to be in the same place on either frame (2wd/4wd) same with the crossmember. any input will be appreciated.

[mjonesjr]

Sell your Explorer and find a 2wd one. They are a dime a dozen.

[Wicked_Sludge]

the front engine/suspension crossmember is different between 2wd and 4wd. you'll have to grind all the rivets out of yours and a donor 2wd and bolt the 2wd crossmember into your truck (not fun).

the mainshaft is different between 2wd and 4wd transmissions...and to replace that requires the entire transmission to be disassembled. your best bet would be to swap in a 2wd trans.

but...why not just lower the 4wd and make it AWD?

[feellnfroggy]

Does that mean I cant offer to swap him my 2wd setup from '92 ranger for his 4x4 setup?/

[Wicked_Sludge]

you can. but my point was its not worth it.

plus you would both still need to find appropriate transmissions since yours arent compatible.

[fordxranger]

Originally Posted by Wicked_Sludge

the front engine/suspension crossmember is different between 2wd and 4wd. you'll have to grind all the rivets out of yours and a donor 2wd and bolt the 2wd crossmember into your truck (not fun).

the mainshaft is different between 2wd and 4wd transmissions...and to replace that requires the entire transmission to be disassembled. your best bet would be to swap in a 2wd trans.

but...why not just lower the 4wd and make it AWD?

I'm pulling the front and rear axles from the explorer and using them in my 89 ranger. Since the explorer wouldn't have a front axle and the rear axle from my 89 would be put in it. So I thought I'd make it a 2wd cause I don't really want to junk it after I rape it of its axles. Also in my area I rarely come across any 2wd explorers so I thought it would be cool to make one from the parts truck. Not to mention I already have the existing truck. After hearing this though I may hold off on it or just sas it or find another d35 to throw back in it. It's gonna be hard to get a hold of a 2wd crossmember for cheap cause the Pull-a-part in my area won't let me bring in a cordless grinder. thanks for the info though guys.