1998 Ranger 2.5L 2wd wants to be 4wd

[ThrottleJunky]

I posted this in the transmission thread also because I am really asking about tranny and t/c. Thanks:

I'm new here and I figured that this was the place to go for a project that is on my mind.

I have a 1998 2.5L Ranger 2wd with the Mazda M5OD-R1. I am thinking of mounting a hi-pinion Dana 44 and clearanced Dana 60 in rear with 5.38 gears and 37-38" skinny tires.

I would like to know what tranny/transfer case options that I might have without going to an Atlas. Also if I can go with a stock ranger 4wd t/c (strength?questionable or not?) will I be able to bolt it to the rear of my transmission or will I have to swap out main shafts?

Is there other transmissions with lower first gear that will work with the 2.5L bellhousing bolt pattern?

Guys I appreciate your time and I will have more questions to come.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Well, The tail shaft is different between a 2wd and a 4wd. The Ranger transfer case is pretty tough, there are people running them behind v-8s.
You could run a divorced NP205 behind the 2wd trans but, they are really heavy and don't have a very good low gear.
I would use the stock trans and replace the output shaft with one from a 4wd and use a Ranger transfer case.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

Well, The tail shaft is different between a 2wd and a 4wd. The Ranger transfer case is pretty tough, there are people running them behind v-8s.
You could run a divorced NP205 behind the 2wd trans but, they are really heavy and don't have a very good low gear.
I would use the stock trans and replace the output shaft with one from a 4wd and use a Ranger transfer case.

I second that idea.

The BW 1354 is a good case. Plus you can always do a doubler conversion on it.

 

[77'cj7]

I'd probably go with a stock case, a 1354 manual if you can find one. If you absolutely need the 4.0 low range, but still want to use the truck on the street, I would try to mate up a NP241OR jeep case. Tough as hell, and still great street wise. Atlas's tend to be a PITA on the street, and have a hell of a price tag.