2WD to 4WD 95 Ranger

[wgb]

I have a '95 2WD Ranger with manual transmission that I am considering changing to 4WD using a '69 Bronco Dana 35 front axle. I also have a '90 Ranger manual transmission mated to the transfer case. My question is: Can I put the transfer case off the '90 on my '95 transmission, or does the 4WD use a different transmission output shaft? I can install the whole '90 transmission and transfer case unit, but I know the condition of my '95 trans, and I know nothing about the condition of the '90 trans, although it came from a running truck (which I never drove).

 

[RonD]

2WD transmissions have longer output shaft, so no, a 2WD trans can't be bolted to transfer case
You can disassemble both transmissions, if they are the same model, and swap output shafts, and tail shaft housings

If 4WD trans/transfer case is from a 2.9l Ranger 4x4 then you don't want to use that transmission(FM146) in any case and can't swap output shaft

The transfer case is fine to use

The 1990 and up manuals are M5OD-R1(M5R1) models(but not from 2.9l 4WD)and have an integrated bellhousing, its part of the main case so can't be removed/swapped
This means each M5R1 was made for a specific engine size/bolt pattern, 2.3l, 3.0l or 4.0l in these years
If 1990 trans was from same size engine as the 1995 then it can be used, if not then it can't be used


The front frame on a 2WD Ranger should be "boxed" for use as a 4WD, the Ranger 4WD frames were boxed
4WD conversions is all about the MEASURING, the new brackets for the front axle must be in the PERFECT position to get 4 wheel alignment

 

[wgb]

Thanks Ron. I will check the transmission bolt pattern before proceeding, but I'm pretty sure the '90 had the 4L engine.
I had noticed that the 2WD and 4WD use a different front cross member, and really didn't want to try to remove the 4WD cross member, even though I did keep the 4WD TTB axle assembly out of the '90. Since I also have the Dana 35 (from my running '69 Bronco) I hope to use it. I'm not looking for rock crawler or extreme off-roading, but here in Arizona there are often very sandy stretches on many of the two track back roads.

 

[RonD]

Yes, 2WD and 4WD Rangers have different front frames, 4WD wasn't an "option" that was added when building the vehicle
A 4WD Ranger build started with 4WD frame on the assembly line