4x4 to 2x4 tailshaft swap

[ModifiedT]

Hey Guys, I'm building a modified T hotrod and have just acquired a 98 ranger 4cyl 5 speed to use in it. The transmission is a 4wd and I was wondering how realistic it is to change out tailshaft housings with a 2wd? You wouldn't believe how tricky it is to find a 2wd trans here in Colorado! Thanks for all your help!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Quite a few have gone the other way as the 2.3l m5od-r1 4x4 is pretty rare. I wish you were closer, I'd trade you. I wonder what shipping the left over parts would cost to Red Deer, AB, Canada. Scratch that, I have another trans I can rob parts from.

 

[ModifiedT]

Thanks, after looking at the pics of the two side by side I thought it might be possible. Know anything about the gear ratio differences if any?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Lower 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the 2.3 trans compared to the rest.

 

[adsm08]

The speed gears and all that such are the same from 2wd to 4x4.

The output shaft is different. It has to be replaced with the correct one from a 2wd, in addition to swapping the 4x4 extension housing for a 2wd tail stock.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

https://therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?p=100093#post100093

https://www.therangerstation.com/how-to/transmission-transfer-case-driveshaft/mazda-transmission-disassembly-under-field-conditions/

https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/pdf_documents/ford_m5od_manual_transmission_shop_manual.pdf

 

[turbo91xlt]

Also note, there were no factory '98+ 4 cyl 4wd rangers so verify what trans you have 1st before tearing things up. The 4 cyl m5od will have the starter mounted on the passenger side of the trans.