4x4 to 4x2 conversion

[cckc135r]

I know it may sound a little odd to do this conversion but I'm not into the 4x4 scene. I've got an 85 4x4 that is rust free and I'm looking at converting it to 2wd. The questions I have are once the TTB is removed what all is involved? Is the radius arm bracket the same on the 4x4 as the 4x2, is the engine cross member different, will the steering gear work on both? Any one done this before? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[t0x1k]

May I ask why not just not touch the 4x4 switch? The front ends are different on 4x4 and 4x2 models.

 

[cckc135r]

Yes, the front suspensions are very different and it's easy to see the differences....D28...Twin I beam....front driveshaft....no front driveshaft....transfer case....no transfer case.

Question is this, looking to remove all the 4wd components to install 2wd components. Will 2wd I beams mount where TTB components used to be? Are the upper shocks mounts the same from 4wd to 2wd?

At this point I don't have anything to compare to. I'm going to be picking up a donor soon but I thought I'd ask a few of the seasoned Ranger folks here what some of the differences are. If anybody has any information to pass on that would be great.

 

[bcost882]

no it is not bolt on. the crossmember that the ttb bolts to is diffrent 2wd to 4wd. this is as difficult as making a 2wd to 4wd. so you need the 2wd trans, driveshaft, crossmember, I-beams, radius arms. not sure about the shock mounts, but you would be better off to just buy a 2wd. you wont gain that much mpg, and the 4x4 will come in handy if you ever have a friend get stuck.

 

[ufgators68]

Why not just find someone, with a 2wd, to swap with?

Don't destroy a perfectly good 4x4.

 

[pontiacfieroguy]

ill trade you my 88 2wd 5spd 2.9l xcab even for it if you meet me half way

 

[Sunk]

The engine also bolts to the same crossmember the pivots bolt to, so you'll need to at least unbolt the motor, and lift it up enough to VERY carefully torch it out.

It's easier to just get a 2wd.

 

[canyoncritter]

a) trade my buddy rangers.has 2wd and wants 4wd.

b) full on equal lenth kit, from someone like threat, so you get all new pivot points.

c) explorer or B2 2wd beams and the brackets.