97 4x4 swap

[97_4x4_driver]

Hey guys I've had a 97 4x4 with a 4.0 and a manual transmission for a long time now. Been considering doing a V8 swap. I use the truck mostly as a beater and offroad. Was hoping for a little advice about the best way to go I see alot of kits online but they all say 2wd only. Thx in advance

 

[Uncle Gump]

If you click the Tech Library tab and select 1983 - 2011 rangers... there are several swaps to read up on.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS


Most people buy a 1996-2001 Ford Explorer or Merc Mountaineer with V8 engine, this gives you alot of the parts you will need, engine/trans and computer, they did come with AWD
The 302/5.0l engine fits in Ranger engine bay(19" wide), larger engines or OHC engines are much wider 25"-30"

You can swap in a regular 4WD transfer case, but not a Ranger transfer case, it won't hold up to V8 power

You can also used a 1997-2003 F-150 4.2l V6 manual transmission and transfer case if you don't want an automatic


Read here for more info: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/index-conversions.shtml