'02 Ranger 5.0 swap/ 4x2 to 4x4 conversion?

[BluJay614]

So I'm planning on doing a 302 swap out of an Explorer or Mountaineer, but I'm having a hell of a time finding my way around the issue of finding one that's 4x2 without running to a junk yard and pulling a Frankenstein between multiple vehicles. I don't care about needing to rebuild, I'm intending on doing that anyways. My concern is can I pull the drivetrain out of a 4x4 Explorer/Mountaineer and convert my 4x2 Ranger to a 4x4? Yes, I have coil springs, not torsion bars.

 

[rubydist]

Anything can be done, but that conversion is not realistic for most of us. It would be far better to find a 4x4 frame if you go that way.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Your options to convert the 2wd Ranger with coil springs to 4x4 would be to either get a 4x4 Ranger or cut all the factory suspension out and go straight axle in the front.

Most 302 equipped Explorers were AWD. If I understand things correctly, there are vehicles that used the 2wd version of the 4R70W, so you would just need the 2wd transmission and the Explorer engine and bits. Or use the Explorer 4x4 transmission and swap the AWD case for a regular transfer case and just leave the front driveshaft and stuff off. That doesn’t get you 4x4 but it gets you low range for a 2wd.

 

[SenorNoob]

2wd low is great for controlled backing trailers and up to docks...