1996 4x4 swap?

[ranger.danger]

I had the idea of converting my 1996 Ford Ranger to 4x4. Has 47,xxx miles 3.0L automatic, body is in excellent shape for the year it has XLT extended cab. I would like to get new front and rear axles, standard transmission and transfer case and possibly swap in Cummins 4bt. Could I get a list of things I would need or is it even possible?

 

[adsm08]

Go to the Explorer section. Snoranger is swapping a 4bt into his 95 Explorer. It won't be the same, but a lot of what he has there will help you.

Axles are axles, make them work.

If this truck is currently a 2wd I'd go with a solid axle up front. It will just be easier.

 

[ranger.danger]

Are there any differences between the 2wd and 4x4 frames?

 

[adsm08]

Yes. The C-member under the engine slings lower on the 2wd and the front of the frame is narrower.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Buy another 1996 Ranger the same body style as yours but with 4wd.

Sell what you don't need, clean up the frame, swap body parts over.

Converting is a neat idea, but when you really get down to swapping parts on/off of the frames, it's just too much work and way too much can be done incorrectly resulting in you getting seriously injured/dying or someone else getting seriously injured /dying. The stock route that is, it's actually quite involved.

It is easier to use a solid axle up front, but you need a lot of lift to accomplish this, at the LEAST 4-5" over stock.

Unless you know exactly what you're doing, swap the frames. You'll end up with a plenty nice product if you clean it up good. And you'll be able to drive your truck in the mean time.

As for the diesel swap, that's a whole 'nother ball game, and one I don't have the time to type out (again) at this juncture in time.

 

[Snoranger]

I would SAS (solid axle swap, in case you didnt know.) it, if your lookin to lift it. You'll need at least 4" of lift with most SAS's to clear the crossmember. If you just want a 4x4 at or near stock height, a frame swap, or sell it and buy a 4x4 are the best options.

As far as a Cummins swap, check out my thread and look for Dave's truck (Cummins_Ranger). He did a 4bt swap on his 94 2WD (same chassis as yours).


<- There's the 4Bt thats going into my Explorer!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to ditch the factory RBV axles anyway if you are planning on a Cummins swap.

 

[straycat]

I had the idea of converting my 1996 Ford Ranger to 4x4. Has 47,xxx miles 3.0L automatic, body is in excellent shape for the year it has XLT extended cab. I would like to get new front and rear axles, standard transmission and transfer case and possibly swap in Cummins 4bt. Could I get a list of things I would need or is it even possible?

Use the search function, this has been brought up a bunch of times. A few of the members have done it. It is a lot of work and you need to know what you are doing (welding work required, torch work required).