1997 4WD M5R2 2WD Conversion questions

[Fiveowen]

Hi, I have a 1988 ranger with a 302 swap, the original Mitsubishi FM146 took a dump on me and I decided to go the M5R2 route. I picked up a 4wd unit with 41,000 miles on it in super good shape out of a 1997 4.2 f150, I cannot find an adapter to the original transfer case and I did pick up a BW1356 but quickly realized it was way too big to fit and was going to eat too far into the budget. I’m thinking about buying a 2wd tailshaft and main shaft and converting my 4wd trans into 2wd but it seems daunting. I’m looking for any info on performing that conversion and/or any other options I could go with… I eventually want to have 4wd again but I’m okay with 2wd for a bit just need the truck back on the road. Thank you, Owen.

 

[don4331]

If I were you, I'd find a 4406 transfer case - much smaller the 1356, but has correct splines/bolt pattern.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, that, they're behind the same F150's so '97 to '03, would have to deal with drivelines though.

It's more than just the tailhousing that would need to change, would need to near completely pull it apart to change the output shaft.

 

[Mechrick]

Manual shift 4406 is the way to go. When I did mine, I used a NP208 and notched the frame. I wish I would have went the 4406 route.

Custom shafts will be needed, you only need one to get you on the road.

Once you figure out the length needed, sometimes you can go to the wrecking yard with a tape measure and find something that will work. I once used a driveshaft off a Crown Vic cop car on an F150 that happened to be the correct length after swapping in a longer transmission. Shafts are shafts, doesn't matter what they came off of. There are conversion joints available to mate yokes and pinions.

 

[Shran]

NP205 will fit and you can twin stick those but they are noisy, clunky and very heavy.