1997 ranger 4.0 auto

[Fireman]

The 2wd transmission went out in my truck and I was wondering how hard it would be to put a 4x4 in it will converting and just using it as a 2wd or if it will even work. Thank you

 

[97RangerXLT]

How much time and money do you want to throw at this?

because you are looking at a fair amount of both.

You will also need some fab skills and have the truck out of commission while you redo the front frame to accept either the TTB axles or a solid axle from another type of 4x4 such as a Jeep wrangler. you will need a transfer case with your new 4x4 transmission, you will need all of the linkage or electronics to make the transfer case work. you will have to basically gut the entire front end suspension and reconfigure for your new axle. This will involve some metal fab.

So, unless this is a truck that has real special meaning to you (belonged to a favorite dead relative, or the first time you went "all the way" with your current wife/ girlfriend and you can't bear the thought of getting rid of it, Or you really do want a major and costly project or just to say "I did it" your best bet is to look for a used 97 4x4 or find another 2wd tranny for it.

BTW, I love my 97 4x4 with the 4.0...even with the auto transmission. 97 is the last year of the TTB setup, which I believe is a far superior setup to the torsion bar and IFS 4x4s of the 98 and newer Rangers.

And welcome to TRS.

AJ

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

+1 to above post

4WD conversion is not practical for a 1997 Ranger 2WD, better to buy a 4x4 Ranger and swap engine and body over if that's the goal

And no for using 4WD automatic trans in 2WD vehicle, tail shafts don't match, and you have to do a full tear down to replace shaft, so also not practical

And just a "heads up", '95-'97 Rangers used 4R55E trans and the speed sensor is on tail shaft housing of 2WD transmission
1998 and up transmissions did NOT have that, so if looking for used trans you do need 1995-1997 4R55E, 1998 and up won't work and 5R55E won't either
Bell housing is also specific to 4.0l engine, so '95-'97 4.0l 2WD 4R55E are the only models that will work

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Could always hang a manual t-case on the 4x4 transmission it and get the corresponding driveshaft and then also be able to use 2low.