2High, 2Low 4X2?? :icon_hornsup:

[Psychowolff]

I'm looking for opinions on a project for my Ranger. I have a 2000 Ext Cab, 126" wheel base, 5Spd, 5.3P (as in PINTS ) with 4:10 gearing. I want more low end torque for pulling a boat out of the water, car in a ditch, off road mud holes, Traffic jams Etc (not any 'real' offroading)

My Idea is this, swap out the rear suspention, drive shaft and transfer case from a 4X4 into my 2WD. Put on 225 / 235's or so, lift the front a bit and have a 2WD truck that has '2Low' gearing and with the new low end torque I could change the Rear 4:10 gears out for something a bit more 'Freeway Friendly!' AKA Better highway MPG

My concerns are 1. Will it mate to the 4banger 5Spd tranny? 2. Will there be a problem with the Ft seal in the transfer case leaking/ comming out because it isn't being used? 3. It sounds simple to do, but Nothing is as simple as it first sounds! (like Health Care Reform)

Thanks for all the Future good info and ideas!!

 

[MountainMike]

You are either going to need a 4x4 transmission or the 4x4 tail housing to mate the trans to the t-case. As for the leaking I think it should be alright but I don't know for sure.

 

[fastpakr]

Those 4.10 gears are PERFECT for a 2.3/2.5 on the highway. You aren't going to improve your fuel economy by raising them, but you will reduce available power.

 

[mongo]

really if you had the choise between 3.73 and 4.10 youd take the 4.10 for a dail driver?

 

[fastpakr]

Every day of the week.

 

[scotts90ranger]

should be a fairly straight forward swap, should be able to keep all your stock suspension, just get a transfer case and transmission from an older ranger (if manual, '88 up will work, if auto you might have to swap around some parts), the transfer case won't care that there isn't a front drive shaft. the only changes you will have to do will be a different rear drive shaft and a bigger hole in the floor.

 

[Psychowolff]

Thanks guys! I know of a Cash for Clunkers 4x4 that should be perfect for the swap! Now if I can only get the BRAND NEW tires and rims from the Explorer that was traded in too! LOL

Why are the 4:10 perfect for Highway use? I did notice that at ~70MPH is is only about 3K on the Tach, which isn't too bad.

After having posted this and looking around I Should have posted it in the 4x4 section, if any Mod see's this, could you move it for me?

 

[scotts90ranger]

yeah, but your're asking 2.3/2.5 drivetrain questions, it all works out...

after running my 31's and 4.10's I'd say they would be perfect with 235 75 15's, I liked the setup when I had 235 70 15's and 3.73's but knowing that 31's are a little much for 4.10's now, the 235 75's would be about right.

I have a transfer case I would donate to the cause once I pull it (the front output is about shot) but you're not exactly close...