2wd into a 4wd . . . not sure how to start . .

[Captain Ledd]

Ahhhemmmm . . . ummmm what do you refer to when you say "set up wrong" . . . it sounds very scary to this newbie !!!!

There's more to a TTB system than I can type in one evening.

If you're keeping it factory, there is signifigantly less to go wrong. It's just that certain angles need to be correct or the system can induce strange tire wear or in some cases (almost always the modified versions) the whole suspension can "ride up" and point you skyward.

All of it deals with angles and arcs. But since you're staying stock, you don't have to worry about that too much.

Best thing to do is start reading anything you can find about TTB's and how they work (this site is a fantastic resource). There will be some people complaining about them (tire wear or other things) but it's because things are out of adjustment or proper specs (like every other vehicle out there). Get it reasonably straight in your garage and take it to a credible repair shop. That should be the end of any issues providing they do their job.

My '97 has nearly 200,000 on it. I've only had 2 sets of tires on it, neither had strange wear, steering, or anything.

I gotta be honest though, I can't say I'd ever suggest a swap like this to a newbie unless he has some very knowledgeable friends.

 

[MichiganLarry]

In order to get the new crossmember in, you need to spread the frame rails wide enough. I'd imagine at least the cab and all the front mounts would need to come off, it might be ok with the bed on.

It can certainly be done, I'm going the new crossmember route with my swap as well. It's just a real pain in the ass way to get 4wd .

You don't have to spread anything. After cutting the welds a bfh will get the pieces out. The frame has different boxing from 2wd to 4wd. You have to take everything off the frame from the cab forward INSIDE the engine bay from both trucks then move the engine crossmembers and the "box" portions of the 4wd truck over to the 2wd frame.

 

[treeguy]

Ohhhhhh okay thanks CaptainLedd & MichiganLarry . . . that makes some sense . . . ha I almost was sweating bricks over that one !!! Thanks a bunch !! Larry what lift kit did you use ?

 

[MichiganLarry]

Ohhhhhh okay thanks CaptainLedd & MichiganLarry . . . that makes some sense . . . ha I almost was sweating bricks over that one !!! Thanks a bunch !! Larry what lift kit did you use ?

I bought a Rough Country 4" lift. I was very easy to install while making the swap. All the bolt holes lined right up. At the advice of the buy I bought it from I put 2" welds along the seams where the lift and the original parts come together. We put 31,s on the truck and we all love the way it sets. Not crazy high but you deffinately know it is lifted. I will try to take a pic of it tonight and post it up.

 

[Natedog]

I bought a Rough Country 4" lift. I was very easy to install while making the swap. All the bolt holes lined right up. At the advice of the buy I bought it from I put 2" welds along the seams where the lift and the original parts come together. We put 31,s on the truck and we all love the way it sets. Not crazy high but you deffinately know it is lifted. I will try to take a pic of it tonight and post it up.

Sounds nice, waiting for pics.

 

[treeguy]

Cool would love to see the pics . . .

 

[MichiganLarry]

Here ya go. Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics.

I like it!!

 

[dixie_boysles]

well lift it, lock the rearend.....just an idea..still not 4x4, but better than a regular 2wd

 

[MichiganLarry]

well lift it, lock the rearend.....just an idea..still not 4x4, but better than a regular 2wd

It IS a 4wd now.

We swapped all the drivetrain and crossmembers out of an 88 into this!

 

[treeguy]

I like the amount of lift . . . I will save for a 4inch lift . . . very nice btw . . . !!

 

[feellnfroggy]

Treeguy, Why dont you build the 89 you found? If your 90 is in such great shape as you say, why take the chance of ruining it? You can find 4x4's on craigslist for 4-900 bucks all day long. If you build a second truck, then who cares how reliable it is, you still have the 90 to drive. Also be careful who you take advise from, not everyone is as knowledgable as we like to sound. You will learn with time who the experienced ones are. But when you get two different sets of advice like you have here, DO YOU OWN RESEARCH.

There is a tech library that eveyrone seems to forget about with proven and updated methods for EVERYTHING.

I personally recomend the SAS (solid axle swap) There is someone in the classfieds selling an 8.8 and dana 44 for a good price. And jeep parts also are a dime a dozen on craigslist. There more than a few members in washington as well than can help you out if needed.

 

[treeguy]

The donor truck has a lot of issues, the body is rough, the color is gross, and it has some electrical issues with it. I am not too keen on trying to trouble shoot an electrical problem . . . I am still debating & reading everything I can on this swap. FeelinFroggie thanks for your input !

 

[Natedog]

Here ya go. Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics.

I like it!!

Looks good, just enough lift.

Treeguy,

Read my thread where I converted by swapping frames/bodies, I was in a similar situation as you. I've got several other threads that I started that relate to alll the problems that I had while doing this in my driveway.

 

[MichiganLarry]

Thanks for all the positive replies. Still have a couple small issues to sort out but we are happy with the results. 2 great things happened I got to spend more quality time with my sons and the younger boy ends up with a nice truck for not a lot of money. Next project will be a paint job. Thinking about going solid maroon.

 

[treeguy]

CRAP . . . I was sorting out the engine issues in the '90 because it quit all at once. So, I started to tear into it a few days ago and I suspected timing was off . . . so I checked it and noticed at #1 cylinder it had very low compression. I replaced all spark plugs & wires & it fired up this afternoon. It screeched real good & so I had an epiphany and pulled the dipstick and voila lots of metal shavings + oil !!!! I feel conflicted . . . happy I solved the problem !! But crap gotta put something else in there Sooo . . . will probably check the compression on the donor ranger 4wd engine (it does have new heads ) and see what i get for numbers . . . .