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

[treeguy]

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.

I searched for your thread & couldn't locate it . . . I would really like to have a look at it. Thanks

 

[AllanD]

The rivets that "hold the crossmember in" aren't intended to hold
the crossmember in place.

Rather, they serve as a disposable fastened that holds everything in
place until the crossmember is WELDED into position.

converting a 2wd to 4x4 is one of those jobs where if you need to ask
about how to do it it's something you shouldn't attempt.

IF you did have the necissary equipment (this job is big on equipment)
and skills (even bigger on skills) you'd simply do it...

Not trying to be partronizing or insulting just trying to advise you to avoid biting into a job you can't finish once you've started.

IF the truck has sentimental value start with a complete 4x4 roller frame.

AD

 

[Natedog]

I searched for your thread & couldn't locate it . . . I would really like to have a look at it. Thanks

Coulnd't find it myself either...at first....here ya go:

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166


and yeah it's kinda like AllanD said.... If you decide to do it anyways, please post up your progress.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

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 . . . .

Well, you are down the the frame, rear axle and body of your truck that you would use to convert to 4x4. The frame requires work anyway, and the rear axle is negligable... which means the only thing really left is the body.

Now that you blew up the engine, you are running out of reasons not to do a body swap IMO

 

[treeguy]

I found a cheap donor engine !!! Woohooo !! BTW the donor 4WD has serious electrical issues & I hate figuring out electrical crap ! SO it's on with the swap the hard way !!

 

[treeguy]

Natedog or MichiganLarry did you use the 2wd ECU or the 4WD ecu ? Did you switch over the dash too so you could have the appropriate dash lights while in 4WD ? Just some quick dumb questions . . . I am leaning towards the 4WD ECU, any other electrical parts that were swapped also ? Thanks !

 

[MichiganLarry]

Natedog or MichiganLarry did you use the 2wd ECU or the 4WD ecu ? Did you switch over the dash too so you could have the appropriate dash lights while in 4WD ? Just some quick dumb questions . . . I am leaning towards the 4WD ECU, any other electrical parts that were swapped also ? Thanks !

I left the ecu (known to be good) from the 2wd in the truck. I wouldn't think it would matter from 2wd to 4wd although someone here correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Downey]

^^^ just run a manual tcase 1000xs more reliable i hate that electric shit

 

[Natedog]

Natedog or MichiganLarry did you use the 2wd ECU or the 4WD ecu ? Did you switch over the dash too so you could have the appropriate dash lights while in 4WD ? Just some quick dumb questions . . . I am leaning towards the 4WD ECU, any other electrical parts that were swapped also ? Thanks !

Don't know if ecu is different but I used a 4x4 unit since my stockers were all for a4ld auto trans junk. The 4x4 light is in the middle of the dash if you take it out and shine a light from the backside with the bulbs out. I didn't ad the wiring for it, cause I have a manual shift tcase (scrapped the electric one, hate electric crap it fails at worst times) I just look down at the lever if I forget what range I'm in.

I did all kinds of re-wiring, adding/removing wires and moving them on the ecu plug because I was going from 2wheel drive auto trans to 4x4 m5r1 manual trans and manual tcase! But it was all worth it!

 

[treeguy]

I am fortunate as both vehicles are 5-speeds & I prefer to shift. So I was mainly concerned about the ECU issues, but on a Merkur forum it was recommended that I use the Ranger ECU . . . the jury is out on using the Merkur 2.9L air intake (dual) or sticking with the Ranger air intake . . . any ideas or concerns let me know! Thanks guys for all your input ! Keep it up !

 

[treeguy]

I am not sure how to figure out if the rear axle is the same on the 2WD vs the 4WD, both have stamped (if you are looking at the rear diff from the front) E77W AA at the 9 or 10 o'clock position . . . is this the right stamp to look at ??

 

[MichiganLarry]

I swapped the axle in because it had bigger brakes and was a different ratio.

 

[treeguy]

That makes sense . . . thanks Michiganlarry didn't consider the increase in brake drum diameter as of yet !!

 

[treeguy]

Today I pulled the axles & noticed the 4WD axle is MUCH heavier. I observed the breather tube was all but missing on the 4WD axle and crammed with dirt (should I gut the axle to clean out any dirt or flush with solvent ?) and noticed oil seepage from the outer pinion side where the drive shaft mates up to the rear diff should I replace that outer pinion seal or is something more serious?
I looked at the transfer case and noticed that oil was seeping where the two cases come together . . . do I need to split the cases and reseal it too ? Thanks for any input !!
One more thing . . . did the 1988-1992 4WD rangers have functional ABS or any form of ABS ?

 

[xtreameracer]

on the axel i would clean the tube out and change the oil. you might as well replace any seal that is leaking and change the fluids . it will just be easyer and make less work in the long run.