2WD to 4wd converion of '92 Ranger with '88 BII parts.

[rambleford]

My how things change. I was getting ready to swap a 351C into my '92 Ranger but thats on hold (for now), because my son rolled and totaled my 1988 Bronco II this weekend. The drivetrain is good on the BII but the body is a total loss. I would like to possibly swap the front and rearends from the BII into the Ranger and convert it to 4WD. I know I'll have to locate a trans and transfer case for the 3.0 5-speed since the BII was a 2.9 auto, and the rearend is a fairly simple swap, but my main questions are whether or not there are differences in the year model frames or in the mounting points of the frontend that would cause issues? Also the BII was shift on the fly and since the Ranger isn't 4wd can the electricals be changed over to the shift on the fly, or should I get a manual shift transfer case? If I were to use a manual xfer case, what year/ type would be recommended? Thanks in advance for the help guys.

 

[BlackBII]

I would go with a manual Tcase, it will be much simpler and more reliable. Other wise you'd have add all the wiring and the module, not fun IMO

The Rangers engine cross member will need to changed out if your going from 2wd to 4wd. Not sure if you could use the BII's or not. (drop bracket issues)

So, really, all you would be swapping is the axles? And then get a Junkyard 3.0 tranny and manual Tcase?

While you do it, you may as well get a Dana 35 front axle, as the BII will have a D28...and the Ranger could have a 8.8 in it already, rather than the BII's 7.5

Not trying to make the BII sound worthless lol