2WD to 4wd conversion questions

[birdbrainK8]

Hi Folks, I've been a visitor to TRS for about a year and decided to jump in. Everyone here is very friendly and helpful.

I'm interested in putting in a Dana 30 front axle and just enough lift to level it out. Daily driver/Weekend wheeler.

Escort_gts, Truck of the month winner was nice enough to answer a couple questions then suggested I post a new thread and get other people's advice also.

I have a 1997 Ranger extended cab, 4.0, 2WD, Automatic transmission (5R55E).

Question 1) Is there a transfer case that will bolt up to this tranny?
BW 1354? for example?
2)Do I need to find a different auto trans?
3) Escort_gts suggested a manual transmission. Is manual my BEST option?
Thanks for your input.

 

[daniel3507]

Welcome to TRS! You have a nice looking truck there. You will need a 4wd transmission since a t case wont bolt up to the 2wd ones. Im not sure what t case would be good but someone else on here will know. As far as the auto or manual thing, if you prefer to keep with the automatic, go with the automatic. In my opinion you should go with whatever is most enjoyable to drive. If you dont get a lot of answers here try posting up in another section. It can sometimes be hard to get answers in the intro section. Looking forward to seeing the truck after the axle swap!

 

[4.0B2]

welcome!

find a trans from a 4wd.. either auto or manual. its up to you. a lot of the people here like to say Manuals are the only way to go...but its a personal thing. both have their perks.

i THINK you can actually convert your 2wd trans to a 4wd trans w/ the right output shaft and rear housing. idk for sure now... what i'd do is find a trans and t/case and buy it. look for the 1354m if you can find one. its a manual version instead of the electric one. also, if you need to... use a bw1350 t/case. its the "slightly" weaker version..but Dustin beat on his hard in his b2 and didn't break it. so if you end up w/ a bw1350m instead of the 4, i wouldn't sweat it to much.

 

[birdbrainK8]

Thanks guys! That gives me a great place to start. I like the idea of moving this to a section other than the "introduction" section. Still getting used to how TRS website works.

Thanks again.