2wd to 4wd conversion

[nb11]

I have a 2003 ranger xl reg. Cab with a 2.3 manual. What all will I need to turn it into a 4wd, besides the obvious parts? I know a lot of people will say it's not worth it, but i enjoy tinkering with things and would much rather build it myself than buy a new truck. Thanks.

 

[adsm08]

You need a new truck. It's not like the older TTB trucks. The IFS ones are completely different up front. Different springs, different control arms, different crossmembers. The trans is different.

By the time you have put all the parts together you have probably paid out more than buying a 4x4.

 

[nb11]

That's not what I wanted to hear lol. So there's pretty much no chance? What about a 2003-ish frame swap?

 

[adsm08]

If you swap frames with a 4x4 it will grab you most of the stuff you need.

Trans will still be an issue.

 

[Captain Ledd]

That's not what I wanted to hear lol. So there's pretty much no chance? What about a 2003-ish frame swap?

That'd have a good chance at working. Probably the cleanliest route too.

 

[nb11]

So what to do about a transmission? Can I just use the transmission from the donor frame? I assume if that's the case my engine will be compatable and just fit right in. If not, I wouldn't mind an upgrade to 3.0 or larger. Also, what year frames will be compatable? In other words, the older I find the cheaper it'll be so how early can I go?

 

[gribly]

So you are essentially saying you're gonna drop your cab on a different truck. I believe that generation of Ranger 4wd only came in an extended cab, so even that wouldn't even work. Sorry to say, but you're going to have to just cut off all the original suspension and swap in a solid axle.

 

[Bennybooster]

Sorry to say, but you're going to have to just cut off all the original suspension and swap in a solid axle.

Awesome haha, its funny cause its true

 

[The_Dealer]

if u arent going to run big tires(over 35, or over 33's locked) i say go with a high pinion dana 30 out of an xj or tj. will be alot easier and then get a 4wd trans and tcase

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

if u arent going to run big tires(over 35, or over 33's locked) i say go with a high pinion dana 30 out of an xj or tj. will be alot easier and then get a 4wd trans and tcase

hes right.