2wd to 4x4 swap

[backyard productions]

I am trying to turn my 96 ranger from a 2wd to a 4x4. I have a front axle from a 94 to go under it. But when I try to bolt the I beam brackets into my frame they aren't matching up like the did under the 94 4x4. Was wondering y they weren't working like I thought they would.

 

[Snoranger]

They wont match up, the 2wd and 4wd crossmembers are different. To do it right, you have to pull the engine, cut the crossmember out (on both trucks), then swap the donor crossmember into your truck.

 

[backyard productions]

yeah thats what i was hoping i wouldnt hear. is there any other way to make it work

 

[Snoranger]

Build your own brackets to mount the 4wd beams to the 2wd crossmember. Make sure they are extremely strong and mount the beams exactly where they need to be.

 

[4.0B2]

start fabbing!
you can make it work... but in the end, is it really that much harder to just swap the crossmembers and have it bolt up? think about it...

 

[Dan B.]

Not to hijack.....but I'm about to do the same on a 1990 2wd to 4wd swap. Will the arms swap right in place or do I have to yank a crossmember like the fella above?? If so...it's not a problem since I'm dropping a 302 anyhow and will have the front gutted.

Thanks.

 

[daniel3507]

Probably have to swap cross members also. It may be easier just to do a solid axle swap

 

[Snoranger]

Yes all TTB rangers use different crossmembers 2wd vs 4wd.

E

 

[Captain Ledd]

I ended up deciding on a frame swap on mine. Scored a 1997 4x4 std cab, short bed donor.

I guess I could just do an engine swap and drive the donor truck, but I like the color on mine better. Plus it gives me a chance to go completely through the 4x4 frame first before I.. well, swap bodies.

 

[marauderx]

+1 on the frame swap...

 

[Dan B.]

I read tons of posts on my search that said a SAS was easier. But I have ALL the pieces for a 2wd to 4wd swap along with the matching gear sets and it will cost me nothing versus buying all the stuff for a SAS swap. I was going use use my 4wd/302 truck and just do a D35/8.8 upgrade but my donor truck for the cab/bed is from down south and the frame is CLEAN, fuel tank is good, all the brake lines are clean.....it has way more plus's than does my 24yr old Pennsylvania 4wd that has been clubbed in the salt and coal yards for a long time.

So a crossmember swap is no biggy to me.....I have a twin post lift in the garage to lift off cabs, cranes to pull motors, more cut off wheels than you can imagine and I LOVE to weld. Sounds like a perfect project to me!

 

[backyard productions]

well i have managed to used both of the stock 4x4 brackets ( with some minor modification). an some help from a plasma cutter to the frame on the driver side. but for the most part it hasnt been to bad of a job to do. now i just need to sell some parts of another donor truck so i can buy more parts for mine lol.

 

[mp3deviant721]

well i have managed to used both of the stock 4x4 brackets ( with some minor modification). an some help from a plasma cutter to the frame on the driver side. but for the most part it hasnt been to bad of a job to do. now i just need to sell some parts of another donor truck so i can buy more parts for mine lol.

Gotta see pics on how this was done. Sounds very interesting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[treeguy]

Here is a link to my project when I did a 4x4 swap to a 2wd frame. Feel free to ask any questions. Link: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76297

 

[backyard productions]

Haven't taken alot of pics. Cuz honestly I have not a clue if its really gunna work out right. That an I haven't figured out how to post pics on here from my phone