4WD Ranchero using Ranger parts questions

[sgtlethargic]

I have a '61 Ranchero I'm considering making 4WD using Ranger parts or a whole chassis. I know very little about 4WD, and it'd mainly be for icy/snowy roads (not having to put chains on), not off-roading.

Will a V6 M5OD also bolt behind a 2.3L, or would I need a 2.3-specific one?

Would adapting a T5 to a transfer case be reasonable?

Thoughts on mounting a unibody on a frame?

Thanks,
Kurt

 

[Captain Ledd]

M5OD's all have bolt patterns specific to each engine. However, the internals are the same (4.0L's have slightly numerically lower ratios) and can be switched out with each other (2wd parts replaced with 4wd parts). You would need a 2.3L specific trans. 4x4 ready ones are a little harder to come by, but 2.3L 2wd tranny's are not, nor are 3.0L 4x4 tranny's. Both can be found easily. If you're clever, you can pawn off a good 2wd 3.0L tranny afterwards. The transfer-case output will be on the drivers side.

T5's can be used, it's MUCH MUCH easier to just use the whole Jeep assembly (T5 trans / Dana 300 T-case), but it will NOT be the world class trans, and won't quite have the smoothness or efficiency of a WC T5. But it does have deeper (deepest - compared to the Ranger tranny's) ratios and it'll hold up to a 2.3L for sure. The transfer-case output would be on the passenger side.

I always thought the Ranchero's had frames?

The front axle assembly is going to be tricky. IIRC those things are pretty narrow/small. Might even be easier to use a D30 from a Jeep? I'm just speculating, I have no idea how wide they are.

Not sure I see the logic on using a classic for snowy/icy roads, but I always preach about it being their own project, so more power to ya.

 

[5.0B2]

the ranchero has sub-frames(unibody) and the rails are wider than gen1 rangers and BII's. You might try later Rangers or Explorers. An SAS front with coil springs might be a good option.