4x4 to 4x2 comparison, differences?

[Natedog]

On my 87 Rangers one is 4x4 and the other is 4x2, which of the following parts are different? Tie-rods and ends, steering box (I know pitman arm is different, but what about the box itself?), brake calipers, front and rear springs?

 

[baddis]

tie rods i am not sure steering box is the same calipers are a maybe along with the front springs rear are the same just with a 2 inch block added

 

[Natedog]

Cool, how bout the brake master cylinder?

 

[baddis]

masters are the same unless the 4x4 is an stx. wtf is up with a $62 difference in prices between 4x4 and stx 4x4?

 

[Natedog]

More good news that I can use alot of my new parts off my old truck on my new old truck.

 

[Jspafford]

Only difference on the steering box is the pitman arm. The 4x4 has a slight drop in it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Only difference on the steering box is the pitman arm. The 4x4 has a slight drop in it.

I think the box itself is the same all the way up to the F-450.

 

[Jspafford]

It is, but the pitman arm will definatly need to be changed. The master cylinder will be the same also, as long as the years are the same.

 

[MAKG]

I suspect the steering linkage may be a (slightly) different length in that generation. If you look at how they are assembled, 4x2s tie rod ends go in from below, while 4x4 tie rod ends go in from above. I also believe that one can (usually) compensate for this with the toe adjusters.

 

[JohnnyU]

I don't believe that they are the same, but they are similar in size and the 250+ box can be put in a Ranger as an "upgrade".

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't believe that they are the same, but they are similar in size and the 250+ box can be put in a Ranger as an "upgrade".

Napa's website calls for the same power steering gearbox for the the Ranger up to the F-350 which is as high in the F-Series as they go.