ditching the rest of the 4x4 components

[TT50hmygod]

I just got a Ranger today with a 5.0/AOD swap done to it. The transfercase and front drive shaft are long gone. It still has the 4x4 front axle and the lift kit which I want to get rid of as well. If I get the 2wd front beams can I swap this to a full 2wd setup?

The twin turbo setup on a 5.0 seems better suited for a 2wd. Truck makes too much power to be stable. I want to bring it down to stock height of a 2wd

 

[4x4junkie]

The 2WD Ranger suspension I don't think would fit, but 2WD Explorer or Bronco II stuff I know will work.

You will need the pivot bracket for the 2WD passengerside beam, as this one is different from your 4x4 bracket. Unfortunately this alone doesn't change the ride height, but it should be possible to lower it 1-2 inches through standard means.

2WD Rangers use a radically different frame crossmember. To fully convert yours to be like a Ranger 2WD would mean swapping of this crossmember. It's a lot of work.

 

[AllanD]

I just got a Ranger today with a 5.0/AOD swap done to it. The transfercase and front drive shaft are long gone. It still has the 4x4 front axle and the lift kit which I want to get rid of as well. If I get the 2wd front beams can I swap this to a full 2wd setup?

The twin turbo setup on a 5.0 seems better suited for a 2wd. Truck makes too much power to be stable. I want to bring it down to stock height of a 2wd

Actually a typical 4x4 even at stock 4x4 ride height is MORE stable than a same year 2wd.

You might wonder about that but you are ignoring an important
factor... Track width.

Lowering the truck doesn't make up for the narrower width.

Trust me, I went the other way, from a well tuned 2wd
with a 2.9 to a 4.0 4x4 and the 4x4 actually corners BETTER
than the 2wd did.

How similar were the two trucks? it was the SAME truck,
I converted it to 4x4.

BTW, if you have a D28 NOW you'll really want a '95-97 TTB front end, the dana 35 is wider than the D28 and the '95-97's come with the better two piston brakes. (it's what I'm running)

Frankly if I were you I'd be looking to get a 4x4 AOD trans
(5.0 F-150 of Bronco) and bolting a 5.0 AWD explorer T-case
in there...

think about a that 5.0TT with AWD....

Now I'd also be recommending swapping in an Explorer axle
in the back... again it's a track width thing wider is better.

you want stable? Go wide.

AD

 

[fordtrucknut77]

a V8 twin turbo all wheel drive ranger would be NASTYYYYYYYYYYY thats IF you could ever keep axle shafts and ring and pinions in it. A short wide tire all the way around an HOLD ON TIGHTTTT

 

[dangerranger83]

Put D60 under it, they will hold up to it.

 

[TT50hmygod]

I know where there are a set of matching D60's from a late 70's F350 for $600. So I could have those cut down a little and install the 4x4 AOD with the explorer AWD transfercase. Then it would be the driveshafts or the trans/transfercase that would break.

It would be nice but A bit out of range right now. My car has priority once I have the Ranger running good.

 

[4x4junkie]

The 8.8" and D35 should be fine running an AWD setup behind the 5.0L.
Only big thing to make sure of though is that the front suspension (axle) sits perfectly level at ride height so that there is no angle on the center axle u-joint, otherwise you might notice a slight vibration from it at speed on the highway.

And yes, the 4x4 axles are wider, which does greatly increase stability over that of the 2WD stuff.

 

[tanbuddy]

When u turn its gonna lurch from the u joints in the knuckles. You ll need cvs or a double u joint in there

 

[TT50hmygod]

Ok I guess I should have made it clear. The AWD setup is more of a joke then a plan. I just want a stable ride when I drive the truck. AWD would be years away IF it even happens.

I'm well aware of the driveline angle rule for driveline vibration. I went to UTI and worked at an off road shop that did alot of Jeeps before geting a job working on heavy equipment for the Government.

As far as the 4x4 being more stable, I agree that wider is better but the 4x4 being more stable then 4x2 is questionable. For the sake of discussion I agree that your wider 4x4 axle would be a more stable footprint since it is wider. However a lowered vehicle is more stable then a higher vehicle if the axle width is the same. Otherwise LeMans would be 4x4 and not lowered sports cars. If I had a lowered 4x4 I would have the best of both worlds. A wide footprint and the lower center of gravity. Weight shifts alot on the corners so the higher a vehicle the more the suspension has to work to counter the weight shift. If I lower it and maintain the width I would reduce weight transfer and help balance weight side to side. It's simple physics. Afgue all you want but science wins.

 

[JohnnyO]

A 2wd Bronco II front end would be the easiest swap because it was designed to be used with the same frame, etc. They even had a dummy t-case behind the tranny so they wouldn't have to use a different driveshaft.
They're not real common in my part of the country where a 2wd SUV makes as much sense as a screen door on a submarine, maybe better luck where you live.

 

[BOL]

I want the lift off it! what kind is it?

 

[TT50hmygod]

Don't know. Something small like 3"? it is springs in the front and blocks in the rear. Was on the truck when last owner bought it. clears 31x10.50 but with a little triming and proper back spacing I think 32x11.50 would fit nicely.

This truck is on the back burner until I figure out what I want to do with it. It needs work and I hate the '88 and older front so first thing is an updated front end. I'm also debating taking off the twin turbos and running it all motor for now. I have a purpose built drag car I need to finish before I go crazy with this one.

As for selling the lift kit it would have to be local pickup or meet half way (in AZ or SoCal only) since shipping the parts would be a fortune. I was Prescott High Class of '94 by the way. I could justify a trip up there but it will have to wait. I will post a for sale thread when it comes time to tear into the front. Until then the truck stays together.

 

[dangerranger83]

You hate the looks of the first gen....why? They look the best!!!!!

As for twin turbos, that seems like a bit much IMO.