Full size transfer cases

[MrRangerSir]

OK, it's part of my V8 swap. The V8 part is easy, but the transfer case gets tricky.

I believe the full size transfer cases that bolt up to, let's say a 4R70W are a little tight around the frame rails in a Ranger. Measuring my frame around the transfer case area says about 27" inside frame rails. I have an Exploder frame and I know it's about 7" wider than the Ranger at the back. Front appears identical. Looks like the clearance around the transfer case is around 29" inside frame rails. This has me thinking pros and cons of a frame swap. I've just about talked myself into this and yes, I'm ready and able to handle the fabbing I'll need to mount the body to the frame.

Any opinions as to how crazy I might really be?

 

[RangerSVT]

You can do that, but there are a few options besides that. The tcases that will bolt up with no mods needed to frame are the np 205, np 208, Dana 20 (with an adapter), and the atlas. The 4406 will be close, if you shift the trans mount to the passenger side about an inch, you should be able to run the 1345/1356...

SVT

 

[projectnitemare]

The NP205 will fit without cutting the frame. The NP208 will probably need shaved a bit and depending on your mounts possibly shaving a little of the lower frame but fits well. The borg warner fullsize cases are just too big in my opinion when there are other choices that fit. The dana 20 is a good case if you can find one anymore for a decent price, but the adapter is $600 if you want to use it. If you really want to adapt you can get an adapter for about that much to use the stock case as well.

 

[-Nathan-]

M5OD-R2 / BW 1356 in my 1993 Ford Ranger Reg Cab, short box

 

[projectnitemare]

Good work. That is the best fit i have ever seen on one of those cases.

 

[Snoranger]

I'd like to see how much of the frame had to be notched.

 

[-Nathan-]

none actually. I trimmed a 1/4 " initially, just to make things easier to install, but it wasnt necessary by any means.

not sure why people complain about these things being so big, theyre larger than a 1354 sure, but so are the axles/tranny/engines that we end up using, and we make those fit.

note that this pic shows the t case sitting on a stand, not in its placement. tcase is level with bottom of frame rails.

 

[simonsays]

I have pretty much the same setup and also didn't notch the frame just took the frame where the t case would hit and bent it down then ground back some of the webbing on the t case for more clearance.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

M5OD-R2 / BW 1356 in my 1993 Ford Ranger Reg Cab, short box

Do they normally require that extensive of a mount? What did you do for a linkage?

 

[-Nathan-]

absolutely not, normally they just hang off the back of the tranny. used the stock linkage.

I plan on jumping this thing on a regular basis, and build things to withstand the apocalypse, hence the additional tcase mount.

 

[projectnitemare]

All aside, if you don't want to notch or bend the frame at all; or have a boxed frame a 1356 isn't my 1st choice.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I plan on jumping this thing on a regular basis, and build things to withstand the apocalypse, hence the additional tcase mount.

It is a good looking mount.

All aside, if you don't want to notch or bend the frame at all; or have a boxed frame a 1356 isn't my 1st choice.

Fitment sounds/looks similar to an NP208, some require a little more butter to fit between the frame than others depending on trans placement.

 

[simonsays]

Holy over kill on the trans mount batman! my trans mount is no where near that extreme and trust me I jump the hell out of mine.
Best pics I can find right now, I'll need to get more.

 

[Snoranger]

Holy over kill on the trans mount batman! my trans mount is no where near that extreme

And which one of these doesnt have gear sticking out of it????? Thats right, the "overkill" one!

 

[simonsays]

And which one of these doesnt have gear sticking out of it????? Thats right, the "overkill" one!

Lol if the trans builder hadn't messed up and dropped a ball bearing into my case I wouldn't have had reverse crack out of the case the first time I put it in reverse either. Has nothing to do with getting air in it im not that much of a bad ass to jump the truck while in reverse