Fx4 Manual Shift Transfer Case

[TheChuckster396]

I have a 2003 Ford Ranger XLT 4X4 with a 4.0L 5 speed. It's equipped with the electric shift transfer case. The Fx4 Rangers that came with a manual transmission also featured a manual shift transfer case. Does anyone know if that Fx4 manual shift transfer case will fit in as a direct replacement for the electric shift version that came with the XLT? Thanks for any info/advice!

 

[AllanD]

Yes, it will but there's a catch...

The '98-up Rangers use a six bolt mounting cup for a Rezeppa-type CV joint for the front output.

And manual 13-54's are relatively rare with that type mount.

There are two ways to deal with it....
1) DISMANTLE your exsisting electric shift T-case and swap the front output
into an earlier manual shift 13-54.

2) locate a front driveshaft from a 1995 (or early 1996) Explorer. these used the split yoke and a double cardan joint at the T-case end of the front driveshaft.

Either way will avoid dismantling and reassembling TWO T-cases to accomplish your swap.

There is a factory boot for JUST a manual shift T-case, but I've only seen them
in earlier ('89-94) trucks.

AD

 

[TheChuckster396]

Hi AD: Thanks very much for your reply. Actually, I have a 1354 manual shift TC that came out of a 93 Explorer. Only 90K miles on it. I'd kept it around for swapping into my 92 Ranger, but I sold that truck! I hadn't even thought of trying to swap this older TC into the 03 Ranger, but now you have me thinking about it! My 03 Ranger has the electric shift TC with the CV joint you describe. Maybe these two cases are compatible and I could have them swapped out. Not sure I could tackle the "swap" myself. Do you know if the tranny splines are compatible ('93 to '03)? Thanks!!! - Chuck

 

[AllanD]

If you have a 13-54 at all in your '03, a 44-05 is a possibility.

the 13-54 you have will bolt in except for the rear output flange diameter (which I believe is a direct swap)

I can check that myself tommorow, as I have a 13-54 that I have to tear down
and a 44-05 that's only here because I've been too lazy to disassemble it to get the better rate for scrap metal.

All you probably need to avoid tearing T-cases apart is a '95-95 Explorer
front driveshaft with a Double cardan joint.

I KNOW this will work on a '99-00 Ranger, but on your '03?

AD