is this a possibility?

[Critter's Ranger]

ive been lurking around for quite a few yrs now. and seeing that i just got out of the marines, i figured id start some work on the ranger. Basics, reg cab 7ft bed, 2wd 3.0L auto.

now my plan is for a 4x4 trans swap, SAS, 8.8 Rear Swap, not looking for super high but would like room for 35's...so figuring about 5-7 suspension with SOA. and possibly if need-be a body lift.

my question is.... will a 4x4 trans and TC front a ranger or explorer with the 4.0 seeing that they are stronger, bolt to a 3.0 bellhousing. i understand the bellhousing bolt pattern is different so no need to point that out. but are the splines on the input staft different? length?. if anyone has done this or has pictures and can compair them i would greatly appreciat it.

 

[Explorin94]

No you will need a 3.0 trans for your swap.

 

[Critter's Ranger]

why would that be? what is the difference between the 2 minus the gearing and such?

 

[Explorin94]

why would that be? what is the difference between the 2 minus the gearing and such?

The search button is your friend. The transmission's bell housing is different between the motors. You can not simply unbolt and then bolt back on the bell housings between the transmission without special tools. The bell housing is part the the front pump assembly and requires an alignment tool for it to be done. If you are going to go that far you may as well have a 3 liter trans rebuilt with 4 liter internals.

 

[BillupsOMally]

Are you planning to do a 4x4 conversion, or just want to build a 2WD with low?

I did a 4x4 conversion on my 89 reg cab short box last summer, PM me if you want details.

 

[Critter's Ranger]

ok and i did search for this for about 2and a half yrs. but there was never any clear answer and most service manuals or pictures looked damn near the same so wanted to get a straight answer.

BillupsOMally: yes im planning on doing a 4x4 conversion. i wanna stick with the motor i have and such but figured with a lift and some bigger tires id up the hp a little and knew the 4.0 trans internals were stronger so thought it would be a possiblity. ive had a few lifted mud toys and just figured id take a truck ive had for 5yrs and make it into something i want instead of spending money on parts and a new truck. im a big believer in using what you already have to get the job done. unless its not possible then i love new things.

anyhow thanks for the answer.

 

[BillupsOMally]

Just in case you aren't aware. The motor cross-member has to be changed. On mine it was held in by nearly 4ft of weld where you can't get to to grind off, and a half dozen or so rivets (most of which would probably be blocked by the motor). I imagine your 1994 is the same. If you can get the members removed without damaging them or the cross-member I'd strongly suggest having a licenced welder weld it back in, since the entire motor and front suspension are supported by it.

I did it when my truck was stripped right down to the frame rails and it was still a big job. I couldn't find a 2nd gen reg cab short-box 4x4 anywhere (I was told they weren't even made) so I built one. lol