Might sound crazy!!

[Timbit]

so I am thinking lately, my old 92 is getting some repairs needed to the front end big time! and I am really not having the ambition to keep this truck as 4 wheel drive since I now have my F150 FX4....and since it is now going to be a work truck I have really been considering turning it to a 2wd just becuase of the gas mileage issues, maintenance to keep it going as a work truck, and driveability...I had changed the rear end to an explorer with 3.73's and still have the 3.27's up front. I removed the driveshaft so I don't use 4x4 for the past year and half now either.

So my question is can I take the 2wd suspension and bolt it up to the 4x4 crossmember? I am thinking maybe not, but maybe I can get lucky lol

When I do this conversion, I will have thos 4x4 parts left over so if anyone wants them, they are up for sale!!

 

[crbnunit]

I'm pretty sure everything will just bolt up. Shouldn't be any big mystery or problems. Just switching out the TTB arms.

 

[Shran]

What's wrong with the existing stuff other than the difference in gears? Might just be easier to keep it a 4x4 and fix what's wrong with it... probably save you from needing a parts truck...

 

[Maverick]

No, it wont bolt up. The 2wd crossmember is much different from the 4wd crossmember. I would take tons of work to turn it into a 2wd, and it would be a horrible waste of time. Since you have free spinning hubs, youre only carrying the extra weight of the 4wd equipment. Maybe 250-300lbs at most over what a 2wd drive weighs. You'd be lucky to pickup even a 1mpg. Leave it alone and drive it or sell it and buy a 2wd with a 4 banger and a 5 speed.

 

[metalmacguyver]

No, it wont bolt up. The 2wd crossmember is much different from the 4wd crossmember. I would take tons of works to turn it into a 2wd, and it would be a horrible waste of time. Since you have free spinning hubs, youre only carrying the extra weight of the 4wd equipment. Maybe 250-300lbs at most over what a 2wd drive weighs. You'd be lucky to pickup even a 1mpg. Leave it alone and drive it or sell it and buy a 2wd with a 4 banger and a 5 speed.

This is correct.

 

[4x4junkie]

I guess if you're really ambitious, you could get the beams and passengerside beam bracket from a 2WD Explorer or Bronco II to convert your frontend to 2WD (maybe get the dummy T-case from the BII also so you can put yours to good use or sell it).

I agree though, the mileage gains will be pretty minimal. I would sell the truck and get a little 4cyl 2WD work truck if mileage is important.

 

[Timbit]

well, then I guess I can go the route of the explorer or B2 front end.....they still use the cross member for a 4x4 on the 2wd versions?? I know the dummy transfer case, but what about changing to a tailshaft housing for a 2wd mazda tranny?? but then I would need a driveshaft....UGH.....decisions

 

[Maverick]

As far as I know, even with that BII/explorer stuff, it wont bolt in. To swap out tail shafts you have to pull both transmissions apart, to put one together. If your not experienced with transmissions, it's best left to the professionals. Again, a time consuming effort with little or nothing to gain. If youre dead set on this idea of turning your 4wd into a 2wd, yes, it can be done. You'll just be unsatisfied with the results after all the work.

 

[4x4junkie]

BII/Explorer 2WD stuff does bolt in (you have to swap one pivot bracket). The crossmember is the same.

I just don't see it being worth it though (one reason for the better mileage on a true 2WD Ranger is it's lower stance creates less wind drag. You won't have that by bolting in Explorer or BII beams).

 

[crbnunit]

BII/Explorer 2WD stuff does bolt in (you have to swap one pivot bracket). The crossmember is the same.

I just don't see it being worth it though (one reason for the better mileage on a true 2WD Ranger is it's lower stance creates less wind drag. You won't have that by bolting in Explorer or BII beams).

That's what I thought. Why would the crosmember be different and if it was, what difference would it make to how the arms bolt up? I didn't realize the TTB brackets would be different though.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yes, as long as the 2WD stuff comes from a BII or Explorer (not a Ranger).

 

[AllanD]

That's what I thought. Why would the crosmember be different and if it was, what difference would it make to how the arms bolt up? I didn't realize the TTB brackets would be different though.

Only the 2wd RANGERS iuse a different crossmember.

a 2wd Bronco2 uses the same crossmember as a 4x4 ranger and UNIQUE beams. it also uses a unique Pivot bracket for the passenger side beam that mounts INSIDE the crossmember instead of hanging off the back of it.

This is basically the case for the 2wd 1991-94 Explorers

I seem to recall that the exporer uses a different passenger side beam that mounts to the 4x4 style pivot bracket mounted behind the crossmember.

One of the great mysteries is why do the 2wd TTB
rangers use a different frame from the 4x4?



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[4x4junkie]

This pic was taken from an Explorer (that beam definitely wouldn't fit a 4x4 bracket)

And as for why the different crossmember on 2WD Rangers, you DO know that they sit 2" lower than both the BII and Explorer, right? (brainfart? lol)

 

[AllanD]

Ahhh... Thanks, I haven't seen a Gen1 Explorer in a while.

So, It's just like a Bronco2.

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