My Build - Ranger SHO / Ranger GT

[mrecoolgar]

I just printed info on the conversion and hope to read thru it the next day or so.

 

[Mutant Pony]

not directly, but its a lot easier to adapt 4 bolt holes than 8...or however many holt the bellhousing to the engine.

There is a lot more to bolting a trans to the wrong bellhousing than just the bolt pattern. In my opinion it would be easier to fab a plate to go between the motor and a SBF bellhousing. Even that would take more sophisticated equipment than what I have.

 

[mrecoolgar]

Most do fab an adapter plate from 1/2 or 3/4 alum.
A friend suggest I go the AOD route as it's less a hassle.

 

[jaredssc17]

well how about this, it looks dumb as shit. this person should be slaped!


eBay Motors: Ford : Taurus (item 320314038196 end time Nov-02-08 14:48:36 PST)

 

[mrecoolgar]

I'm guessing that is the green Gen 2 with a Splash bed?
Not for me, I need a truck.
Picked up a front bumper today for $36.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Most do fab an adapter plate from 1/2 or 3/4 alum.
A friend suggest I go the AOD route as it's less a hassle.

The Ranger M5OD for a 3.0 would be the least hassle. It should hold up ok. At least good enough to get the bugs worked out, worry about an upgrade when or if it fails.

 

[mrecoolgar]

A great idea as I need to get this project on the road asap.

 

[mrecoolgar]

Now one of my friends suggust I add 4x4 to this SHO engine project.
I need to give it some tought.
I have a friend picking it up for me tomorrow.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

no, no 4x4 (the SHO wouldnt make a good 4-wheeling motor anyway, no bottom end torque).

turn it into an AWD import eating machine

i can see it down, d35, lowered a few inches (nothing extreme, just to give it a 2wd look) and an explorer awd t-case. lots of guys on here will shun you for lowering a 4wd but i think it'd be coooool.

 

[mrecoolgar]

True on the lack of torque.
I was just looking for better control.
I guess I didn't know the Explorer offered AWD.
That would be cool.
But how would AWD effect gas milage ?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

this is a concept ive mulled over quite a bit...a lowered AWD ranger with a high rapping street motor like the SHO...

the downsides to AWD are lower mileage (not by much, maybe 1-2mpg) and higher wear on front end components. the advantages are near limitless traction in all weather conditions and amazing cornering abilities.

you might be able to recoupe most of your lost mileage by unlocking the front hubs...but then whats the point of AWD?

AWD was an option in the exploders '96-98 with the 4404 T-case, '99-01 with the 4403 case, and '02-04 with the 4410. the 4404 is probably your best bet since the explorers were still mostly RBV back then...they MIGHT bolt right up to your ranger transmission.

 

[mrecoolgar]

Good point as well.
But me thinks I'll simplify and get on the road asap.
Rear wheel drive it shall be.
Here she is leaving the salvage yard.
By buddy it taking to his house and will deliver to mine next week.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

looks a bit better with wheels under it

 

[mrecoolgar]

And taller.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

this is a concept ive mulled over quite a bit...a lowered AWD ranger with a high rapping street motor like the SHO...

the downsides to AWD are lower mileage (not by much, maybe 1-2mpg) and higher wear on front end components. the advantages are near limitless traction in all weather conditions and amazing cornering abilities.

you might be able to recoupe most of your lost mileage by unlocking the front hubs...but then whats the point of AWD?

AWD was an option in the exploders '96-98 with the 4404 T-case, '99-01 with the 4403 case, and '02-04 with the 4410. the 4404 is probably your best bet since the explorers were still mostly RBV back then...they MIGHT bolt right up to your ranger transmission.

AWD would probably be better suited to the newer 98+ IFS trucks with the CV joints. They run a lot smoother that the u-joints in the TTB trucks... and i think this one is 2wd anyway.