need to verify a few things (4x4 conversion)

[Captain Ledd]

I'm getting all the last bits of info together for converting my '97 to 4wd. After much research I've decided that this is the route I wish to take and I've decided what I want and (more or less) how I'm going to go about it.

I've decided on the electric case, even though I know the shift motors are a pain. I have a built offroad Ranger, so I'm not really going to abuse this one. I just get stuck at a few too many traffic lights for my liking over winter, and there'd be a few other instances during the use of this truck where low-range may be helpful, like backing up a trailer.

I noticed on the back of my radio/HVAC facia there are wires/connectors clipped into tabs (there's nothing actually plugged in) where I know the selector knobs are for the 4wd. So I think the dashboard side of things is already wired in.

I know I need a module of some sort. I remember seeing where it was posted a long while ago (maybe in the old forums?) but I can't seem to find it a verify where the thing actually is. I think it's behind the drivers seat in the corner? Does it have it's own separate harness? (like it just plugs into the dash somewhere) Is there other wiring connections that I need to make sure to grab? I've never opened it up back there (if it is there) to check if there is another harness that goes back there.

Are there any yearly differences in the wireing that anyone knows of? Like if I get a '94 or a '06, would they swap?

I'm going with the M50D tranny, if I get a set up from a 4.0L (different tranny ratio's) the tail shafts are still the same and would just swap out right? (along with whatever components that going along with the new tailshaft) But basically I can still use my 2.3L ratios. <pretty sure on this one

This may be a silly question, but the auto tranny adapter housings are different than the M50D's right? I need to make sure I get the right housing too. I figured I'd ask but I'm pretty sure I also already know the answer to that one.

Will the things like my speedometer (electric not cable) just pop right onto the T-case? can the existing speedo gears be swapped over from my M50D to the 1354? (I think the Ford ones are mostly the same) < pretty sure

So:
New radio/HVAC facia with the 4x4 selector stuff
Module thingy and all connectors attached to it
T-case (duh)
adapter housing
The transmission for parts
Driveshafts

I think that about covers it. Maybe I can do a FAQ when I get into it.

Are there ANY other components that I need to be aware of that I need to snag to make this as clean a swap as possible?

 

[Ranger44]

If I was you...I'd just stick with 95-97 body styles. The newer 98-up may work, but could also be different.

With that year, I think that the control module is in the dash somewhere.

As far as the tranny's go, the A4LD's use different tail housings than the M5OD-R1's.

Tearing into the transmissions will be a chore, but will allow you to inspect the blocker rings, syncro hubs and sleeves, gears, and bearings, etc for any type of damage.

The tailhousings will swap out 2WD M5ODR-1 to 4WD M5ODR-1.

The guts will swap out also. That's actually something I'm wanting to do.

 

[metalmacguyver]

You left out one critical component.



















A front axle........

The other option for you is to put a locker in the rear axle. Some may argue this but in my opinion a locked 2wd truck is equally capable as a 4x4 with open diffs.

The GEM (general electronic module) is located in the dash. Remove the radio bezel and it is secured with one screw, 7mm IIRC, on the left hand side of the cavity.

Make sure to grab the wireing harness that runs from the tcase, through the cab floor that plugs into the cab harness under the drivers side seat.

Your speed sensor will be able to swap, I dont know if you can grab the speedo gear from the tranny output shaft and put that on the tcase output shaft. It is not a big deal because there were only 2 gears that went on the output shafts.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Currently the transmission has essentially 200,000 on it. Believe me despite being from Michigan the truck doesn't show it. It's good to know that if I snag any M50D I'll be all set.

The front axle will be a D30, if I need to narrow it a bit to get it to look right I'll even do that (though I don't think I'll have to ATM). I have a friend that does welding for a living who's agreed to help me out with crossmember work (It'll sit pretty low for a SAS). Another friend sold me some '78 F150 radius arms and wedges for stupid cheap, and picked up 2 sets of free Cherokee coils from a member on another board. If we truely can't get that to work out I have everything except the 4wd crossmember in spare parts for my other Ranger to work with (never hurts to have a backup plan). I've got an 8.8 explorer rear for it with a repacked L/S.

Makes sense stick to the Gen III body styles mentioned, unless someone that has in depth experience with these things chimes in.

 

[mjonesjr]

A 4.0 transmission will NOT bolt up to a 2.3 engine.

 

[Captain Ledd]

A 4.0 transmission will NOT bolt up to a 2.3 engine.

I have no intention of using a 4.0L tranny. I just need the tailshaft and the housing between the Tranny and T-case.

Wanna keep my 4 banger ratios