Questions about Manual 4WD

[EMB1230]

I have a few questions about manual transfer case 4x4's. First off I know that the last year for the 4x4 4-cyl was 96 or 97, they also were the ones that usually had Manual 4wd, did the 3.0 and 4.0 ever come with it or where those all auto/electric, and also did it have to have manual trans or could automatic have it too? I heard that it was a no cost option. I know the last of them were the "Twin Stick" FX4's, I heard the last year for those was 2003.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I've got a 97 3.0L M5OD with manual transfercase.

 

[EMB1230]

I've got a 97 3.0L M5OD with manual transfercase.

yeah, that's the impression i got, it was 97 and older, I know first gen's all had manual transfer case, also seems like there was never a 2.3l 4x4 with automatic trans, they were all 5 speed.

 

[Str8sixfan]

I think there were 4x4 automatic 2.3Ls, though extremely rare. I've seen an automatic transmission on craigslist for a b2300 4x4 before. I've heard both that they do or don't exist. I personally have never been able to track down production numbers to confirm or deny the claims. I myself however have bought a tailshaft and tailshaft housing to convert my 2.3L automatic from a 2wd tranny to be able to mate to a tcase, and those are actually easy to find off of ebay.

 

[EMB1230]

Honestly, I would not want one with auto, I hear even the 3.0's struggle with auto/4x4. I probably have the least restricted/most powerful 2.3 Lima powered Ranger around and it's still a slug, lol.

 

[Str8sixfan]

Honestly, I would not want one with auto, I hear even the 3.0's struggle with auto/4x4. I probably have the least restricted/most powerful 2.3 Lima powered Ranger around and it's still a slug, lol.

won't fight you on that. Mine's a dog as 2wd now...but I don't really care. It won't be a DD, only something I get out when it snows to get to work, or something I go to pick something up with. When I need it to be a 4x4, the tcase ought to make up the rest. I'm just looking to get my rig to perform as it does now (so I'll obviously be regearing).

 

[hondaxr650]

I believe options varied from year to year. When I ordered my '97 new, auto hubs and electric t/case was standard, manual stuff was an option. Also, when I ordered the auto trans, it automatically upgraded to the 4.0. I was told the 3.0 was not available with an automatic. Not sure if that was 100% true but I didn't care, wanted the 4.0 anyway.

 

[EMB1230]

I believe options varied from year to year. When I ordered my '97 new, auto hubs and electric t/case was standard, manual stuff was an option. Also, when I ordered the auto trans, it automatically upgraded to the 4.0. I was told the 3.0 was not available with an automatic. Not sure if that was 100% true but I didn't care, wanted the 4.0 anyway.

I doubt what they told you is true. 1997 there were no 3.0's for the B-series, but the Ranger could still have them. 1999-03 was the years of the Flex fuel engine. 99 & 2000 it only came as flex fuel, no gas only 3.0's. 01-03, they only came with Auto.

 

[hondaxr650]

I doubt what they told you is true. 1997 there were no 3.0's for the B-series, but the Ranger could still have them. 1999-03 was the years of the Flex fuel engine. 99 & 2000 it only came as flex fuel, no gas only 3.0's. 01-03, they only came with Auto.

The 3.0 was available, just not with an auto trans. and 4wd, supposedly. That's what I was told but that was a looong time ago. Doesn't matter. I got what I wanted and still have it. Won't let it go anytime soon either. It's sort of like my first child. The only brand new vehicle I have ever bought and probably the last one I'll ever be able to afford too!!