Ranger 2x to 4x conversion

[DL BOGART]

I have an 87 ranger 4x4 , and a 91 ranger 2x4. is it possible to put the ttb axle under the twin I beam frame? Is it a bolt in, or are the frames too different? Should I convert the 91, or swap the cab and engine to the 87? any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

Frame is different, if you want 4x4 use the 4x4 frame...

 

[AllanD]

The engine crossmember is physically different on 2wd Vs 4x4 rangers.

The question in our minds is why did ford do that?

On Bronco2's Explorers and F-series trucks the crossmember is the
same 2wd Vs 4x4.

On a Bronco2 you need to replace ONE bracket to bolt 4x4 parts onto a 2wd frame, not so on a Ranger.

Then doing it that way makes it a collossal Pain-In-The-Ass to convert.

However if you have any inclination to have a 4x4 with a solid axle up front a 2wd is a far better truck to start with... the narrower 2wd engine crossmember tends to "get in the way" a bit less than the wider 4x4 crossmember.

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[Beanmachine7000]

The engine crossmember is physically different on 2wd Vs 4x4 rangers.

The question in our minds is why did ford do that?

On Bronco2's Explorers and F-series trucks the crossmember is the
same 2wd Vs 4x4.

On a Bronco2 you need to replace ONE bracket to bolt 4x4 parts onto a 2wd frame, not so on a Ranger.

Then doing it that way makes it a collossal Pain-In-The-Ass to convert.

However if you have any inclination to have a 4x4 with a solid axle up front a 2wd is a far better truck to start with... the narrower 2wd engine crossmember tends to "get in the way" a bit less than the wider 4x4 crossmember.

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Explorers are also the same, just change the bracket an you're good...

Edit: I now see you said that...

 

[vince87ranger]

i swapped my 87, and it was a pain in the a##, didn't realize the crossmembers were different at first, but it was to late to stop once all the 2wd suspension was out. ended up cutting out the 2wd crosmember and putting in a 4x4 b2crosmember. have to take the core support mounts lose from the frame and spread the frame just a little bit with a bottle jack or high-lift, then slide in the new crossmember. bolt it in and burn in a few welds just because and you're good to go. but its a lot of work, and a lot of rivets to knock out