Ranger AWD build

[Thaner46]

I'm thinking about building an awd ranger. I want to use a 89-92 body w/4.0 5speed. I was thinking about using the aerostar awd setup but would it work and would it be the best choice for awd? Any ideas?

 

[RonD]

Depends on what you are after.
Aerostar AWD wasn't for 4-wheeling, just traction on slippery roads, Mini-vans have the same issue as pick up trucks, if there is no weight in the rear then it is hard to get traction.
Front wheel drive mini-vans were better in that respect, so Ford added AWD to compete.
It is also a 1 speed transfer case, no 4WD low for 4-wheeling.

Borg Warner 4404 and 4405 are AWD transfer cases, with 4 Low, they were used in explorers starting in '96, but just on the V8s.
I think they had 3 selections
Automatic 4WD
4WD
4WD low

Automatic 4WD monitored front and rear drive shaft/wheel speeds, if rear wheels were slipping transfer case would engage front drive shaft

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I think there was two different systems used as well, viscous coupling and clutch pack.

 

[Denisefwd93]

I'd wish you well on this idea, just seems like a back step from 4wd.

I had a GMC Safari AWD great in snow. other then that. NEVER again! The gas mileage was always bad.

Like here for the ranger there are Van enthusiasts that make vans into monster truck like rock crawling SUVans While the 93 4wd ranger I just got may not be great on gas I do like that the option to "turn it on or off" and also have low range.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

What is your purpose?

I'm experimenting in the same direction. I bought a used 4405 from a disgruntled ranger owner. A mechanic told him it would work, it was installed and all he had was 2wd. The mechanic didn't know about the proper operation and the wiring involved with a proper install. I'm not using the speed sensors, i will have it on a on/off switch or maybe rheostat.

Sent from my XT1032

 

[Thaner46]

Well I'm not looking to offroad in it. I mainly want something that will carve up corners and have a pretty violent launch. I was thinking about doing a 2wd street truck before but then I started thinking about an awd system to improve handling. I was thinking somewhere along the lines of a gmc syclone but instead a ranger

 

[redhurricane]

I am on the fence with this as well. Turbo 4x4 ranger now, with the manual 1350/1354 case. I have no need for 4lo, just want full time AWD traction.

I say do it, and report back.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Just find an AWD 4.0 Explorer and swap it over. Its basically bolt in....hell find an AWD 5.0 and swap it over...same amount of work really.

 

[wildbill23c]

The BW4404 was AWD only with a viscous coupler, no low range.
The BW4405 was electronically controlled via an electromagnet and clutch pack for 4WD Auto, but had 4WD part time and low range as well.

I thought that the 95-97 Explorers had Control Trac 4WD that had 2WD, auto, high and low range? But doesn't seem the BW4405 was the transfer case for that system? If I recall the 95 Explorer my parents had the shift knob had 2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD High, and 4WD Low, but haven't been able to find what transfer case that was, I just recall it had Control Trac 4WD.

 

[Ivy Mike]

Back from the dead thread, but another option might be a BW 4472 from a Chevy Astro. It's the same t-case used in the Oldsmobile Bravada and more importantly, the GMC Syclone/Typhoon.
They are a viscous design but they are pretty durable. The AWD launches in the Sy/Ty trucks were pretty awesome.

 

[Ranger850]

Hopefully when I get done, I will have a V8 powered AWD Single Cab Ranger.

 

[Snoranger]

The BW4404 was AWD only with a viscous coupler, no low range.
The BW4405 was electronically controlled via an electromagnet and clutch pack for 4WD Auto, but had 4WD part time and low range as well.

I thought that the 95-97 Explorers had Control Trac 4WD that had 2WD, auto, high and low range? But doesn't seem the BW4405 was the transfer case for that system? If I recall the 95 Explorer my parents had the shift knob had 2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD High, and 4WD Low, but haven't been able to find what transfer case that was, I just recall it had Control Trac 4WD.

The early 2nd gen Explorer has 2wd, 4wd auto, and low.
The later ones had 4auto, 4high, and low.

The Expedition was the one that had 2wd, 4auto, 4high, and low... I think 4auto was only on the higher trim models.

 

[wildbill23c]

The early 2nd gen Explorer has 2wd, 4wd auto, and low.
The later ones had 4auto, 4high, and low.

The Expedition was the one that had 2wd, 4auto, 4high, and low... I think 4auto was only on the higher trim models.

My parents' 95 Explorer had 2wd, auto, hi, low. I think 95-97 or 98 had that control trac 4WD option.

 

[Snoranger]

My parents' 95 Explorer had 2wd, auto, hi, low.

Not on a ‘95-‘96 Explorer... They only had the 3 position switch. All 2nd gens even used the same switch with a different indicator for the ‘98+.
The entire point of the Explorer Brown Wire Mod is to add the 4th function.

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/the-comprehensive-brown-wire-mod-thread.149388/