speculation 2wd to 4wd Duratec 2.3 5sp man conversion

[pjtoledo]

just thinking if its possible to convert my 2005 M5OD from 2wd to 4wd, its a 2.3 Duratec tranny. will the innards, tail shaft & extension from a 3.0 M50D 4x4 swap into a 2wd Duratec housing??
there is a complete 1998 reg cab 4wd near me, has a 3.0 auto in it. frame is in good condition, body is trashed.
my 2005 2wd body and bed are in good condition, so I was pondering the idea of putting my 2005 body on the 1998 frame. I would like to keep the 2.3, but the transmissions are not a direct swap necessitating the conversion.

the goal would be a reg cab 4x4 with the Duratec 2.3 and 5sp combination.
seems like a great combination for backroads in Michigan and a way to spend money.

also, would the transfer case from a 3.0 auto mate to a manual?

 

[bobbywalter]

yes.


its its what i will do to run ecoboost.

 

[adsm08]

All your transmission/tranfer case ideas are spot on.

Just be aware that you will still have major frame/suspension issues to overcome while installing a front axle.

 

[pjtoledo]

All your transmission/tranfer case ideas are spot on.

Just be aware that you will still have major frame/suspension issues to overcome while installing a front axle.

the plan would be to use the 1998 4wd complete chassis, modify the 2005 Duratec M5OD tranny to accept transfer case, drop that and a 2.3 (or 2.5) in.
then put my good 2005 cab & bed it.

since both trucks are complete, the left-overs could be assembled into a 2005 2wd coil frame, 3.0, beat up reg cab and step box. the only extra I would need is an auto 2wd tranny.


problem is...…





the wiffie may notice a "few extra" parts laying around...that will be bad.

 

[turbo91xlt]

The Duratech 4x4 m5od converiosn has been done before over on turborangerforums.com although he put the drivetrain in a '90-'91 truck with a full custom frame with solid axles.

 

[adsm08]

problem is...…





the wiffie may notice a "few extra" parts laying around...that will be bad.

Tell her they are "bonus parts" left over from the last oil change.

If she is anything like my wife she will roll her eyes, walk away, and not bring it up again.

Unless she sees the nasty-gram from the township.

 

[RonD]

If you wait until next year "rumor" has it that the 2019 Ranger will have the 2.3l Ecoboost engine, and it "might" come in 4x4 version
2.3l ecoboost has same trans bolt pattern as 2.3l Duratec

Problem will be that Manual Transmissions might not even be offered on the New Rangers, not even as a "pay EXTRA for" option