Swap to four wheel drive

[Buchmann]

So experts,

Wanting to switch to four wheel drive on my 94. I know what I need from trans to transfer case. However, I don't know if the front axle is on leafs or springs. Any thoughts?

 

[Curious Hound]

So experts,

Wanting to switch to four wheel drive on my 94. I know what I need from trans to transfer case. However, I don't know if the front axle is on leafs or springs. Any thoughts?

That's confusing. Leafs are springs. If its a Ford Ranger, your front has coil springs and the rear

What are you trying to do? Will your transfer case not shift?

 

[Blmpkn]

I think he wants to convert to 4x4

 

[Dirtman]

To swap your truck from 2x4 to 4x4, the cheapest way is to remove all the contents of your glove box, go buy a 4x4, then swap the contents of the glovebox into the new truck. Swap complete.

 

[Buchmann]

Ya, it would be helpful if I knew if the front end was on leafs or springs for the swap to 4 wheel drive since I have a 2 wheel drive since dirtman is no help, I'd like to know

 

[Shran]

Coils. Both trucks are coil sprung in the front. Although you certainly could use a leaf sprung axle out of a Jeep (thinking CJ/YJ Wrangler here.) Or a TJ/XJ coil sprung front axle. It is IMO easier to solid axle swap a 2wd frame than it is to put a TTB axle in a 2wd chassis because you need to swap engine crossmembers as well.

 

[Curious Hound]

Dirtman actually was a lot of help. First of all, I told you about the springs.

The frames and crossmembers are different between rwd and 4x4. So, in addition to swapping all the steering and suspension components, swapping to a transmission with the 4x4 tail housing and adding the transfer case and getting a new rear drive shaft, you also have frame issues to deal with. It really is cheaper and easier to just trade your truck for one that was designed as 4x4 from the factory.

 

[Buchmann]

Ok, so I'll buy this other guys rolling chassis that is for wheel drive and go from there. Thanks all

 

[Buchmann]

Thanks Shran

 

[sgtsandman]

Swapping frames is an option to doing a swap and a better one. Buying the truck with the proper equipment up front is the best.

The above posts cover the major differences but there is a lot of small ones as well. The project can easily bury you in no time unless you have a lot of rebuild and conversion experience.

Sell the truck and get the one that has what you want instead of forcing the one you have to have what you want.

 

[Buchmann]

Understood, thank you

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Before you buy another frame check it over good for rust. They really like the rot behind the front coil buckets (you can look up at the frame from the backside too) and the rear spring and shock mounts. Debris collects in these locations and holds moisture against the frame until it creates its own drain hole.

 

[Buchmann]

Will do, thank you

 

[scotts90ranger]

Personally I swapped frames, I was very green when I did it, not much experience with wrenching, found a rolled Ranger with the same setup but 4x4, put my engine in it and swapped bodies, most of it was done in a weekend if I remember right from 2005...

To swap to stock 4x4 you have to swap engine crossmembers (welded and riveted in) which would be a pain since the engine is bolted to it... that and the passenger side frame rail is boxed on a 4x4 and not on a 4x2 and a few other details... Sure it's possible to skip some steps and throwing a Jeep Dana 30 solid axle saves some things but it's some work and not the easiest first project unless you swap frames... With like 4 people you can swap bodies on a Ranger, it only takes 2 for the bed but the cab is heavier, and don't forget the cable between the front seatbelts that goes around a crossmember...

 

[Blmpkn]

Unless the body on whatever truck your going to frame swap is absolutely immaculate inside and out... showroom condition... i just don't see the point. Its an awful lot of hassle and work.