Swapping from automatic to manual

[SMALLBLOCK]

Hey, new to the forum & in need of help...im swapping from a automatic to a manual transmission in my 1998 ford ranger 4.0 4x4
I got a manual transmission out of a ford explorer (4.0) my questions are first about a drive shaft...I don't believe I can use the driveshaft off the explorer but can I use one off a 98 ford ranger that's not a 4x4? Also do I have to keep the 4wheel drive? I would rather not have it, don't need it, just seeing if it's possible to swap and not add the transfer case ect...any advice would be helpful. Tks

PS. the explorer is a 1997

 

[sgtsandman]

The driveshaft has to be from another 4X4 with the same length bed and style of cab. The RWD driveshafts are different because there is no transfer case to deal with.

 

[SMALLBLOCK]

Ok great now I know what to get

 

[SMALLBLOCK]

Now the manual transmission I got off the explorer is not a 4 wheel drive...can I put it on my truck with a different driveshaft & bypass the 4x4, transfer case ect just by changing the driveshaft?

 

[don4331]

Now the manual transmission I got off the explorer is not a 4 wheel drive...can I put it on my truck with a different driveshaft & bypass the 4x4, transfer case ect just by changing the driveshaft?

Tell us a little more about your Ranger: Super/Regular Cab; Long/short box. It will help answer questions about the driveshaft.

If I correctly understand what you're willing to do is make your 4x4 4.0 Auto truck into a 4x2 4.0 Manual one.

Ranger was '98 4.0 Auto 4x4​

Explorer was '97 4.0 Manual 4x2​

 

[SMALLBLOCK]

Tell us a little more about your Ranger: Super/Regular Cab; Long/short box. It will help answer questions about the driveshaft.

If I correctly understand what you're willing to do is make your 4x4 4.0 Auto truck into a 4x2 4.0 Manual one.

Ranger was '98 4.0 Auto 4x4​

Explorer was '97 4.0 Manual 4x2​

Yes that is correct the 98 ford ranger is a xlt extended cab short bed vin #1ftzr15x8wpb35098

The explorer vin is 1fmcu22x5vud57807

I don't know if the driveshaft from the explorer will work but I was thinking I could use 1 from a 98 ford ranger manual xlt (4.0)

 

[SMALLBLOCK]

Tks for responding!

 

[don4331]

Yes that is correct the 98 ford ranger is a xlt extended cab short bed vin #1ftzr15x8wpb35098

The explorer vin is 1fmcu22x5vud57807

I don't know if the driveshaft from the explorer will work but I was thinking I could use 1 from a 98 ford ranger manual xlt (4.0)

Thanks

Regular cab short bed and Explorer 4 door both have 111" wheelbase, so their driveshafts swap. For a Supercab, you will need to find a driveshaft.

You can (should) pull the front drive shaft when you remove the transfer case if you don't want 4wd. But the front half shafts hold the unit bearing together. So, unless you disassemble the half shafts you can't remove the front axle.

If I remember correctly 2wd Explorers have coil front suspension, so you can't swap the knuckles across (effectively making a 2wd Edge Ranger) <A non 4wd Explorer in Canada is a unicorn>.​

 

[pjtoledo]

front steering knuckles from a 2WD 2001 Sport track are a direct bolt on and eliminate all the 4wd axle parts.
they also give you 12" brakes, so most 15" wheels will not fit over them.

you can also use knuckles form a 2WD Edge Ranger, those will be the regular 11.25" brakes.

still have access the Explorer? those knuckles should fit.

either of these will allow the removal of the front differential and axle shafts.