tail shaft swap

[stegomon]

i think i know this answer. but can you convert a 2wd m5od to a 4wd trans by just swapping the tail shaft or do you have to rip the inside apart to make it work?

 

[Ferris Bueller]

I have been wondering the same thing for my 04 2wd 2.3 4 cylinder.

 

[RangerSVT]

Output shaft is different lengths, you will need to pull the trans apart and replace the output shaft along with the tailshaft housing, but it can be done
SVT

 

[khast2010]

another method is to use a divorced transfer case. Using your "2wd" transmssion, you can run a short 1" - 2" drive shaft from your original tailpeice to a drive shaft put into the input of your transfer case, and connect them wth a U-joint.

Maybe sounds like a pain, but for many (like myself) it would be easier than trying to get the tranny apart and you can use your stock transmission as it is

 

[stegomon]

been throwing the divorced t-case around too...haha

now how about a 2wd sploder....converting that to a 4wd. i know with a 2wd bronco2 all you need to do is just swap in a dana 35 and call it good. but how intense is it to make a gen 1 sploder into 4wd. is it as intense as a ranger? because i know with that you need to change the cross member

 

[RangerSVT]

B2 frames were setup for 4WD applications, and just put a dummy case in for 2WD models...Rangers and IIRC explorers have the different frames for corresponding models
SVT

 

[khast2010]

Wouldnt be much different than a ranger 4wd conversion.
Your best bet would be to to do a SA with your 4wd conversion.

axle + transfer case + leaf springs + little fab = and your set

(Not sure about steering setup on G1 explorers, but may have to if its rack and pinion, you may have to do something about that)

Also try to pull as much with the axle as you can (Knuckles, steering components, mounts, etc..) and it will save you a lot of time

 

[stegomon]

well my father picked up a 94 sploder 2wd. engine runs great and body is great. so is the frame. also picked up a 91 sploder with a crappy body, engine and a hole big enough that you can throw a cat thew it. my father is going to do a 4wd conversion for fun. and we are wondering if we needed to change the engine cross member. like i know we do on rangers.

 

[RangerSVT]

To be honest, it would be easier, faster, and a lot less headache to swap the body over rather than the suspension as you have to swap the engine crossmember over and that itself is a pain in the a$$...
SVT