v8 drivetrain question

[plknny]

So ive been putting together parts for my v8 swap into my 98 extended cab 2wd auto ranger and ended up with a 2001 mountaineer that will be giving up its engine and rear and got a 4r70w trans from a 2003 2wd f150 with a 4.2. My question is in the drive shaft department. I know ill have to have the shaft lengthened or shortened but what should i do about slip yokes and universals? What drive shaft (f150 ranger explorer) or combination should i use? Basically what is the best way to get power from the trans to the rear?

 

[win]

In my case, I took the original Explorer drive shaft to a shop and had them build be a new shaft to fit.

Front slip, u-joint flanges and rear flange were all from the Expo.

Because of the extended cab wheelbase and overall length of the shaft, the shop would only build a 2 piece shaft with all new center bearing and u-joint flanges.

Best I can tell, the std wheelbase Ranger and the Explorer's wheel base are so close, the Expo piece may well simply bolt in.

 

[plknny]

I cross referenced the part numbers for the front slip for the explorer and f150 are the same so thanks. Im guessing if the shaft almost fits a reg cab then ill have to have it lengthened for my extended cab?

 

[bobbywalter]

measure off the 2wd mounty or explorer....i had that at one point.

they should both be 28 spline slips, and likely you can reuse the shaft on a 2wd application with some adjustments. but its been done as a bolt in.

 

[plknny]

I looked up that the ranger has a 28 spline slip while the explorer and f150 have a 31 spline slip yoke. The ranger does however have the same 1 1/16" OD universal joint bearing that the explorer and f150 have. Im wondering now if i can use the explorer slip yoke and rear flange with the ranger aluminum shaft. Id rather use the aluminum shaft instead of the 2 piece explorer shaft. If i could do that then i wouldnt have to deal with the carrier bearing nonsense and maybe end up with a lighter/ faster drivetrain.

 

[bobbywalter]

an e4od will have a 31 spline...2wd or 4x4.

the 4r70 will be 31 spline 4x4 or 28 spline 2wd.

the fullsize 4x4 with the slip in the t case are 31 spline, so that may be the cause of confusion.

getting a 2wd slip yoke should be cake.