4X4 conversion Ranger Trailhead

[Transmarobirdeater]

I have a 2000 2wd ranger trailhead. I have an opportunity to buy the front running gear off a 2004 4x4 sporttack. Just so Im on the right page. Since both have torsion bar suspension. This swap should be pretty straight forward. So it would seem from what I have read. Is it really that simple. Any advice from someone with knowledge on this subject would be much appreciated.

 

[Transmarobirdeater]

I will be installing a 347 in this truck in the future.I hope to anyway.I already have this motor built.Is thier any easier route. I guess a solid front axle might be easier for the motor clearence and such. But I dont know if that is easiest as far as the conversion goes. Can I body lift this thing and cram a C6 in the sucker.I am not afraid too modify anything. I got a bridgeport mill,and a clausing colchester lathe. With years of fab and machineing expierience.I can weld good enough for the girls around here anyway.Im a Mantainence Engineer in the machine tool/fab/manufacturing Industry.So what Im trying to say is outside the box is not out of the question. Eager to post a good build thread.And before I get questioned about the C6 and its horsepower robbing slushiness. I would like to mention its what I have. It was in my 1982 stang.Beast of thing I tell you industructible!Bought it new from TCI with a 3500 stall. I gues I will just bull shit with myself then.

 

[bobbywalter]

hmmm..


racetruck?


not sure offhand on the swap...iirc the tb chassis is a simple parts replacement for 4x4.


i suggest a decent aod over a 3 speed trans, it will allow for better gearing and all around performance depending on your goals.


a efi stroker into an wide ratio mild build aod with stock ride height and tires with 410 gears would be pretty bad ass.

 

[Transmarobirdeater]

My plans are to keep the 3.0 in while im doing a 4x4 conversion. As soon as I have 4wd up and running. I will begin on the 347.Prepping it getting the need list ready.I would like a 5 speed standard out of an F150. I drove a 1997 F150 with a 4.6 5speed. It really had some torque. But I dont know if I can adapt to this tranny. 347 is throwing down mad amounts of torque. Im kinda new to the 4x4 lingo.So Im in a bit of a learning curve when it comes to tranny part numbers and t-cases. I really want to fuel inject this motor. It makes ridiculous torque with a carb.Fuel injection would be seriuos.I will likely buy some hardware from moates to do this.I wonder though if a pcm for 351w would get me started. Mega squirt I dont know yet still learning about whats available.I would like to hack an EEC-V with EDIS coil on plug to save some bucks. I have to teach myself how to hack.Im sure my SBF will be breaking things that ok thats what I made it for.My first goal is to get just the front running gear under my truck and driving. Then I will invest in a t-case. Need a good part number for a Manual not electric.I want to be offroading under 3.0 power at first then work towards the stroker.

 

[Transmarobirdeater]

Oh too answer your question about it being a race truck. I dont know lets just see what happens. A well built stroker can be plenty reliable with the right goodies. My stroker was based on a fuel injection build that trickflow did. I just used different brand heads and different brand cam.World products roush racing cylinder heads.Competition cams stage 2 hydraulic roller. EFI friendly. I would like the truck to have all the luxury items that a stock truck would have. The main reason I want to do this is because Ive always been into offroading. I just havent always had the budget.I got myself a sweet little ranger pickup. Its a regular cab short bed. To be ohnest I dont see too many rangers that are regular cab 4x4. Especially here in Oklahoma we still use wagons ya know(YEEHAA)Im Kicking shit as I write this. Everytime I see an Iceland Formula Offroad Video the hair stands up on the back of my neck. I cant quit thinking about standing on the throttle of a 400hp beast. Must finish now.

 

[bobbywalter]

sounds like a good plan. do the 4x4 first.


then look to a 97 up 4x4 with a v6. get the manual trans and t case from one of those and it will greatly simplify your powertrain goals.

the base setup from a 2000 explorer and the moates type tuner will round you out.

though a b100 type processor from a 95-96 351 windsor may be a perfect fit for your 347 for a cake efi swap. i have used the van processors/harness with some great success..sefi maf stone stock. just hard to find.

 

[Transmarobirdeater]

Yea that was what I was thinking. I will keep my eyes peeled for 351 setup. That would be the most affordable.Im goin to go ahead and pursue this sport track front end.I will keep the info posted.Thankyou!

 

[Transmarobirdeater]

Here it is the wrecked 2004 explorer sporttrack. Im picking it up next weekend.

 

[Transmarobirdeater]

Here is some picks of the Ranger and the big inch small block.

 

[Transmarobirdeater]

Here is some pics of the 8.8 31 spline. I was a bit dissapointed to find out it is an open diff.However it does have 410's and that is what the 28 spline 8.8 in the truck has. So know speedo trouble, I hope. I should be driving on this by the end of the week.

 

[Transmarobirdeater]

Ive been driving on the suspesnsion for awhile now. It drives good. I replaced the TB's with the sport trrac's they were thicker. I also cranked em up a bit. No binding or anything at the CV'S. I dont have 4wd yet. The truck still has the stock 3.0 with the M50D-R1. My options for the power plant have broadened a bit. I have aquired a 4.0 sohc with the purchase of the wreck. It has the 5 speed auto with the 13-54 electric T-case. I have the 4.0 in the frame with the entire wire harness. I just started it up today. It fired right up.Here is some pics of progress and the motors Im working with. Im going to drive this thing with the 4.0 for a bit. Then Im gonna cram the 347 in it.