Making a AWD v8 supercharged ranger

[4x4truckstop]

I have a 96 xtended cab supercharged v8 ranger thats lowered. I am have troubles keeping the back end getting traction, needless to say rear tires go out pretty quick.
.

My idea is to take a AWD transfer case out of a explorer along with the d35 front and swap it into my truck.

1. Is there an adapter available for t5's to put a AWD t-case on?
2. Would a d35 front hold up to 300+ hp with small stock sized tires?
If not, what other options would I have for a front end?

 

[bobbywalter]

maybe consider selling your truck and get a 2001 or newer.


there was a t5 adapter at one time

 

[4x4truckstop]

What came out in 2001 that would make it significant enough to sell my ranger for one? The 4.0 with 207hp, the only thing i see that curing is my burnout "problem".

 

[06RangerXLT]

wider tires, less foot. problem solved.

 

[89Ranger5.0]

Cal tracs. Locker. Drag radials 10 wide. And tada problem solved

 

[4x4truckstop]

Right now for the rear end I have a posi 8.8 with 10 inch wide coopers.

Cal tracs is a excellent idea! I am definately going to look into it. Nothing puts a grin on my face like showing the ole rice poppers my taillights.

 

[Tominator]

Some kind of locker, and raise the gear ratio.....yes, if it's got 3.73, go higher a bit. I've got 3.55 in mine.
Traction bars and my plans are to go four link someday....

 

[06RangerXLT]

run a 12 or 13 wide and you'll be fineee

 

[89Ranger5.0]

Don't even need to go past 10 wide with Cal tracs 419$ for are trucks. It will be alot! Better! Good luck

 

[JoshT]

What came out in 2001 that would make it significant enough to sell my ranger for one? The 4.0 with 207hp, the only thing i see that curing is my burnout "problem".

What came out in 98 was a better 4x4 front suspension for street use, uses a SLA configuration rather than Beams. In 2001 they turned it into a live axle set-up where the front axles are engauged full time, 98 to early 01 used vacuum tolocak them in and prone to failure. This suspension design would be the only chance to go AWD and keep it somewhat low, and even there it wouldn't be very low before the axles started binding. Other than that you'd be looking at a custom frame and some sort of aftermarket set-up if anything exists.

 

[stmitch]

If you're just trying to get better traction, then a 4 link and wider tires will be much easier and cheaper than all of the custom fab work needed to make an AWD setup. KP components even makes a bolt-in 4 link for our trucks if you don't want to weld, or try and fab your own. A fuel cell behind the axle is a great idea too.
To convert to AWD, you'd pretty much have to tear out your whole front suspension, and switch to AWD explorer stuff, or something custom. Then you'd have to find a way to lower the front end, and keep the axles from binding.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

To convert to AWD, you'd pretty much have to tear out your whole front suspension, and switch to AWD explorer stuff, or something custom. Then you'd have to find a way to lower the front end, and keep the axles from binding.

Might as well call that custom too, there are a lot of differences between a 96 and an 98+. I would rather do a cab swap honestly than reinvent the wheel to that extent with the front suspension and steering.

 

[4x4truckstop]

I think it would be interesting to try make the front 4x4 beams work I wouldnt have a problem with cutting the beams and turning them.. 1 problem I can see is the possibility of the Pumpkin area hitting the engine cross member.

I cant remember exactly but I have read you can drop a 4x4 front around 4 inches without the beams hitting the engine crossmember? If the axle shafts bind Im sure I could shorten them a bit.

Before I go through all of that I want to know if d35 front would hold up to 300-350hp with 245/45/r17 inch tires. I imagine it would grip and with no wheel spin that will be alot of pressure on the little d35. Would a open front diff be good to go?

 

[slammedxonair]

You can do about a max 2" drop with 4x4 ibeams. Keep in mind the explorer has a huge engine crossmember that hangs about 4" below the stock frame. As for the rear if you still have leaf springs I would say put a 4 link in there with some coil overs. Are you drag racing with it or like road coarse? That could even lead to an IRS setup.

 

[baddis]

i wouldn't use an awd case either. use a manual case and start out in 4 high and then switch to 2 high. that's how the diesel truck crowd is getting good times at the strip.