This might sound dum,but I am looking at to rangers 1995 & 1996 both in about the same shape and price. The 95 is a 2 wheel drive and the 96 is a
4 wheel drive. Now I am wondering which I should buy. The main reason is traction,I know rangers are light in the rear. What I plan on doing is installing
a Fresh rebuilt 351 that I have in my shop. Its not that bad,but it suppose to be putting out 450 h.p. not sure at the rear wheels. Its to be used as a 1/4 mile on pavement truck. The reason I even thought of the 4 X4 is because of traction from 4 wheels ,not just 2. It seems like the 4 X $ holds up and pulls off the road,so why not on the road. Anyone done this or seen one ? Got any thoughts on it ? Thanks !

 

the tcase will go bang on the first run thay need a little slip never use 4x4 on dry pavement

 

If you swap in that 351 and want to run the 4x4 on the track, you are going to need some serious drivetrain beefing. The front diff assembly, driveshafts, t-case, and tranny are most likely going to grenade on you if you dont do some beefing. I would suggest the 2wd with some slicks and traction bars, because beefing up the ranger drivetrain for something that can take it, like atleast 1/2ton stuff, is going to add some serious weight to your rig. What you gain in traction you could lose considerably in power/weight ratio. Tub the box and install some slicks.

 

Ok guys thanks for the info. Just thought I could get more traction with the 4 X 4. Like you said mostlikey the front diff assembly would blow. The case and tranny might go to. But I was going to up grade it to a big truck trans & t-case. But I will go with the 2 wheel drive like u said. Up grading to a 9 inch locker rear. Thanks !

 

I dont know why everyone thinks that if you ever drive on dry pavement in 4wd you'll "blow it". I drive my bko and truck on dry pavement all the time, even aired down, I've even been know to pull a u turn or 2 in 4wd on pavement. Havent broken anything yet. Its a bigger concern in newer trucks with aluminum and chain driven t cases, but still I've taken out a bw1356, and it takes alot still.

 

Chrono4, i agree with you 110%. Just dont try and do that without a back shaft, I blew front axle u-joints in the rain after i blew a back shaft the day before in my old 78 bronco. I drive in 4x4 on the road, not a big deal, a little more regular wear on parts when you do it since they are designed as a part time 4x4, but nothing catastropically is going to happen unless it was damaged to begin with. The reason I say 2wd for this application was because of the power output, amount of traction gained, and piddly size of components. Something has to give, be it tires spinning or parts breaking.