Ranger/Explorer suspension
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: South Carolina
Ranger/Explorer suspension
Hello all, I've been doing research on putting a 302 from an Explorer into my 2002 Ranger. Found plenty of info, but not on the suspension part. Can the 4.0 front suspension hold up the 302?
4.0 = 330 lbs roughly vs. 302 = 480 lbs roughly.
If not, then can a pre 2001 Explorer front end fit on my truck?
Thanks in advance!
4.0 = 330 lbs roughly vs. 302 = 480 lbs roughly.
If not, then can a pre 2001 Explorer front end fit on my truck?
Thanks in advance!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: SE Michigan
I'm sure you can see that you're only talking about a 150 lb weight increase, which isn't really very much. Yes the "02" Ranger front end can handle it. After you've had the truck with the V8 in it for a few years you may notice some front end sag, that could be from the springs getting old. You can replace them with a stiffer rate spring, like from a 4x4 or springs from an Explorer or maybe F150 coils if you have coil springs. If you have a torsion bar front end then you can crank up the torsion bars a turn or so to raise it back to where you want it. You may also be able to get heavier coil springs from some off road or 4x4 shops that have done some V8 conversions. Some like James Duff or maybe Summit racing. Check them out.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: South Carolina
I wasnt sure if those 150 lbs would've made a difference or not. Just wanted to be sure I guess. And my truck has the #1 torsions. This is a project for maybe the long future. And are there any stiffer springs?
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: South Carolina
Another question...
. 4x4 Explorers have torsions, correct? And I assume those would be #1's, so I'd be golden in that respect right? Thanks any and all.
. 4x4 Explorers have torsions, correct? And I assume those would be #1's, so I'd be golden in that respect right? Thanks any and all.
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Cargo Master
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From: Elk River, MN
You probably know by now that the Explorer 4x4 with a 302 has a single speed transfer case that is considered all wheel drive. There is no 4 wheel low or any option to select 2 wheel drive.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: South Carolina
I found a site on this forum for an adapter to use my original transfer case.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...er_ranger.html
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...er_ranger.html
Last edited by 4x484150; Dec 15, 2011 at 09:43 PM. Reason: Fixed website link
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Amherst, WI
I know of several that used the complete Explorer drive train in the later Rangers and made a AWD. The one that grandmas might be taking about used the 4406 from an Expedition, did a fantastic swap and earned truck of the year at TRS and RPS. Guys doing the swap into the earlier years have used every transfer case made. Lots of options for the swap. That link to the TRS adapter info didn't work.
Dave
Dave
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: South Carolina
I suppose it would be easier to swap the t-case as well, but I wanted to keep the low range. And I fixed the link. This is turing into a drivetrain thread instead of suspension, isn't it? 
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Jackson, MO
Just keep your tcase.
The 302 is almost a drop and go engine. Most plugs will match up, the tcase should bolt up.
Seriously, I've seen this swap so many times
The Ranger suspension will handle it just fine, trust me
The 302 is almost a drop and go engine. Most plugs will match up, the tcase should bolt up.
Seriously, I've seen this swap so many times
The Ranger suspension will handle it just fine, trust me
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