Eliminating the 4X4 function
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New User
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Eliminating the 4X4 function
Hi everybody, new guy here. I have an 89 full size Bronco. The 4 wheel drive function doesn't work. I never have had any use for 4 wheel drive and don't anticipate ever needing it so in the interest of saving money I don't want to have whatever is wrong, fixed. I am, however toying with the idea of removing the transfer case, drive shaft going to the front axle, and running a driveshaft directly from transmission to rear axle. Has anyone done this? If so, what do you have to do to hook up the new driveshaft to the rear of the transmission, where it hooks up to the transfer case? My reasoning? I don't need the 4X4 so why lug all the extra weight around?
Waiting on your ideas, suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
Flea
Waiting on your ideas, suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
Flea
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
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From: Louisiana
Really and truely I'd leave it if it worked or not. The weight of the driveshaft, and t case isn't over 150 lbs, and is probably only 90 or so.
You'd have to get a new transmission tail housing, and probably a new tailshaft b/c of the different length housings. Unless your really good with automatic transmissions then I wouldn't suggest doing the work your self, and it could get expensive quick to have a mechanic do it.
A few questions: Does it have manual or auto locking hubs?
Is it a electric shift or manual?
Either one of those could keep the 4wd from working, and isn't hard to replace if you or someone else(if you sell it) ever wants a working 4x4 system.
You'd have to get a new transmission tail housing, and probably a new tailshaft b/c of the different length housings. Unless your really good with automatic transmissions then I wouldn't suggest doing the work your self, and it could get expensive quick to have a mechanic do it.
A few questions: Does it have manual or auto locking hubs?
Is it a electric shift or manual?
Either one of those could keep the 4wd from working, and isn't hard to replace if you or someone else(if you sell it) ever wants a working 4x4 system.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
First off Welcome to FTE and the Big Bronco Forum. We will endeavor to get you the most concise information at our disposal.
In addition to MBB's wisdom, may I ask the obvious question as to why one would bother to have one of the few vehicles that was NEVER mass produced WITHOUT 4WD if one has no use for it? Not trying to be obnoxious here, just trying to get a handle on why you would even bother to have a Bronco if you have no use for the 4WD. Even on wet roads the 4WD is far superior for control and traction than just the rear wheel drive. But to each his own. The removal of all that equipment is, as MBB mentioned, more trouble than its worth especially since there was NEVER a 2WD Bronco that you could just go get the parts from to change the truck that drastically.
In addition to MBB's wisdom, may I ask the obvious question as to why one would bother to have one of the few vehicles that was NEVER mass produced WITHOUT 4WD if one has no use for it? Not trying to be obnoxious here, just trying to get a handle on why you would even bother to have a Bronco if you have no use for the 4WD. Even on wet roads the 4WD is far superior for control and traction than just the rear wheel drive. But to each his own. The removal of all that equipment is, as MBB mentioned, more trouble than its worth especially since there was NEVER a 2WD Bronco that you could just go get the parts from to change the truck that drastically.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,603
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From: St Louis
Since it is a bronco, he could get the 2wd parts out of an F-150 to make it so. I am of the opinion why bust your butt and get utterly frustrated with changing out. After doing the C-6 swap into an E4OD spot because the E4OD blew up, it is alot of work. If you are unconcerned with non fuctioning 4wd parts then leave it well enough alone. Otherwise there is alot of blood sweat and tears in changing out what doesnt cost that much in mileage.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
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From: Gateway to the West
Originally Posted by alxsnmr
Since it is a bronco, he could get the 2wd parts out of an F-150 to make it so.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Correct - they're totally different. The rear driveshaft alone will be a custom job, and that's after the tranny swap.
I also wonder - why? One of the BEST features of the Bronco is four wheel drive in a vehicle designed from the ground up to be a capable offroad vehicle.
I also wonder - why? One of the BEST features of the Bronco is four wheel drive in a vehicle designed from the ground up to be a capable offroad vehicle.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,603
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From: St Louis
I just figured it was a given that he would be lengthing or shorting some shafts to make it work
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
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From: on da beach
FLEALAMI
It is not worth all that trouble and expense. You will be better off spending the money on another vehicle.
Why did you choose the Bronco in the first place?
There are so many SUVs today that are 2wd, It is rare to find a new SUV at dealer lots with 4wd- this is the latest fad.(cheaper).
Trade the Bronco for a 2wd Expedition
I am not harping on you, it would be "easier", and the Expy would be newer.
Just my opinion, either way enjoy your Bronco.
It is not worth all that trouble and expense. You will be better off spending the money on another vehicle.
Why did you choose the Bronco in the first place?
There are so many SUVs today that are 2wd, It is rare to find a new SUV at dealer lots with 4wd- this is the latest fad.(cheaper).
Trade the Bronco for a 2wd Expedition
I am not harping on you, it would be "easier", and the Expy would be newer.
Just my opinion, either way enjoy your Bronco.
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
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From: on da beach
greystreak92,Does a 2wd Bronco II count as a Bronco? I wanted to be one up on Jeep because they made a 2wd postal jeep and not just 4wd Jeeps. Did landrover/rangerover make any 2wd vehicles? No matter, FORD owns Landrover anyway. Broncos are cool no matter what. nuff said.
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Okay, I've decided to keep it 4X4.
I didn't know that the Bronco was never made in a 2 wheel drive. Sounds like too much trouble and expense to save a few cents in mileage.
The reasons I bought the Bronco:
1. The price was right.
2. I like the way it looks.
3. It tows my boat.
4. Love the way it handles around town (small turn radius).
5. Did I mention I like the looks. The only man's SUV out there.
I have a 2001 Cadillac Deville, excellent condition and the 1989 Bronco. What does everyone in the house want to ride when we go somewhere around town? The Bronco! Hands down! The cushy Cadi stays in the garage except for long trips and when the wife and I go to dinner.
I never offroad the Bronco (motorcycles for that), never drive in snow, although it did get down into the 50s last winter (Fl), never had any problem with 2 wheel drive in the rain, in fact my old Chevy was one wheel drive, so that is why I thought of removing the extra weight of the 4X4 hardware.
Anyway it's going to stay original.
Thanks for your input.
Flea
I didn't know that the Bronco was never made in a 2 wheel drive. Sounds like too much trouble and expense to save a few cents in mileage.The reasons I bought the Bronco:
1. The price was right.
2. I like the way it looks.
3. It tows my boat.
4. Love the way it handles around town (small turn radius).
5. Did I mention I like the looks. The only man's SUV out there.
I have a 2001 Cadillac Deville, excellent condition and the 1989 Bronco. What does everyone in the house want to ride when we go somewhere around town? The Bronco! Hands down! The cushy Cadi stays in the garage except for long trips and when the wife and I go to dinner.
I never offroad the Bronco (motorcycles for that), never drive in snow, although it did get down into the 50s last winter (Fl), never had any problem with 2 wheel drive in the rain, in fact my old Chevy was one wheel drive, so that is why I thought of removing the extra weight of the 4X4 hardware.
Anyway it's going to stay original.
Thanks for your input.
Flea
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Flealami
You have excellent reasons for buying the Bronco.
I like to looks too, and they are easy to drive around.
Broncos are great value as a 4wd. I don't think the value would be as high if it was converted to 2wd.
About 4wd, it is better to have it and not use it, than need it and not have it.
Been there and done that.
Like I said before, enjoy your FORD BRONCO.
You have excellent reasons for buying the Bronco.
I like to looks too, and they are easy to drive around.
Broncos are great value as a 4wd. I don't think the value would be as high if it was converted to 2wd.
About 4wd, it is better to have it and not use it, than need it and not have it.
Been there and done that.
Like I said before, enjoy your FORD BRONCO.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 171
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From: Va. Beach, VA
I too pull a boat with my Bronco. Several times I've had to use 4-wheel drive to pull the boat up a steep slick ramp at low tide. The first time you really need 4WD you'll be glad you have it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,018
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From: Longview, TX
Not getting much support for 2WD? Picture a wreck on the Interstate and traffic is backed up. Engage 4X4 and you are on the service road. WALA! Go to the races and park where you want to. Go to the beach and drive in dry sand at the dunes to get to the beach. If you have manual hubs, put in 4LO and pull a trailer of kids in a parade or hay ride. Love it yet?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
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From: Gateway to the West
Originally Posted by khadma
greystreak92,Does a 2wd Bronco II count as a Bronco?