92 ranger body on 98+ frame- possible?

[purpony]

Does anyone know if dimensionally a 92 body would fit a 98+ frame? Would the body mounts be the same or not?

I have a 92 standard cab long bed that i am planning on doing a frame up resto on along with a 302. I purchased a rolled over 97 mountaineer for some parts and got to thinking, since its going to be a street driven only truck (lifted) maybe i could use the explorer frame with IRS front suspension.. after looking at the frame it dont think its going to work, but why not a 98+ ranger frame? I would have the 92 looks with the 98+ better suspesion, better brakes, CV joints upfront (was thinking of using the explorer AWD t-case), and also would have rack and pinion steering.....

anyone have any input to this? has it been done? I have searched without much luck-

thanks

 

[ZMan]

the 98+ standard cab frames are 3 inches longer. But they're 2 piece, they're sectioned at the front leaf spring hangers so I don't think shortening it will be THAT big of a deal seeing as how its just riveted together.

 

[Mac]

I did a measurement of the width at the transfer case area on my 2000 in comparison with a 93-94 awiile back and the later one is 1 1/2" wider. Think even more towards the front. I've got the Ford shop manual that should have all the dimensions if need be.
Dave

 

[AllanD]

There is no mechanical problem that cannot be solved with a Torch, sawsall, chopsaw, plasma cutter and MIG welder (or some combination of these tools)

Can you do it? Absolutely.

the question is: what will you have to do to accomplish it?




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[milje]

solved with a sotch

What the heck is a sotch?

 

[JaBradt85]

98-up Rangers are 2 piece frames?

 

[HAPPY_RANGER_GUY]

...since its going to be a street driven only truck (lifted) maybe i could use the explorer frame with IRS front suspension...

Confused...why lift it if it's going to be street driven only truck?? Want to burn more fuel for some reason? Or do you prefer to spend more on tires, maybe that's it.

...after looking at the frame it dont think its going to work, but why not a 98+ ranger frame? I would have the 92 looks with the 98+ better suspesion...

Be careful with that statement. I've heard a lot of people on here btchin up a storm about replacing ball joints and other suspension related parts. I'll stick with the pre-98 suspension anyday.

T.

 

[Dishtowel]

What the heck is a sotch?

I'm going to assume he meant Scotch, as Ron Burgandy says "here it goes, down into belly."

 

[Mutant Pony]

What the heck is a sotch?

I was wondering about that one too!

I would much rather have the '98 body on the older frame but, thats my opinion. I like my Rangers to be dependable.
2wd-'98 and up frame
4wd-'97 and older frame

 

[LittleBigFoot]

To be honest, I hate my IFS.

Expensive to lift, limited flex, POS if you ask me.

If I had known anything about trucks when I bought mine, I would have stuck with a pre 98 for sure.

 

[Bent Bolt]

Personally, I like the ride of my 87 over my 08.

 

[purpony]

its going to be lifted just because i like lifted trucks. I know the IFS will cost more to list but so be it. I was looking at the RCD coil over lift. I dont care anything about flex- once again its a street truck. What i gain with the IRS is the CV front axles which will allow me to use the AWD T-case from my explorer. The engine will be a 331/347 combo making decent power so the AWD will be fun. A few years back i had a supercharge v8 awd explorer and it was a blast. Great in the rain and snow and would just launch with zero traction issues. Also, i want to stick with the 92 because personally i love the body style and also it was my first vehicle.... which i want to keep for a long long time, however the 2.9 and auto tranny are creeping up on 220K miles and its not going to last forever.

I will investigate this a little more. I was thinking of seeing about buying a 98+ frame or rolled over truck for parts and also a junk 82-92 ranger to fit the body. If all goes ok, then i can take my trucks body and interior and put it on the roller.... we will see, its at least getting a v8 if nothing else since this is something i have been wanting to do since 94.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

Just don't make it onto the scarry steering web sight, and realize that lift with out a purpose only leads people to assume things....

 

[HAPPY_RANGER_GUY]

its going to be lifted just because i like lifted trucks. I know the IFS will cost more to list but so be it.

And that is good enough reason for me. Didn't intend to beat you up over it, just asking the questions. Good luck on your project, hope all goes well.

T.

 

[AllanD]

That's what I get for typing while someone is talking to me.... TORCH!

As for the "superiority" of the '98 suspension? No, not really.

If OTOH I was building a stock height Ranger and planning to
put a 5.0 and an AWD Explorer T-case in it '98 all the way...

Other than that... NO!

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