2nd gen front end to 1st gen

djt25 · Jan 5, 2009

So i was just wondering if its possible to switch my 1991 front end for a 1888 front end, and if so, is it a difficult swap? Also will the old doors be flush with the new fenders? :icon_confused:

from this to this?

Thanks!

rangergt89 · Jan 5, 2009

yes it is possible, the doors are the same but the headlight socket will be different.

85_Ranger4x4 · Jan 5, 2009

Most people change the whole front clip, all the sheetmetal under the fenders and grille which eleminate the headlight bucket problem.

Done right you can't tell the difference aside from the different interiors.

feellnfroggy · Jan 6, 2009

That will be a pretty goo looking swap I think, is there anyways to pull it off while keeping the center mounted Ford emblem?

koda6966 · Jan 6, 2009

feellnfroggy said:
That will be a pretty goo looking swap I think, is there anyways to pull it off while keeping the center mounted Ford emblem?

Sure, move it.

rickcdewitt · Jan 6, 2009

no need to remove the radiator support,but you will need to cut the headlight holders out of the older truck and mount them on the later rad. support. other than that its just drilling a few holes and wiring the headlights.

Hypnotic Toast · Jan 6, 2009

djt25 said:
So i was just wondering if its possible to switch my 1991 front end for a 1888 front end...

I didn't realize they made Rangers back then? I'm sorry, but my eye for grammatical mistakes is uncanny.

All kidding aside, that should be a nice swap. I actually really like the older front ends, I think they look pretty tough.

Plum Ranger XLT · Jan 6, 2009

I personally like the '83 - '88 style front end myself after owning an '84 Ranger back in the mid '90's.

djt25 · Jan 6, 2009

Hypnotic Toast said:
I didn't realize they made Rangers back then? I'm sorry, but my eye for grammatical mistakes is uncanny.

All kidding aside, that should be a nice swap. I actually really like the older front ends, I think they look pretty tough.

hahahh, didn't even realize i messed that up, but its pretty obvious as to what i meant... oh well...

Anyways, thanks everybody for the info, now i just gotta find an old 88 parts truck thats not rusted all to hell in the land of salt and water (Nova Scotia).... this should be fun.... lol

fordktpjoe · Jan 9, 2009

I am currently looking at a 1983 model that has taken a hit to the front end, and needs some sheetmetal replacement.

Are the inner fenders, and core support all spot welded together and then spot welded to the firewall?

I can find a replacement core support, but not inner fenders, unless I am an idiot, and don't realize they come built into the fenders themselves? :icon_confused:

2nd gen front end to 1st gen

djt25

10+ Year Member

rangergt89

15+ Year Member

85_Ranger4x4

Wallers in rivers

feellnfroggy

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koda6966

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rickcdewitt

15+ Year Member

Hypnotic Toast

15+ Year Member

Plum Ranger XLT

15+ Year Member

djt25

10+ Year Member

fordktpjoe

15+ Year Member

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