Will these fit a '87?

[Dustincoc]

http://www.rangerframefix.com/1993-1997-truck-parts/frame-repair-channels-ranger-and-mazda-b-series.html

The site says they fix '93 to '97. From my limite understanding, the Ranger frame stayed mostly the same from '83 to '97.

 

[ZMan]

They should fit, you're right the back of the frame never really changed.

 

[PanamaExpat]

Can't you just weld in some appropriate sized channel steel?

 

[jhammel85]

They should fit, you're right the back of the frame never really changed.

Agreed. They should work just fine.

 

[Surrey]

They should fit, but it would be much cheaper to just get some steel and make your own.

Besides, something like that I would rather be welded together than use some bolt-on stuff.

Also, they are only 11 gauge steel (.120") Which isn't very thick, if I was you, I would use 1/4" steel, minimum, for anything frame-related.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'd use them if I couldn't build my own. And I don't agree with Surrey because what's the use of using steel thicker than the original frame?

 

[ZMan]

They should fit, but it would be much cheaper to just get some steel and make your own.

Besides, something like that I would rather be welded together than use some bolt-on stuff.

Also, they are only 11 gauge steel (.120") Which isn't very thick, if I was you, I would use 1/4" steel, minimum, for anything frame-related.

the frame itself is only 3/16s...these are a bit expensive, you could probably make your own for 20 or 30 bucks and a trip to a steel supplier, but if he doesn't have tools, like a welder, or the skills, then go for it I guess.

 

[Surrey]

the frame itself is only 3/16s...these are a bit expensive, you could probably make your own for 20 or 30 bucks and a trip to a steel supplier, but if he doesn't have tools, like a welder, or the skills, then go for it I guess.

3/16 is still thicker than 11 gauge... and if I was going to be doing anything to the frame, it would be at least as beefy as original, if not more so.

I would think a welding shop could fab him up something thats stronger and cheaper, even if he lacks the skills himself to do it.

 

[Dustincoc]

I've got the tools. I'm currently rebuilding the radiator support since the lower 6" are missing.


Right now I'm just checking out the options on this repair. I'm missing a 2x2 piece on the botttom flange just behind the rear spring bracket. I know your not supposed to weld the flanges.

 

[Dustincoc]

Got a couple pics of the damage

 

[Surrey]

Sheesh. looks like you might wanna pull the bed and look at replacing a big chunk of that frame.

While your at it, inspect your shackles and hangers, they are probably shot too.

 

[Dustincoc]

Thats the only section of the frame thats like that, the rest is still very solid(No rustier than the leaf spring in the photo). If I eventually end up doing a frame swap, I'll look for a BII frame and do a flatbed.

 

[ZMan]

I wouldn't bother buying those sections just for that to be honest. That's weird, I had an '87 with very similar rot on just the passenger frame rail, though mine was worse.