Explorer to Ranger front frame section?

[chvlfrk]

With the CFC cars I've seen around a local salvage yard, I've seen a few 95 up Explorers, and have been thinkin bout gettin the frame from a 2wd one and havin it grafted onto my 94 RAT Ranger, as the 95 up Explorers have R&P.
But not sure if the frames at the front are the same wideth? I know the Explorer is wider at the rear, but not sure bout the front?

My only reason for lookin into it is for the standard type suspension for clearance purposes................

Has anybody done it or know if it can be done?

 

[281Ranger]

Why not get the front frame section from a '98-up 2wd Ranger with coil springs? The frame rails are about 4" wider apart than the torsion bar fronts (Explorer or Ranger) and you know at some point it will match up with the rest of the frame. There is no difference between the 2wd and 4x4 Explorer frames, only the spindles are different.

 

[chvlfrk]

Why not get the front frame section from a '98-up 2wd Ranger with coil springs? The frame rails are about 4" wider apart than the torsion bar fronts (Explorer or Ranger) and you know at some point it will match up with the rest of the frame. There is no difference between the 2wd and 4x4 Explorer frames, only the spindles are different.

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As I said in my post, I see 95 up Explorers from the CFC, but the 98 Rangers didn't qualify, and are harder to find.

So the front stub of the frame is 4" wider than a 94 Ranger?

 

[281Ranger]

The front frame of the '98-up 2wd coil spring Rangers is 4" wider than the '95-'01 Explorers and '98-up 4x4 Rangers. I do not know how wide your '94 Ranger frame is.

A couple years ago I picked up the front half of a '99 Ranger 2wd frame for $100. That was with the salvage yard removing it from the vehicle for me.

 

[chvlfrk]

The front frame of the '98-up 2wd coil spring Rangers is 4" wider than the '95-'01 Explorers and '98-up 4x4 Rangers. I do not know how wide your '94 Ranger frame is.
A couple years ago I picked up the front half of a '99 Ranger 2wd frame for $100. That was with the salvage yard removing it from the vehicle for me.

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APPRECIATE the input & help.............what I don't understand within your post is the fact that the radiator support is the same for a 98up Rangers, no difference between 2wd & 4x4. If the frame for a 2wd was wider, then it would be a different radiator support.

Also, I see people graftin Explorer fronts on there Rangers with no mods to the grill, bumper, or valance panel? I mean, I don't care to havta make bumper brackets, but 4" of wideth would through your trackin off I would think.

If somebody has an Explorer they could measure, PLEASE chime in!

 

[Fx4wannabe01]

Where do you want measurements? I've got a 4x4 so it's the same frame as an Expo.

For what it's worth, the frame infront of the upper arm front mount is the same between 98+ coilspring and 98+ torison bar ranger. Share the same core support as well.

 

[chvlfrk]

Where do you want measurements? I've got a 4x4 so it's the same frame as an Expo.

For what it's worth, the frame infront of the upper arm front mount is the same between 98+ coilspring and 98+ torison bar ranger. Share the same core support as well.

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At the very front and at the front cab mount area, as thats where I was plannin on splicin it..............

THANKS DUDE!

 

[Fx4wannabe01]

Very front like just behind the frame horns for the bumper?

 

[chvlfrk]

Very front like just behind the frame horns for the bumper?

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Very front as in where the bumper bolts to the frame.........

THANKS!