2000 Ranger rebuild help

[fordwheelinman]

It's been probably close to a decade since I've been on here, so let's see if you folks are as helpful as I remember...

I'm getting a 2000 Ranger 4x2 with a 3.0 that was wrecked in the right front. I'm trying to find a bumper fit it locally, but I'm having no luck. I have a few questions that I've tried searching for answers for and have come up empty, and they are as follows:

1) What is the difference on the 2000 ranger between a 4x4 and 4x2 bumper? Can I use a 4x4 bumper on a 4x2? 4x4 bumpers are more available in my area it seems.

2) Will a 2001 bumper work? I realize it's a different style, but will it physically bolt up and line up.

3) I want to do a painted bumper, but I believe the truck is an xlt. Will a painted bumper bolt to and line up to my truck?

I dont care so much about wheel wells lining up perfectly, but as long as it would bolt up to the frame, line up to the grille and parklights, I can live with the rest. I don't care if the 4x4 has a bigger hole in the valance for tow hooks, I'll add hooks or a front hitch, so that's a win to me. It'll be a daily driver, not a show truck, but I don't want it having huge gaps around the grille or lights.

 

[fastpakr]

I'm not aware of any difference between 4x2 and 4x4 bumpers. In a given year, I thought the only question was on the back between flareside and fleetside.

 

[sgtsandman]

From what I remember, the only difference between the bumpers for that year range was what valence is installed on the bumper. There are at least two that I remember. The non-fog light valence and the fog light model. They clip/snap on to the bottom of the bumper.

As far as painted VS non painted, there shouldn't be any difference in fitment.

 

[fordwheelinman]

Was just at my local yard, and held an 03 bumper up to a 99. It definitely fit the frame and fenders. Only question would be the grille, but I could always shave that to fit. So I'll be trying to find a 01 up bumper, hopefully with fog lights

 

[ben_2_go]

Any thing 93 up will interchange. I've had a 2003 and 2005 bumper on my 2001 truck. Here's a pic with a 2003 XLT bumper which is identical to the OE that came on my truck.