B3000 to ranger conversion

[rebelkid]

ARGG! recovering from a recent hit and run...got some insurance money to play with. For the most part everything up front is dented or damaged in some way or another. [luckily she still runs good]

was shopping around for replacement parts and I realized that if i were ever going to convert the front end to a ranger, now wld be the time. And besides replacement ranger parts are generally a lot cheaper

Questions for you:

1. anyone done this or kno for sure if it is just a bolt on conversion

and

2. looks like there are some key components I have to convert for everything to fit. The bumper seems to be one of them....and i cant figure out the ranger bumper....i kno the mazda one is 3 parts [big metal guy, trim on top and valence on bottom.]....but from looking at these pics i dont see what all you need for the ranger bumper and i dont see any mounting points.....any help appreciated because at this point...im kinda lost

 

[Rose2300]

you'd have to replace the whole core support as well. plus the front fenders. plus the rear fender lines wont match up to the rangers so you would have to replace the bed as well

 

[rebelkid]

 

[Rose2300]

If you want a ranger just buy one haha. Personally I like the look of the Mazdas better but to each his own

 

[stmitch]

Assuming the truck is 03 like your profile says, you shouldn't have to switch the core support as long as you were replacing your wrecked pieces with 98+ ranger body parts. The only time you have to switch core supports is switching between pre98 and post 98 models.
The bed doesn't have to be replaced either. Ford used the Mazda bed on the ranger stx from the factory, and overall it looks fine. It's not a perfect match, but nobody would notice the difference in the wheel arches.
You would need: fenders, header panel, grille, and lights. You may be able to keep your bumper/valence, or you can switch to any Ranger bumper/valence combo 98 or newer as long as you had the correct brackets.

 

[rebelkid]

thanx guys, i think i finally got it figured out. looks like [as you say] i can do whatever model i want [assuming aftr 98] as long as i replace all teh panels....

now i just gotta decide if i want to make the jump...more expensive upfront, but cheaper in teh long run [25 for a ranger headlight beast 116 for a mazda any day]

should be getting my baby back tomorrow...had to have the core support/frame pulled....good times