//Compatible years

[Albinomike757]

Hey!
I know there's already a thread here someone started to have a running list of all the years that parts that are compatible, however I cannot find it again.
1. Does anyone know where it is?
2. Can you save threads to find again later?
3. I have a 97 ranger, and I'm looking for new wheels (starting to leak + 14's are getting harder to find which means more money for rubber). They didn't switch bolt patterns or sizes until 2010, correct?

Thanks in advance!
Have a happy Sunday!

 

[ericbphoto]

It's hard to put together a good list. Generally, everything withing a generation should interchange. But some things, like wheels, beds even doors and front clips will sometimes cross generations easily or with some fabrication.

Your truck is 3rd generation - 93-97. But I believe wheels cross all generations. 5 on 4.5 lug pattern and about 4" backspacing.

One thing to note. Around 95 or 96, the ecu changed to OBD II standard. So earlier 3rd gen ecu, engine wiring harness and gauge clusters will not work on your truck. Wiring and electrical stuff evolved and changed more often than the body/chassis generations.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, wheels are easy though... I'm running a pair of Jeep aluminum 15's on the back of my '97 and a pair of first gen Ranger 15" steel wheels up front right now... I got a cheap set of tires that "looked" like they had 5 on 4.5" wheels in the auction picture... so I scrounged the only 15" wheels I had that had junk tires on them...

You can use Ranger wheels like you found, but can also look for '91-01 Explorer wheels and some Jeep wheels as some Wranglers, Cherokee's and Grand Cherokee's had the same bolt pattern... but they usually have more backspacing so might be inset a little.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Wheels may have the correct bolt pattern but some wheels (even Ranger wheels ) have smaller center holes and will not fit over the locking hubs on a 97 or older 4x4 Ranger.

A Dodge Intrepid steel wheel will fit perfectly on a 97 Ranger 4x4 hub....

AJ

 

[scotts90ranger]

Very true, and at some point the pilot in the rear axle shafts changed size. The hub issue isn't a problem on a 4x2 though.