convert an Explorer to a Ranger

[xuout1]

Will definitely want to use the ranger springs with the pads fliped on the explore 8.8.

 

[Dirtman]

How do you plan on grafting two entirely different width frames together? Why not just put the explorer drivetrain in the non running ranger you already plan on buying.

 

[xuout1]

The frames are the same until you get past the the front seats then the explore frame flares out and becomes a whole different animal. If I come across a 4x4 ranger then I will just transfer running gear over but most likely it will be a 2wd. The conversion to make a 2wd frame into a 4x4 frame is actually quite time consuming but I'm pretty sure I could splice a frame in one weekend if I have enough beer. I have a fully equipped 30 x 60 shop with car lift and every tool known to man. Or at least I like to tell myself that until I see something I have to have. HA!

 

[Dirtman]

Well to me it seems alot like ordering a pizza with anchovies and olives and then picking all the olives off because they are gross, throwing the pizza out, making a hat from the box and eating a bowl of cheerios instead. But we all gotta dream.

 

[xuout1]

Your probably right. Going to just cut the top off behind the seats for now for a gangsta truck until I fine the perfect parts ranger. Who knows I might loose interest by then.

 

[xuout1]

The soon to be truck.I replaced the destroyed radius arm bushings and did a 2" spring spacers since I got it last week.

 

[GT350HR]

I ended up buying a 2002 short bed 2.3 auto and am happy with it. The 23+ MPG has made me forget about the V8 swap. I am dumping the 7.5 and putting in an 8.8 that I have switched to Mustang disc brakes. Nothing wrong with the 7.5 but I figured I'd do the brake conversion on a separate diff and found a 4.10 open 8.8 ( I added a trac loc ) and did the swap on it instead of the 7.5 . If anyone needs a quiet 4.10-7.5 in the So Cal area , mine will be up for grabs and will include the 9" ( stock ) brakes and the 10"ers off of the 8.8. $125 will take it all.
My hairbrain idea of grafting the ranger roof and back of the cab to the Explorer is in the waste basket.
Randy

 

[xuout1]

I ended up buying a 2002 short bed 2.3 auto and am happy with it. The 23+ MPG has made me forget about the V8 swap. I am dumping the 7.5 and putting in an 8.8 that I have switched to Mustang disc brakes. Nothing wrong with the 7.5 but I figured I'd do the brake conversion on a separate diff and found a 4.10 open 8.8 ( I added a trac loc ) and did the swap on it instead of the 7.5 . If anyone needs a quiet 4.10-7.5 in the So Cal area , mine will be up for grabs and will include the 9" ( stock ) brakes and the 10"ers off of the 8.8. $125 will take it all.
My hairbrain idea of grafting the ranger roof and back of the cab to the Explorer is in the waste basket.
Randy

I ended up finding a 1989 regular cab short box 4x4 with the 2.3 and going to fix that up instead. Will sell the explorer now that its driving good. Still a explorer truck conversion would be fun but early rangers are dirt cheep to buy. wonder how long that will last.