Frame Swap - 1988 x cab body on 2002 x cab frame?

[PetroleumJunkie412]

So, picked up a parts truck. 2002 extended cab 4 wd.

Truck is getting cut up for parts for the 2011 and to sell off.

Frame under it is still solid.

Anyone know offhand if a first gen body will fit a 2002 frame? Would give me a SLA front end, which is a bit more condusive to what I'm trying to do with the 1988...

 

[snoranger]

The wheelbase is within 1/2” and the bed should just bolt on.
You’ll have to make cab mounts and modify a bunch of stuff, but it will work.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Sorta figured cab mounts and front driveshaft rotation were going to be the sticking spots. I'll get busy with a tape measure....

With the choice between 1988 and 2002 frame, which is physically stronger?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Doesn't your '88 frame have rust issues?

Front driveshaft shouldn't be an issue, didn't they all use the BW1354 t-case 1990ish-2011?

 

[RonD]

I thought the frames were the same dimensions, 1983-2011, well for the same models, i.e. regular cab, long bed or extended cab
The cab and front body mounts were different, starting in 1993 with the wider body

4x4s had boxed front rails, so technically stronger up front

The high and low pinion use standard or reverse cut gears respectively, but same rotation, as said, Rangers all used the same transfer case design, 1350 or 1354

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Doesn't your '88 frame have rust issues?

Front driveshaft shouldn't be an issue, didn't they all use the BW1354 t-case 1990ish-2011?

Technically I have two 1988s. One has a good everything but cab (tree fell on it). Was going to cut it apart for it's frame, but then dad decided he could fix the roof, and all of a sudden Mr. Mopar himself decides rangers are cool

I thought the frames were the same dimensions, 1983-2011, well for the same models, i.e. regular cab, long bed or extended cab
The cab and front body mounts were different, starting in 1993 with the wider body

4x4s had boxed front rails, so technically stronger up front

The high and low pinion use standard or reverse cut gears respectively, but same rotation, as said Rangers all used the same transfer case design, 1350 or 1354

Interesting..... So I may be able to knock first gen cab mounts onto a 2002 frame and run with it?

Would save me a lot of fab work on the driveshaft side of things, upgrade my fuel tank size and construction, etc. Plus, as much as I'm not a huge fan of SLA, it definitely handles better on some things. Hm.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Would save me a lot of fab work on the driveshaft side of things, upgrade my fuel tank size and construction, etc. Plus, as much as I'm not a huge fan of SLA, it definitely handles better on some things. Hm.

It is more AWD friendly too...

 

[RonD]

I miss spoke, should read "The LOW and HIGH pinion use standard or reverse cut gears respectively"

Had it reversed

 

[snoranger]

It is more AWD friendly too...

@PetroleumJunkie412 You’d like most AWD systems... there’s no low range to worry about.

 

[RonD]

But AWD doesn't do an even split of power, its about 30/70, and 4WD is 50/50

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

But AWD doesn't do an even split of power, its about 30/70, and 4WD is 50/50

It does reduce the number of confusing switches and levers...

On a serious note for a rally/street truck like what I think this thing is evolving into it might be worth thinking about though.

 

[snoranger]

On a serious note for a rally/street truck like what I think this thing is evolving into it might be worth thinking about though.

It would be the best direction for the engine he’s building.

But AWD doesn't do an even split of power, its about 30/70, and 4WD is 50/50

I was just picking on him.

 

[adsm08]

Be careful with this idea.

In PA for registration and inspection year, make, model, and VIN are supposed to be tied to the chassis, not the body.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Sh*t.

Copy.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Be careful with this idea.

In PA for registration and inspection year, make, model, and VIN are supposed to be tied to the chassis, not the body.

Any way to get the vin changed on the frame?

What about crusty frames that no longer have a VIN?