How do 4x4 ranger frames vary between generations?

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, the '89-92 isn't any different, crumple zone came in the front frame horns around '91 if I remember right but other than the front bumper mount on the frame these are the same as '83-88...

The two piece frame started after '98 sometime, they weren't always that way.

For what you are doing I don't think it matters much, they will all have a bunch of stuff to take off, 4x4 and 4x2 frames in the TIB/TTB years ('97 and older) had different engine crossmembers between 4x4 and 4x2 but the frame rails are the same, 4x4 in front of the engine crossmember is boxed on the passenger side and not on the 4x2. '98-11 are all rack and pinion and older have a steering box, but if you're going full hydro like I would expect that wouldn't matter...

 

[Xjvince]

Yeah, the '89-92 isn't any different, crumple zone came in the front frame horns around '91 if I remember right but other than the front bumper mount on the frame these are the same as '83-88...

The two piece frame started after '98 sometime, they weren't always that way.

For what you are doing I don't think it matters much, they will all have a bunch of stuff to take off, 4x4 and 4x2 frames in the TIB/TTB years ('97 and older) had different engine crossmembers between 4x4 and 4x2 but the frame rails are the same, 4x4 in front of the engine crossmember is boxed on the passenger side and not on the 4x2. '98-11 are all rack and pinion and older have a steering box, but if you're going full hydro like I would expect that wouldn't matter...

Thanks, that was helpful

I have my eyes on a 1990 right now, I think they are the best looking

I’m working nights this weekend, maybe it will still be around in a few days

 

[scotts90ranger]

ok, you have my attention... my favorite is the '89-92 but I've had one for almost 23 years so I might be a bit biased... dash is sleek and compact (I have a '97 Ranger, '98 and '00 Explorer so I know the newer dash is bigger...), front end looks better (opinion, I know most prefer the first gen...), no frills and clean lines... I kinda wanted a '92 extended cab 4 cylinder for a daily driver but they're getting old (although not rusty here in Oregon which you know...) and I kinda wanted the extra HP and OBD II of a newer one, plus the '97 I found was cheap, plus it has dual piston calipers up front and was low miles and never even had a hitch ball in the bumper so a spring chicken!