Switching Cabs. Help!

[23pennkr]

I recently destroyed my cab in a rollover accident. I have a 2008 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 V6. Does anyone know what other Ranger years I can use for a new cab? I'm worried about computer shit and compatibility. Anyone have any advice, suggestions, instructions from experience? I've never done anything like this before and barely know where to start. I've been looking at Salvage yards, FB marketplace, and offer up for cabs or cheap salvage Rangers with cabs in decent shape that I can buy and then part out after. I added pictures of what it looks like now. Also I cut the top off because I was thinking of just adding a roll cage instead of a cab as well. But that's a whole other issue in itself so I'm starting to lean towards the idea of a new cab instead.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Make sure you get one with a good title. As clost your your truck as possible would be ideal.

 

[DILLARD000]

Ouch

 

[Blmpkn]

Hmm...

If it were me.. id be considering getting a cab off a truck thats old enough to register as an antique. Best of both worlds.. newer truck.. and no need for stickers/smog/whatever else.

Might not be viable wherever you live. We don't have much in the way of stipulations on antique plates up here.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Hmm...

If it were me.. id be considering getting a cab off a truck thats old enough to register as an antique. Best of both worlds.. newer truck.. and no need for stickers/smog/whatever else.

Might not be viable wherever you live. We don't have much in the way of stipulations on antique plates up here.

Old enough for antique plates won't line up well with an '08 for a couple years yet.

 

[holyford86]

Old enough for antique plates won't line up well with an '08 for a couple years yet.

A 98 would qualify for that, and in a couple weeks, so will a 99, at least in NY.

That being said, there are some minor firewall differences between an 08 and a 98. In the early aughts, ford switched how the trucks are wired and there will be a large hole on the driver side for the 3 main plugs into the cab which simply don't exist on an 08. The dashes are identical except for the wiring and with the dash removed its a piece of cake to swap the entire wiring harness as an assembly.

 

[pjtoledo]

the official VIN is affixed to the cowl, if you swap cabs you also swap VINs so legally it's a totally different truck.
as stated, a good title will be needed.

or, call the DMV and see if there is a procedure to re-mount the VIN plate while legally repairing a vehicle.
one of the car restoration shows was able to do that in Virginia, he had to get special rivets from the state.
being in California, you're probably screwed.

if you're ever stopped and the officer sees even a scratch on those special rivets he assumes you have a stolen vehicle.

ya, I'm a party pooper


EDIT:
what about inspections???? will the computers VIN need match the "new" vehicles VIN?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

EDIT:
what about inspections???? will the computers VIN need match the "new" vehicles VIN?

In some states.

Not sure how it works, we have gotten a couple used PCM's from JY's at work, not sure what poor folks do in areas where they care about such trivial things when their obsolete PCM lets the magic smoke out.

 

[23pennkr]

So far this has been very helpful thanks! I was told on another forum about 0'6 and up would be my best bet but 2000's and up on another. Can anyone help me figure out which years would actually be better for a new cab?

 

[pjtoledo]

In some states.

Not sure how it works, we have gotten a couple used PCM's from JY's at work, not sure what poor folks do in areas where they care about such trivial things when their obsolete PCM lets the magic smoke out.

in my corner of Ohio there are absolutely no inspections, we get away with a lot.
when a used car comes in from out of state they look at the vin, that's all.

what was it that Mt T used to say??

 

[pjtoledo]

go by the PCM connectors, post a pic.

 

[don4331]

So far this has been very helpful thanks! I was told on another forum about 0'6 and up would be my best bet but 2000's and up on another. Can anyone help me figure out which years would actually be better for a new cab?

What you want to find is a truck with a blown engine e.g. 4.0 SOHC which ate the timing chain. Then take your good motor/transmission, etc. and put them in the dead truck. That avoids most of the issues with the establishment.

 

[23pennkr]

What you want to find is a truck with a blown engine e.g. 4.0 SOHC which ate the timing chain. Then take your good motor/transmission, etc. and put them in the dead truck. That avoids most of the issues with the establishment.

Oh shit that's good. I'll definitely look into that thank you!

 

[19Walt93]

If you decide to swap cabs please check your state laws first. As mentioned, the VIN tag on the dash won't match your title or registration and it's near impossible to switch the tags. If you use the cab's VIN, the VIN in your PCM won't match it and the Gordon Darby system NH uses would catch that- I'd bet California's rules are tighter than ours. Common sense would tell you that cabs get swapped to repair wreck damage or rust, unfortunately, common sense doesn't apply to state laws. A little research could save you from spending money on a truck you wouldn't be able to drive.

 

[Rimjam]

What don4331 said - buy a decent Ranger near your year with drivetrain failure, use yours for parts. You'll be waaay ahead,