1996 f150 for parts?

[Defective]

Since my ranger is down due to bearings again, I was kicking around the idea of trying the 44 knuckle swap.

I found a wrecked 1996 f150 EB, that has 115,000 miles on it. The guy hit a tree and the front end is smashed in pretty good. He says it's too costly to fix. It has a 5.8, auto, and manual t-case and hubs. Still runs and can drive, but steering is messed up and frame is bent. The control arm and tie rod ends are broke/bent. The rest of the truck is supposedly in awesome condition.

Anyway, I'm not sure what to offer or what else I could use the rest of the truck for. It might even be fixable to a driving condition, with the sheet metal removed (play toy/plow truck). I'm wondering what to offer and what else I could do with this to try to minimize cost. Is this a good/feasible V8 swap in a gravel driveway with no garage? What might the motor and tranny be worth?

Thanks, any ideas are appreciated.

 

[t0x1k]

I'd be willing to pay around 800 for just the engine to transfer case.
Throw $1000 at him. You'll probably make most of that back parting it. Then throw the engine in the ranger.

 

[Defective]

Went to look at it tonight. That frame is pretty tweaked, notice the huge gap between the cab and bed? The picture doesn't show it well, but that drivers side front frame is bent way over. The front end damage is pretty bad. Still has a clean title though. I offered him $800 and he took it. The new tires and wheels alone almost made it worth it for me. My 1999 f150, current DD, needs tires bad. I don't think the wheels will work on it though.

So I'm excited about having a new project. I'm hoping to swap the knuckles over to my 96 ranger and get it back on the road. I don't know exactly what's happening with the rest of it yet. I've got thoughts of trying to put the cab on an 81 f150 plow truck that's cab is rusting apart. Anyone know if thats feasible? The bed may become a trailer, and engine may go in the Ranger. If that happens, is this the tranny/t-case to use also?

 

[Defective]

Some better pictures here

I think I got lucky with this dual shock option. Anyone know anything about it? Transferable to the Ranger?