2001 on 93-97 frame

[wohlf 16]

Is it possible? I have been seriously thinkin about this ever since i went through my third or fourth set of wheel bearings. Kinda lost track. Anyways Im thinking about finding a bare 93 to 97 frame completely stripped of everything and swapping the body, motor, tranny, and rear axle over. If I get an extended cab frame from 93-97 will everything line up from the 01? I plan on either keepin the twin i-beam setup or eb44 sas on it. My main reason for this is I hate the sla ifs and if i get a 93-97 frame bare I can set everything up the way I want. Chevy 64inch in back, fully box the frame, ditch the body lift and either put on a suspension lift or sas it with less headaches. With this frame i will already have a steering box.
Main concerns are
Will my 01 edge extended cab body and box line up with a 93-97 extended cab?
Will my 4.0 sohc bolt right in along with my manual tranny?

Oh and the reason I posted this here is if I go this route Im 99% sure its gonna end up with a eb44 and I will post pics of the progress.

And for pic lovers heres the patient.

 

[greasmonky]

what kind of lift do you have? and what kind of offset are your wheels? cause i know tuners eat up wheel bearings with super offset wheels.

 

[kris97ranger]

if you're going to sas it anyways why dont you just sas the 01 frame and then your done

 

[mjonesjr]

Yes, the body mounts, engine mounts, and transmission mount will be the same if you get an extended cab frame.

 

[funinthemud]

Yes, the body mounts, engine mounts, and transmission mount will be the same if you get an extended cab frame.

not completely true. i did this with mine and the body mounts under the core support were like an inch inward. i just cut them and extended them out. easy fix. everything else lined up perfect.

 

[wohlf 16]

Its got a 3 inch body lift with 10 inch wide wheels 4 or so back spacing and 33 12.50s. But it was still eating up bearings when I had 8 inch wide wheels. Although I replaced my upper control arms tie rod ends and wheel bearings about 2 months ago and everything still seems tight. Still want to do the frame swap anyways.
Reason for not wanting to do this to the frame I got now is cause ive already been there done that. Id rather have the box already located for me and have something I dont have to hack the shit out of again.
Thanks for the info guys. Think I can handle extending the front frame mounts. Glad everything else will fit.
Really would like to get a frame and ttb for cheap or nothin. Been huntin CL and havent seen anybody partin out 93-97 4x4 rangers. If anybody would like to donate thats around the central ohio area I would be interested!

 

[funinthemud]

i live about 2 hour from cbus and have a 94 frame, sand blasted and painted but it wont be free...

 

[bronco2guy]

This is a good question! My brother and I have talked about doing the same thing and running the TTB front that we like better, but the look of a newer truck, and with everything else being newer. I like the idea please give it a try 1st LOL

 

[railman]

one other thing that wasn't mentioned....since the frame rails are 2" total narrower in front with the 93-97 frame...you will need a radiator from a 93-97....

l8r, John

 

[funinthemud]

True and also you will need a fuel tank from a 93-97 they are different as well. But its an easy fix if u can do some simple wiring.