86 Ranger 4.0 Build

[AKdude]

Hello all. I going to begin my 4.0 build starting this June in this 1986 Ranger. Pretty excited about it. Just acquired a 91 Ranger as a donor vehicle. I will take lot of pics!

 

[AKdude]

I have a question about swapping the frame. My donor vehicle has an excellent frame and my 86 is a little rusty, probably going to need some repairs. Is it worth swapping the frame? Both are STX 4x4's.

 

[luke]

I'd imagine you'd be able to just lift the body off of the 86 and plop it on the 91 frame with out much issue, I think the gen 1s and 2s use the same chassis. But correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[RangerSVT]

Same dimensions, same frame, bolt on swap, if the donor is xcab...

SVT

 

[AKdude]

Yes both are ext cab as well. So in theory, could this be a body swap rather than an engine swap?

 

[luke]

If you planed on swapping the 91 axles as well as the 4.0 it might be a worth the effort.

 

[AKdude]

If you planed on swapping the 91 axles as well as the 4.0 it might be a worth the effort.

I might just do that. I was planning on taking the front axle anyway since it has the Dana 35. I am working on getting a rear 8.8 from an explorer. We'll see if that happens.

The big question for that is does the steering linkage plug and play? I want to retain my Gen1 dashboard, floor shift auto, and manual t-case. This is going to be interesting.

 

[RangerSVT]

Pull the linkage loose from the gearbox, pull the cab, install on the replacement frame...

SVT

 

[AKdude]

Pull the linkage loose from the gearbox, pull the cab, install on the replacement frame...

SVT

Awesome thanks.

 

[AKdude]

I finally got to see the truck in person! I like it even more now. I picked up a couple seats out of an 86 Merkur to replace my crappy, broken, stock seats. I also removed the ladder rack. This weekend will be the big project. I'll be sure to post lots of pics.

 

[luke]

Man that's one ugly truck. I LIKE IT!

 

[AKdude]

I think it has so much potential! She will be a beast!

 

[AKdude]

Got the trans and engine out of the donor and loaded it into my 86 to be transported. Next weekend will be the fun stuff.

 

[AKdude]

I'll post pictures later, just a quick update. I got everything dropped in and hooked up. I have been trying to figure out how to start it for a while when I realized I didn't plug in the EDIS! Duh! So hopefully today is the day!

 

[HGI]

Heh, how's the swap going. I just transferred my 4.0L from my 92ranger (originally from a 94 explore) into my 87ranger. Due to the generation gap it was sure interesting lol.