88 body swap???

[Chad4nacra]

Ok new on here so sorry if this has been answered. I have a 88 4x4extra cab ranger. 2.9 that would like to convert the body to a newer body style. Is it doable. The body is in decent shape but the "a" column on the driver side is rusted through. I got the truck with a blue tittle on a trade for my kayak. It was not running at the time and I've spent the past two days getting it back. Come to find out there was a grounding issue that seems to common on these older trucks.
Fired up the truck today only to see the water I was adding, pouring out what I can only hope to be a freeze plug that has rusted completely through. (Oil is still clean).

Any ideas on the swap. And any other problematic issues with this year truck would be appreciated!!!

 

[adsm08]

My first question is "how much newer"?

A lot of places will give you trouble for registration, safety/emissions inspections for having the cab vin be newer than the engine. Especially if the frame VIN is no longer there.

 

[Andy D]

Why go with a newer body?

 

[Chad4nacra]

I like the newer body style better. What year is swappable

 

[adsm08]

Easily? The last perfect bolt up would be 1992.

94 is really the last year before you really hit some issues. 97 and up you will start having to move frame pieces around to make the bolt holes line up.

Also, the 83-88 body is the best looking one they made. Period.