A challenge.....

[jrranger]

I registered just to put this out there.

I have an 85 ranger 5 speed 2.0 that has just been worn out.

I was offered a 94 ranger low mileage that was in a rollover. Engine and tranny is in great share.

I was given two possible options: Pull the engine & tranny form the 94 and put it in the 85, or put the 85 body on the 94 frame(which is still straight).

Also, I am dirt poor, so I have to try to work with the materials given.

What do the experts think?

 

[scotts90ranger]

swap the body on the '94 frame assuming they are the same body type (regular cab short bed for example), put the dash from the '94 into the old cab and use ALL of the wiring from the donor truck just splice the headlights and tail lights onto the other trucks wiring, I would suggest going to Napa or somewhere and getting heat shrink butt connectors for this part.

you will have the least amount of issues that way, it will take some time, but it will leave you with the best running setup with the least amount of parts needed

 

[huggyb1972]

I would add give the chassis the once over before commiting to anything look for cracks and thin spots from rust you know all the stuff that can make a really good sounding idea a litteral PITA

 

[7.5L_STX]

i think this would be cool. a 1st gen body on a 3rd gen frame. i love the old body style more than the 3rd gens but the newer fuel injected engines are way better. this would be the best of both worlds.

 

[steve63]

i agree ,swapping the 85 body on the 94 chassis,with the 94 dash in the 85,you get the better looking ranger body with the updated powertrain.