Adding a door to my 2 door ext. cab?

[FlatBlack96]

I have a 96 extended cab ranger with a 2.3 and I want to keep this truck for a very long time and as the money comes in keep building on it. One thing I would like besides all my upgraded suspension and bigger motor is to have the passenger side open like the newer rangers do so that seat does not have to be slid all the way up to load passengers. I wouldn't mind door on driver side too but mostly want just a third door.
My question is whether or not this is possible with my current cab or do I have to switch the whole cab of a 4 door onto my frame and is this even reasonably possible due to the generation difference? If not then could I cut along bottom, top and rear side of cab and add some sort of hinge, handle, and weather stripping to make a door? Will I need to reinforce cab further?
I have access to a full shop and can cut/weld.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

i believe best way to go is replacing the cab...

 

[09ajmaros]

That would be a skillful project to do, it would probably be pretty hard to make everything line up but if you spent alot of time and planed out the cuts and spacing right, it would look pretty sweet.
Or you could get a rear door from a junk ranger and match it up.
If you find a newer cab in geat shape to replace it with, I am positive that the frames have not changed as far as mounting points. Then you could have a fourth generation cab and would look really neat!

 

[coffee]

What is your skill level? How much time do you have? What kind of tools and equipment do you have access to? How many of Murphy's Laws affect you? Replace the cab.

 

[FlatBlack96]

Murphy's Laws definitely effect me a lot. Got all the tools I think that would be needed but not too sure I got the skill to line it up and have it seal properly. Good to hear I can switch the can though if I do want to do that at some point. Thanks for the input. If I ever do it it will definitely be posted. How would it be easier getting a door from a cab that does have the rear door and fab it onto my cab?

 

[coffee]

I know. I have the same problem. It really is a pain to get in the back. I put some after market seat in and the tracks were longer than the stock seats so I can move my seat a little morre forward to get into the back.

 

[nitrofan1]

I wouldn't try it but maybe this Guy can give ya inspiration!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=694684

 

[FlatBlack96]

wow that is a crazy build. I would not take that on. Mine would be considerably easier I think since I already have the space for my extended cab rather than starting with single cab. Didn't even think to get different seats. Anyone know a specific seat that would go up farther for driver side that's not expensive (i.e. junkyard pull) I have 60/40 seats but was gonna cut off that extra 20 on mine anyways to make it 40 40 buckets. Just had a baby and don't have a daily driver for the girlfriend yet and she has to get in on my side to sit in back since babies up front.