Anyone Shorten an Edge Ext. Cab?

[Blown]

I got a little time to play over Thanksgiving break. I would like to shorten the wheelbase, cut the frame and bed, likely could use a standard cab gas tank and drive shaft. Anyways I did a quick chop in Paint. I'd like the ground effects, but they would ruin the daily driver here in Denver, no clearance for snow. I'd like t four link the rear and do coilovers all the way around.
This is what I got now:

This is what I am thinkin':

This is likely what I will do:

 

[bobbywalter]

there all kinds of bobs floating around.

maybe fit up some sport track stuff or just get a sport trac.

 

[Blown]

I see more back halves done than anything, not this, upon searching.

I don't want a heavier 4 door nor do I want the longer wheelbase. I am too tall for a regualr cab. This would also improve cornering and handling. I've considered a 2 door Explorer Sport, but like my lighter two seater and trucks in general.

 

[ghunt81]

Seems like a lot of work just to chop a foot or so off the bed.

You'll have to figure out the fuel filler situation too.

 

[bobbywalter]

shit tons of trucks in any flavor....

 

[Blown]

I searched for shortened beds, bobbed, etc. You came-up with more than I, thanks!

 

[bobbywalter]

some of those have build threads right here....with current members.


so you can ask em yourself for tips and lessons they learned

 

[don4331]

Blown:

Was debating doing this myself; so, I have done the research:

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163631

http://www.V8RALLYRANGER.com

It can almost be a bolt on (no cutting frame or box involved):

Regular cab/short box Ranger frame is 14" shorter than Super Cab; box from one of those Mexican Crew cab Rangers is 14" shorter than the short box with all of the material removed from the front.

So, my plan, cue evil scientist cackle, was:

Remove cab/box from my regular cab, move rear cab mount back 14" to Super Cab location. Cab mounts on '98+ are welded so would need to be ground off; but the earlier Rangers had mounts riveted so old mounts could be bolted on after drilling couple strategic holes.

Install Super Cab, install Crew Cab box (my company has plants in Reynosa, Monterrey and Guadalajara, MX; so I have colleagues looking for a '99-09 Crew Cab munched in front/someone removing box to install flat deck). Crew cab box has correct hoses for filler.

My version had T-Bird rear end rather than 4 link as www.truckirs.com makes brackets to make the IRS installation very straight forward.

Add Ranger STX front bumper, replace rear bumper with rollpan and you are almost at your goal.

My plans are temporarily on hold: while waiting for the box, my wife sold the SuperCab I was planning to use to her brother. And told me I can't buy a replacement until the honey-do list is knocked back (If I don't get them done; funds from sale of Ranger will be used to hire someone to get them done. )

 

[stmitch]

Shortening your wheelbase can help turn in and rotation, especially in tight corners, but beware of the draw backs too. A longer wheelbase is more stable and rides better in most situations.

 

[Blown]

Thanks for the replies!

I'll make use of yer research Don. Looking now. Too any naysayers, I got the skills and like doing this stuff when not rushed, it's a hobby. I'd rather keep something I can work on and make better.

Mitch I should be able to dial-in the suspension to get a better ride and after poking around the truck a bit, I wouldn't take more than 14"s which gets me close to a standard cab wheelbase.

Got dreams of swapping my explorer all wheel drive running gear and engine too.....................wife drives it currently and we will be looking for a third vehicle soon. Then I will have time to play with the Ranger and drive the X for a while.

 

[Shran]

It depends on your purpose for the vehicle...I say do it.

My rig is a single cab long box. I can tell you from wheeling it, wheeling other vehicles of various lengths, and driving them on the road - I much prefer the long 114" wheelbase (actually more like 117" because my SAS moved the axle forward a lot) because it is far more stable going up steep rocks or hills and handles much better on the highway. Frankly I think my gigantic '86 Ranger that is lifted 7" and on 35" tires with an SAS handles better on the road than my bone stock '88 Ranger that I daily drive.

I like long wheelbases.

 

[Blown]

It depends on your purpose for the vehicle...I say do it.

My rig is a single cab long box. I can tell you from wheeling it, wheeling other vehicles of various lengths, and driving them on the road - I much prefer the long 114" wheelbase (actually more like 117" because my SAS moved the axle forward a lot) because it is far more stable going up steep rocks or hills and handles much better on the highway. Frankly I think my gigantic '86 Ranger that is lifted 7" and on 35" tires with an SAS handles better on the road than my bone stock '88 Ranger that I daily drive.

I like long wheelbases.

I wheeled a Bronco for years and like the 107" wheel base.
This is to run around Colorado and handle snow, not wheel and it would end up at 111"s

 

[don4331]

With the 111" wb, it would be just like driving a regular cab/6' box - you would just have the extra cab space and lost ~1' of of box.

After reading the fine print; I'm not sure if you would want the STX bumper cover on a 4x4; might not take kindly to a Colorado snow drift.

Box came up in Mexico just this week; but it was sold before I got a hold of them. Search continues - patience and perseverance.