body frame swaps

[whtknght]

I was thinking of swapping the 88 b2 body on to a 91-94 explorer sport frame so that I could have 4.0 motor and more towing capability. I know there is 18 inches difference in wheelbase, but I was thinking after adding a body lift and larger tires, could I get away with only doing some wheelwell/fender modification?

I can't seem to find images anywhere showing the frame and specs of the two vehicals to do a side by side comparison. Any suggestions?

 

[adsm08]

Depending on how your state's laws are you probably won't increase legal tow capacity by a single pound. As for the rest of it, you will save a lot of work and headache by swapping the Explorer power train into the B2, rather than trying to put the B2 body onto a frame it doesn't fit.

You will likely run into all the same challenges with wiring, emissions, and other legality issues either way you go, so go the path of least resistance.

 

[whtknght]

Thanks for the advice

 

[adsm08]

FWIW in the 91-94 range the Explorer's front axle will bolt right into a B2 frame, and the rear axle can be made to work, you just need to measure and weld a bit.

 

[whtknght]

but the explorer frame is stronger than the bronco II

 

[adsm08]

but the explorer frame is stronger than the bronco II

Meh, unless you are doing some really crazy stuff it's not enough of a difference to be worth the extra trouble,