Cab Swap

[Justin's Green Truck]

Hi, I have a 1997 Ford Ranger 4.0l 4x4. The truck was rolled so the cab needed to be changed. I found a cab from a 1993 ranger with a 2.3l and 2wd and have installed it on the chassis. I am going to use the dash out of the 93 because my 97 wont bolt up to the firewall I found out. This, and the way the ECU mounts on my 97 have brought up some challenges.
1. The 97 ECU mounted on the upper firewall near the wipers. The 93 cab that I have mounts down near the left kick panel.
2. The body harness going into the cab is different.
3. The cab i bought was a 2wd so il have to plug in my transfer case harness to the rest of the wiring somehow.

My questions are: Could I find an engine wiring harness from a 93 4.0l and would it have the ECU that mounts in the kick panel? Would this 93 engine harness plug into my existing body harness?

I realize what I should have done was put a 97 cab back on it but I thought they were all the same at the time.
Now im just trying to get everything working if I can. I think I should just go to a junk yard and find a 93 4x4 with a 4.0l and get all the wiring off of it. That sounds like the only option to me but if anyone has some info id appreciate it.

 

[xnickitynickx]

There will be a few differences as far as I know. The first thing about wiring that came to my mind is that the 93 is going to be wired for OBDI and your 97 is an OBDII truck. I'm not to familiar with electrical stuff, but i think you might run into something there. Hopefully one of the other guys on here can help more than I can.

 

[country0001]

Isn't the 97 cab a lil bit longer? Thought there was supposed to be more legroom in them?

 

[Tiollib]

Its the 98+ cabs that are longer by 3 inches.

 

[dasfinc]

I would look for a 95+ cab to bolt on, there are quite a few differences in the motor bay and interior that may impact you swapping cabs. Even if the 93 cab is free, you may spend more in nick-nacks trying to make it work and in time Vs. just paying for a 95+ Cab
________
R26

 

[Tiollib]

I would think a 96 or 97 cab would be best. The problem with a 95 cab is the dashboard and the lack of OBDII. There is possibly other problems

 

[superds]

I would think a 96 or 97 cab would be best. The problem with a 95 cab is the dashboard and the lack of OBDII. There is possibly other problems

The '95 was an early adopter, it has OBDII. It is also has the same dash as the 96 and 97.

 

[Justin's Green Truck]

I agree totally that I should get a 97 cab to put back on it. Its just that the 93 cab is already on it and I dont have the equipment to swap another cab. I kinda got some bad advice when I went looking for a cab and bought that 93. I wish I hadnt of now.
So, even though I might not meet emmissions, would my 97 4.0 run with a 93 4.0 engine harness? What i mean is, would there be the necessary connectors to hook up to my engine?
I went to the junk yard today and found a 94 4.0l 4x4 ranger and am thinking of buying the engine harness and all the rest of the wiring necessary to put into my cab. My thinking is that I can use the earlier model wiring that is proper to the cab I bought if i will work with my later model cab. Thanks in advance for the help

 

[adsm08]

You won't be able to run the 97 engine off a 93 harness. There are wires that are missing, connectors that are different, sensors that are different or have moved.

You are getting yourself into a big wire-works project with this one. Honestly, your best bet, if you can't do another cab swap, is probably to find a way to make your 97 dash fit your 93 cab.

 

[Justin's Green Truck]

Yea, I did have my 97 dash in the 93. I drove it for about a year and a half like that. Eventually I got tired of listening to things rattle and bounce around and not having the stuff working that wasnt compatible so I ripped it all out and thats where I am now.
Ok, I believe after talking to you guys and visiting the junk yard yesterday ive decided to fix it the right way and get the proper cab for it. Thats what I should have did all along and even if I could make this work, it would never be exactly right. So, thanks for the help, and if anyone knows where I could get a:
97 Ranger Cab with
4x4
4.0l
Manual Transmission
I would appreciate it greatly

 

[adsm08]

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