Chassis Swap?

[Dofter]

I was thinking the other day... (something bad for me to do, because I think of things like this ) Is it possible to swap an entire chassis, engine, transmission and drivetrain from and explorer to a ranger? I was thinking maybe get a not wrecked explorer, and trade bodies with a ranger, that way I can keep the body style of the early 90's Ranger, but have updated suspension and engine of a late 90's Explorer. Are the chassis similar enough that this is possible with out much fabrication?

 

[adsm08]

If you want IFS and such you would be better to swap to a latter Ranger chassis. You don't want IRS.

The Explorer frame is significantly different from the Ranger.

 

[Teddyzee]

The wheel bases are different, and the Explorer frame is much wider in the rear.
Google the wheel base to see if that's something you could overcome, and modding a bed is certainly possible.

 

[Dofter]

If you want IFS and such you would be better to swap to a latter Ranger chassis. You don't want IRS.

Right! I forgot they had IRS. Getting a later model Ranger would make it easier. Would a 91' body fit right up to, say a 99 or 03 chassis? Also, one reason I was asking about Explorers is for the 5.0L V8, maybe I can find a ranger with one already

 

[adsm08]

Talk to Kamshaft. He has an 87 body on an 01 frame.

 

[Dofter]

OK, will do. Do you know if there are any Chassis diagrams for RBVs anywhere? I can't find any in the Tech Library?

 

[Teddyzee]

The Explorer had the 5.0 available until 2001, and had the solid axle the whole time with that engine.