Couple of questions

[missouri_trail_rider06]

First off would like to say I have tried the search button to no avail so answers would be much appreciated.

I am wanting to build a mild pre runner out of my 97 mazda b2300 u guys could call it a poser truck or watever. Fact is its just a beater i drive to work to save miles on my car. The bed is very beat up so debating finding a used one or just buying bedside and fender fiberglass set off ebay. Its like 660 shipped for all 4. I am wanting to run 31-32 in tires its only a 4 cyl 5 speed also i will be tapering rear of bed, putting on custom bumpers and tire holder in bed and painting truck flat/satin black and installing good stereo sub combo and bucket racing seats.

Question is can i use the ranger fenders and bedsides, should i swap rear ends for more gearing, any performance tips i could get for the 4 cyl (already did zip tie on throttle cable trick)

 

[missouri_trail_rider06]

anybody??

 

[jdm_farmboy]

While the body contours are the same, the Mazda body has minor differences that make tough. The front fender on a similar ranger curves under the turn signal whereas the Mazda's does not. On the bedside, Ranger taillights are curved on top and straight on the bottom; Mazda taillights are straight on top but curved on the bottom. I have heard rumors that you can run mazda tailights upside down in the for bed, but I do not know for sure.


Yes you should swap rear ends for better gearing. Your stock gears will move the truck, but it will be slow. I don't know what gears you should look for.

On engine performance, changing rear end ratios to work with your tires will help your truck perform like stock. Only major mods to the engine will increase horsepower more than a few hp.

 

[missouri_trail_rider06]

Ok well anyone know if the ranger lights ect will plug in/work with mazda stock bulbs and also what vehicle rear ends are fairly easy swap and have right width? I was thinking 4.10 gears cause i drive on highways otherwise i would go 4.56. This is a very budget build and any knowledge would be greatly appreciated

 

[jdm_farmboy]

Any Ranger or B-series rear end would bolt in place of your axle. The first and second generation trucks had narrower axles than the later generations so I would stay with '93+ rear ends. Two axles were found in these trucks: the 7.5 and the 8.8. you probably have the 7.5 already. If you get an 8.8 you will get better brakes and stronger gears.

Check out this article in the tech library, Its got a lot of axle info like what I just told you and stuff like axle codes. And remember, under the sheetmetal, a B-series is mechanically identical to a ranger.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html