Doing a V8 drop

[cybor462]

Hi all new here. I have finally got off my *ss and am moving forward with my V8 drop in my 1985 2wd long bed Ranger. It has been sitting 6 years now after I blasted the frame. Frame still clean but my cab rusted away. Seems to be too much work to fix it so I need to find another. I am having a hard time finding a 1985 and was wondering if anyone knew what years I could swap. It is a reg cab. I know the year range is 83-92 but I want to be sure there were no little changes made that will prevent it from dropping on easily without any mods.

Does anyone have any info about this? I would appreciate it.

Thanks

Jim

 

[Teddyzee]

The dash changed for the '89 model year, and stayed the same to '94. So you may want to keep it to '88 or newer.
But I don't think it would be any more difficult if you found a '92 cab with a full interior.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If you want to keep your style of front clip 83-88, if you want to go with the newer front clip and interior (personally I prefer the first generation of both) 89-92 will work too.

I would guestimate that the 83-88 cab would probably be the most ideal from a wiring standpoint.

 

[cybor462]

Thanks good to know.

I will need the whole dash so it would be ok if I find one in better shape than what I have.

Thanks for your help

Jim

 

[7.5L_STX]

what engine/tranny you gonna use?

 

[cybor462]

C4 with a 302 carbd. Not smart enough for the EFI stuff. I am not racing it just a road toy