Frame Swap - 1988 x cab body on 2002 x cab frame?

[Ramcharger90]

In general nobody is checking for it, particularly on Rangers, because the frames are not VIN'd. However if you show up with a vehicle that has the body and VIN of an 87 Ranger and an SLA suspension it may raise an eyebrow or two.

Would that be the case say if I built a custom chassis with mustang 2 front suspension and 04 cobra rear?

 

[Ramcharger90]

and how many of the people looking would know that an 87 Ranger didn’t come with SLA?

I get where he is coming from but I dont think anyone really gives a damn about stuff like that. I would imagine if you did it to get around emissions nonsense that would be the case. But for all intensive purposes I think PA really only case about the vin plate on the cab. Thats the impression of I got dealing with them.

 

[Curious Hound]

Exactly. They want to make sure emissions are good, brakes are good, lights, wipers, etc. by the time PJ does a frame swap, its going to look like it belongs there and no inspector is going to be side-tracked from looking at the points on his checklist.

 

[Ramcharger90]

Not to discredit @adsm08 or tell him he is wrong he is right in the way the book is written in the same respect if this where the case custom cars with custom suspension would not exist in PA. I have seen F100's with s550 rear suspension and f100s grafted onto P71s already even though they are ODB2 vehicles (the p71) they are now considered an 60's/70's f100.

 

[adsm08]

But for all intensive purposes I think PA really only case about the vin plate on the cab. Thats the impression of I got dealing with them.

All intents and purposes, not intensive purposes.

Would that be the case say if I built a custom chassis with mustang 2 front suspension and 04 cobra rear?

Not to discredit @adsm08 or tell him he is wrong he is right in the way the book is written in the same respect if this where the case custom cars with custom suspension would not exist in PA. I have seen F100's with s550 rear suspension and f100s grafted onto P71s already even though they are ODB2 vehicles (the p71) they are now considered an 60's/70's f100.

In the two scenarios you posit here a custom built vehicle title is the correct route to go. You can retain the body's VIN (I think), have the setup be fully legal, and best part is, as a custom unit it won't be subject to emissions anymore, which is where I see the biggest sticking point with this idea, if you get a stickler who knows what he is looking at.


To be perfectly honest, I could, and probably should, go the custom built title route with my Ranger.

 

[Snoranger]

Not to discredit @adsm08 or tell him he is wrong he is right in the way the book is written in the same respect if this where the case custom cars with custom suspension would not exist in PA. I have seen F100's with s550 rear suspension and f100s grafted onto P71s already even though they are ODB2 vehicles (the p71) they are now considered an 60's/70's f100.

Ford f-series didn’t have body VINs until 1980. They only had warranty tags on the body (yes, it had the VIN stamped into it, but most said “not for registration use”.) So technically those 60’s and 70’s f100s better have the VIN stamped on the frame by the right front shock tower and on top of the frame, under the cab or they aren’t truly legal.
Not that anyone would really question it. The most they’d do is look at the door tag and just accept that... But there’s alway that chance that you get pulled over, you’re truck matches the description of a stolen vehicle, and they start checking VINs.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

VIN is for sure stamped in 2 places on the frame and more than likely 3 places, so using a frame that was that rust encrusted probably wouldn't be a good idea, lol

And if ONLY those 2 places were encrusted it would probably be the same as grinding them off as far as an inspector was concerned

You can get a Rebuilt or Salvaged Title in most states, when VINs don't match, and its only a $$ issue when reselling a vehicle, not for a keeper
Although it may cost a few dollars for a Roadworthy inspection to get it re-licensed with new title

Just asking because frames are kind of a replaceable part.

Also his current frame is pretty crusty to the point I would almost be surprised if he even still has the VIN on it.

I know of several late model vehicles that insurance put new frames under after accidents... but in Iowa nobody cares.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Just an update.... 2002 frame isn't great in the back. Took the needle scaler to it and its thin in a few spots.

Dammit.

 

[adsm08]

Yes, on the VIN on Frame, in the engine bay there will be stamped VIN on the top side frame rail, this is the esiest to find and see
Also under the cab on top side of frame rail usually passenger side, need a mirror to see it

And often above rear axle on frame rail on pickups

Usually always on the top side of frame rail because of the way the machine that stamps them holds them in the jig after they are assembled/welded

I have fully disassembled my frame. I didn't find any of those.

 

[RonD]

My 1994 has VIN on top of drivers side frame rail above axle, saw it when I had the bed off to do the hangers
I just read about the one under the cab, but I think there was a picture of it
Haven't search frame in engine bay, and fingers crossed won't have too, lol

 

[Shran]

@RonD is that perhaps a Canadian thing?

I'll have the box off my stepside truck eventually, the frame was from a '92 so I'll have to check that location.

FWIW my F150 had a metal tag with the VIN and some other info attached to the radiator core support, I found it when I was replacing it after a collision... still have it, figured I'd put it on the new core support someday.

 

[Snoranger]

@RonD is that perhaps a Canadian thing?

I'll have the box off my stepside truck eventually, the frame was from a '92 so I'll have to check that location.

FWIW my F150 had a metal tag with the VIN and some other info attached to the radiator core support, I found it when I was replacing it after a collision... still have it, figured I'd put it on the new core support someday.

That’s a body buck tag. That’s attached when they assemble the body before it’s mated to the frame.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Just an update.... Frame is gone between rear bumper and rear axle.

Not worth it. Cutting for scrap.

HOWEVER, all good info, and thank you!!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Just an update.... Frame is gone between rear bumper and rear axle.

Not worth it. Cutting for scrap.

HOWEVER, all good info, and thank you!!

SLA swap?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

SLA swap?

Nah. If I was going to go that route, I'd start measuring a expo ifs/irs chassis