Frames: Ranger vs Explorer

[Ruffinit]

Hey guys,
Haven't been on for a while and got to thinking this morning about the difference in the actual frames between the Rangers and Explorers. Can anyone tell me if they are alike in say 2005? I know the Explorers went to IRS, but could you for instance bolt a Ranger SC body/bed directly to the frame?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

In 2002 Explorer's went farther away from the Ranger platform receiving a unique fully boxed frame to go with the IRS.

Before that (91-01) the rear of the frame was wider. Case in point the rear springs are the same distance apart but the springs sit under the Explorer frame but beside a Ranger frame... so I kinda doubt a Ranger cab would just sit on it without fab for the rear mounts.

 

[adsm08]

Also, no Explorer frame was ever long enough to accommodate a Ranger's super cab and a bed.

 

[bobbywalter]

you want a 4 wheel independent susp ranger?



i been thinking of building a 2nd gen sport trac....and when i say build, i mean throw away all of that gay ass ford suspension and useless engine shit, back half it for my custom bed, and put all of the stuff from my ranger in and under it so it has a full custom bed, v8 diesel and dana 60 front and rear. and i get the irs size cab and creature comforts.


so, if you want a awd pickup with irs and ifs, start with the second gen sport track chassis and put the ranger on that with glass fenders/bedsides. likely some frame work, bt it would be pretty easy.

 

[Ruffinit]

Well, the deal is I have a extremely nice '05 Aviator and was thinking that it would be extremely nice to have a pickup with all the bells and whistles this does. While I do 4 wheel, I don't go muddin just for the sake of muddin. Usually there's a purpose that doesn't include tearing stuff up. The IFS/IRS does a nice job of going where I want to go and that 300hp 4.6L V8 is a great engine.
So I have my little Ranger and my big Ranger and the Aviator. It would be nice to meld them all together into a well mannered pickup. (I don't want a Blackwood or Mk LT)

 

[Ruffinit]

I just parked the 2003 Ranger beside the 2005 Aviator.... huge differences.. I built the '96 from the ground up using a '94 Explorer for parts and pieces, but these two are so very different. Even the windshield is far more raked than the Ranger's. Ah well it sounded good in my mind..

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Check out 2006-2010 Explorer Sport Tracs

 

[Ruffinit]

Thanks. Yeah, I looked into those a couple years ago but don't really want a crew cab and the bed size is a bit too small. My step-sides are small but useable.