Front End Conversions, Core Support Questions

[dasfinc]

Hey All,

Over winter, my 98 2wd V-8 swapped baby is going to get some attention, including a front end conversion and some engine work (rebuild, aftermarket heads/intake)

I've basically 'proven the proof of concept' to myself (Reliable, streetable, Fun, 'quick', and sounds AMAZING) over this spring/summer putting nearly 7000 trouble free miles on the swap, and have decided that I will keep pushing ahead with the project and 'Go Big' over this winter since I didn't have the budget to last winter.

Who all has done a 98-00 to 01-03 conversion? I assume I need to change out the core support? (Mine is a bit rusty anyways) Is this welded or bolted on? If its welded.... What do I do???

I know if I get the 0...4? or newer hood/grill they have to match because of the hood line

Is there a 'honeycomb' style gril on any pre 04 truck so I don't have to change my hood?

Does the bumper SUPPORTS match from 98-XX? (So I can just bolt on an 01 bumper to my truck? or do I need new supports too? Etc?)

Where has everyone purchased trim from? My lower window 'sil' trim is bubbling under with rust, and would like to replace it.

 

[Mac]

Dan,
Can't tell you right now how the supports are put in or if common between what years. Here is the '01' Edge with the grill you describe. Sure there were still around in '03', sure sorry I got rid of this one.
Dave

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I've looked into this a bit before...

I believe the core support, hood shape, and fenders are all the same. The grill, grill/headlight support, headlights, and the trim pieces under the headlights are different IIRC as are the bumper mounts and obviously the bumper.

The core support is welded in via a ton of spot welds. A spot weld cutter is handy (you can get a cheap one at like harbor freight, no idea how good they are though, I bought a good one - Blair spotweld cutter from Summit Racing). You'll also find that there are some welds that are about impossible to drill out without some sort of angled drill. I'd also suggest using a round punch to mark the center of the weld for drilling to keep it from walking.

 

[dasfinc]

I've looked into this a bit before...

I believe the core support, hood shape, and fenders are all the same. The grill, grill/headlight support, headlights, and the trim pieces under the headlights are different IIRC as are the bumper mounts and obviously the bumper.

The core support is welded in via a ton of spot welds. A spot weld cutter is handy (you can get a cheap one at like harbor freight, no idea how good they are though, I bought a good one - Blair spotweld cutter from Summit Racing). You'll also find that there are some welds that are about impossible to drill out without some sort of angled drill. I'd also suggest using a round punch to mark the center of the weld for drilling to keep it from walking.

I forgot that the headlight/grill is held in with a piece other than the core support.... I may just sand and POR15 mine if I can re-use it and just buy the headlight/grill bracket piece.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

u need a new header panel, not the core support.
the header panel is the plastic part where u bolt the grille and headlights
the 98-03 trucks had the same hood line so any hood on those years will work with any grille style.

the bumper from any 01+ will bolt to the bumper horns on the frame, but that bumper has to have the matching year brackets

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

u need a new header panel, not the core support.
the header panel is the plastic part where u bolt the grille and headlights
the 98-03 trucks had the same hood line so any hood on those years will work with any grille style.

the bumper from any 01+ will bolt to the bumper horns on the frame, but that bumper has to have the matching year brackets

The header panel on the 98-00 Rangers (and I'm pretty sure the newer ones too) is fiberglass, not plastic.

I should know... I've broken enough of them