Front end interchangeability question . . . 2011 and earlier?

[JoeVR5]

Hi all,
I am looking at purchasing a running 2011 Ford Ranger with some front end damage. It doesn't look like there is any Frame Damage, but just a slightly bent downward at the front.

It's going to need a hood, fenders, rad. support, and radiator.

My local You-Wrench-It has a few Rangers from the mid-2000s (around 2004), and I think I can get a complete front clip for a pretty reasonable rate.

Could anyone give me a sense for what year Ranger front ends and radiator supports would interchange with the 2011 Ranger?

Many thanks!

 

[Dirtman]

98-2011 will all work. The grills changed design through the years but they still bolt on. Fenders, hood, rad support are all identical. Radiators are engine and transmission specific and did change design sometime in 06 I believe (switched to the capless degas system). You're better off buying a new radiator in my opinion. Not something I'd risk on a junkyard part.

 

[sgtsandman]

I would have someone with body work experience take a look at the frame before you buy it. There might be a reason why the person is trying to sell it beyond not wanting to replace the front end.

 

[stmitch]

2004 was the last significant change in design for the front ends. That year, they got new header panels, larger grilles, and hoods. I think there are some minor differences in bumper supports or something too. Dirtman is correct that you could use parts all the way back to 98 if you were willing to change some additional things like the header panel and lights.
Fenders:
Generally all the same from 98-11. Some were drilled for bolt on flares while others were not.
Hoods:
Flat, aluminum hoods were the same from 98-03, and in 01-03 they had the optional composite powerdome hood as well. 04+ hoods were all the same with aluminum construction, a less pronounced powerdome, and different leading edge to accommodate the taller grilles
Radiator support:
Interchangeable from 98-11
Header panel:
98-00, 01-03, 04-11
Headlights/signals:
98-00, 01-11
Grille shells:
98-00, 01-03, 04-11. There are some minor variations depending on trim/year, but as long as you get one from the same year range it will bolt in and fit properly.
Bumpers/valances:
I think these are more or less interchangeable for all trucks 98-11, but obviously, you'll need the valance and bumper to match each other, and the brackets for the bumper, not necessarily the year of the truck.

 

[sgtsandman]

My 2011 hood is a lot heavier than the aluminum one on my 1998. I’m pretty sure it’s steel. It’s definitely not a composite.

 

[cbxer55]

I'm kind of interested in this thread. I have my 98 that needs a new bumper and fascia. The bumper is a tad bent, but I have it held up via the hidden small c-clamp method. LOL. And the fascia has two cracks that are just getting longer and longer. I have a front end bra on it now, which looks great and hides the ugly underneath it. But I'd like to get back to not needing that. Really want to put a bumper on it that has the two holes for driving lights on the down low. And whatever fascia that is needed to match it in the area where the bumper dips under the fascia.

 

[sheep herder]

My 2011 hood is a lot heavier than the aluminum one on my 1998. I’m pretty sure it’s steel. It’s definitely not a composite.

My '11 has a steel hood.

 

[cbxer55]

I am not sure what kind of metal the stock hood on my 98 was. But it was beat to hell and gone with hail dents. Replaced it with a steel hood in 2015. Feels heavier than the stock hood.