Gereration 1 to Generation 2

[fabman_52]

Hi Guys

Ok here's what I want to do. I have a 1990 Ranger, 2,nd gen. and I want to swap out to a gen 1 front clip, I'm building a new service truck and I just like the Gen. 1 front end better. Seeing that I'm spending a bit of loot on this build I just want what I want.
So other that the obvious, fenders, hood, grill what else do I need for this swap. I'm thinking core support and maybe??????????????????
Thanks Ahead for any and all input.
George.

 

[flyingbrick]

Someone else might know for sure but IIRC thats it, fenders, grill, bumper, core support, maybe hood.
You might luck out and find someone willing to swap, because for some reason a number of guys with first-gens hack up they're trucks with the worse looking 2nd gen front end.

 

[Strange]

Did anything ever come of this? Curious to see how this turned out because I want to do the same thing instead of a motor swap.

 

[Mark_88]

I'm about to do the opposite...gen 1 (88) to gen 2 (92)...but putting the cab on a gen 3 (96) frame...

I've measured everything and the rad support is the same distance from the firewall from what I can see. The plastic front clip is what makes the difference for the hood fit and the latch is in exactly the same place so as long as you change the front clip you're OK.

The gen 1 light mounts are not the same if you changing to them also...which you pretty much have to do due to the opening in the fender for the signal lights. Or you could use the gen 2 signal lights and squeeze in the gen I headlights...or go with third party lights...but the wiring for the gen 2 lights is different...gen I lights are just 3 prong male/female while the gen 2 uses the newer halogen bulbs...same connector as gen 3 but wired differently...

You could save yourself a lot of problems by simply putting in a gen I rad support, but I think the halogens are better lights so I want to go with them for my truck.

I haven't tried it yet but everything seems to measure up...the bumper mounts are not the same but close on gen 1 and 2...gen 3 is workable with a gen 2 bumper but requires mods...unless you are using a custom bumper there could be a bit of modification needed for that or but I'm sure the gen 2 bumper will fit around the front of the gen I fenders with a bit of gentle persuasion...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Fenders, hood and rad support are different. I think you can make the rad support work though but it is different in stock form.

 

[Mudhound]

don't forget the valance under the headlights, where the markers go along with having to alter the wiring for the lights. The 2nd gen stuff won't reach the "new" locations. Headlight plugs are different, also, as are the markers. side markers are okay on plug, but wires are too short.

 

[baddis]

I did a gen one to gen 2 swap. the bolt holes for the fenders are in different spots. and the radiator support is different. you can use a 1st to second but I don't think it would work 2nd to first. the holes where the headlights is different and I had to do some trimming to get the headlights to sit in there. and doing this I don't think there is material for the springs for the headlight buckets

 

[Chuck "Classic Ford" JR.]

Does anyone know of any good threads for someone trying to go the OTHER way (2nd gen front end on a 1st gen)?

 

[Mark_88]

Does anyone know of any good threads for someone trying to go the OTHER way (2nd gen front end on a 1st gen)?

I'd like to see this too...because in the spring that is what I'm going to attempt...as far as I can see, it will work with some minor mods...I do intend to take pics and do a write-up when I get to it so if nothing else...I will have a working step by step guide for this type of conversion...

If it fails...I will blame it all on Ford...

 

[Chuck "Classic Ford" JR.]

I'd like to see this too...because in the spring that is what I'm going to attempt...as far as I can see, it will work with some minor mods...I do intend to take pics and do a write-up when I get to it so if nothing else...I will have a working step by step guide for this type of conversion...

If it fails...I will blame it all on Ford...

Can't wait to see it!!!!