Hybrid Ranger MustangII/Pinto

[Monzilla]

Hey everyone. If you remember me, I race the Ranger on asphalt circle track. Ive been reading about other race tracks that let the Ranger Mini-stock (4cyl) trucks change front suspension and steering to old school MustangII or Pinto style. They were coil spring, control arm and rack and pinion.

Anyone ever tried or witnessed this? Will it work for massive drops or bags better than beams or modifying components?

Just wondered.

 

[bluovaldude]

Most people who have the I beam Rangers actually like to switch to the Toyota front clip to bag their trucks.

However I do not see a problem in switching to the newer 98 and up front clip either.

But I have heard talk about people using the mustang II front clip but have not seen it done, YET.
But if you are baging your truck the mustang II suspension does offer a drop spindle which is a major plus with bags.

Also the Toyota clip offer drop spindle too.

However just about any control arm clip will work for the front of your Ranger with a little persuasion. I hope this answers what you are asking and keep us updated on what you are doing this sounds like fun.

 

[Mutant Pony]

The Pinto/Mustang II front suspension system is frequently used in drag racing. There are a number of aftermarket companies that sell weld in kits. The system is extremely simple and light weight. Rotors in the 5x4 1/2" bolt pattern are readily available. If I were going to build a street Ranger, I wouldn't even think about any other system.
Also because the Pinto and Mustang II chassis are the most frequently used mini stock in the world, there is a huge selection in spring rates. As well as brakes, spindles, and steering racks.

 

[Monzilla]

I cant clip the front end. They dont allow frame modifications. I was more looking at weld on brackets and bolt on components. All of the I beam mounts have the rivets in them. They come off easy.

Now how about the steering rack. Manual Pinto style sits far lower. You'd almost need a steering shaft extension.

 

[bluovaldude]

Well then to be honest I have yet to see someone convert the front end from I beam to control arms without changing the clip.

I would say probably to make this job a whole lot easier on you, and mayber cheaper... Buy a 98-2000 Ranger, 1) Already has the control arms and rack and ppinion steering 2) still has the 2.5 you are aquanted with 3) you might be able to pick it up fairly cheap.

But this is really your call and if you are going to do the I beam to control arm conversion I would really like to see how you go about this, However it does sound like a good idea.

 

[ZMan]

I've seen a MII on a ranger twice, both times they clipped it, basically just cut the frame off at the firewall, and made new rails out of 2x3, and used a universal crossmember and rack.