I have a quick question about frames.

[AirborneJordan]

I currently have a 1986 Ranger Ext cab 4x4. I am running a snow plow on it. I do not think the A4LD can handle it. The bell housing blew up. Not exactly what caused it tho. So, The guy I bought from had it on a 91 ranger. The main question I have is if you guys think I can mount the snow plow to the front of a Explorer. I found a good deal on one but I only want it if a can mount the plow. are the frames on the front of both trucks going to be the same in general?

 

[AirborneJordan]

I know that most of you guys dont plow with a ranger. But can any one tell me more about the frames?

 

[Shran]

I can't give you an exact answer because I have never owned an Explorer. That said, I can't imagine that they would be too far off at least in the front. I know the Explorer rear frame is much wider.

 

[02RangerXLT]

Well, how much plowing are you doing? Might want to consider a bigger vehicle...

 

[OilPatch197]

I look at the Ranger as a economical commuter/light cargo vehicle....

 

[symonds86]

if the ranger and ex are the same year they (should) be the same as you can swap all the front suspension parts from one to the other. but im no expert either. my uncle plows his driveway with a 90 reanger with the 4.0 and a4od works fine for him had to swap the tranny once but it has over 300000 miles on it and is for plowing only now. i would like a ranger with a plow for use in town, my 350 gets a lil tight in some small driveways

 

[Will]

I know that most of you guys dont plow with a ranger. But can any one tell me more about the frames?

The frame on mine hasn't been a problem. The only problem I have had is the left front lugnuts come loose. I'd recommend a D35 upgrade and the Jeep hubs as well. Info on that is in the tech library.

 

[Will]

I look at the Ranger as a economical commuter/light cargo vehicle....

I see mine as a combination log skidder, firewood hauler, tractor. It's definately not economical as a commuter.

 

[adsm08]

I see mine as a combination log skidder, firewood hauler, tractor. It's definately not economical as a commuter.

I used to drive mine 60 miles a day to work and back, plus what ever runnig i had to do after. Even at $4/gallon I didn't break the bank. Its not a Focus, but its better than a lot of things.

 

[Will]

I used to drive mine 60 miles a day to work and back, plus what ever runnig i had to do after. Even at $4/gallon I didn't break the bank. Its not a Focus, but its better than a lot of things.

I guess. I mean, my B2 gets 13-14 and my diesel gets 17 on my 30 mile/day mixed driving. I bought a shitbox Civic that gets 38 on the same drive and it paid for itself in 9 months and I've been driving it for profit while keeping my other trucks for their intended purposes. All highway, my B2 would get 20mpg and the payoff would take a couple of more months. But for a long-term commute, there is no way it's not better to buy that Focus and have both vehicles if you need a truck. I love having my little car because I can zoom around as much as I want and not think about it. I'm rarely on the highway-all county and town. I go 400 miles between fill-ups and then put in about 11 gallons. It's cheaper to own both than just the truck for me. If I could, I would keep just the car and use my little 4x8 trailer--which i have a hitch for on the car--for the larger stuff. But my larger stuff is, well, tons.