Is 1995 Ranger Regular cab 3.0 a good body part donor for a 1997 Ford Ranger 4wd 4.0 extended cab?

[bgrieves1]

Hello from Missouri. I am not a mechanic. But I now have a 1995 Ford Ranger XLT 4wd 4.0. Bought it for $2500. Has had some recent transmission work done. I have put some money into suspension, 4wd sensor, alternator, battery, headlight, door locks, spare tire, jack. With taxes and title and all I am about at $6300. I am now buying a 1995 Ford Ranger (regular cab) 3.0 for $1000 plus $200 for delivery for a lot of body panels, bumper, hood door, truck bed that I can put on the 1997 and make it look better. My luck they are both red. Anyway, I didnt intend to spend this much money, but I guess in the Truck World this is still not too much. The engine does have more than 280k on it but I'm hoping it will last a while. I did buy this vehicle under the advice of my mechanic. Anyway, that is why I am on here. I believe these two trucks are compatible for a lot of body parts. I hope I am right because the donor truck is coming in a couple of days. Any advice is welcome.

Also, how hard is it to swap body parts? the 1997 needs a lot....front bumper, hood, driver fender, driver door, truck bed ( need to take bed liner out of 97 and put it in the 95 bed when I swap. Front headlights.

 

[mtnrgr]

1993-1997 are the same exact style. 1995-1997 are exactly the same for interior also, as to 93-94 were thier own style. Engine drive trains are definitely different and axles from 3.0 to 4.0. Body panels, bumpers, etc are simple to remove on this style of rangers. If any rust is present on the hardware, spray lubricant on them for easy removal.

That era of rangers were made strong, yet easy to work on.

Would enjoy seeing pictures If you would like to share .

 

[bgrieves1]

Oh yes, I would be happy to share photos and bring you along. Thank you for your input mtnrgr. Jesus is Lord.

 

[sgtsandman]

Put it in the 4X4 build sub forum for posterity and back reference as to what you did for yourself. That way, it is all in one place.

 

[540milotalon]

They made three styles, straight cab-short bed, straight cab-long bed, extended cab-short bed. Is the donor a short or long bed? that is about the main body difference.
You then have the drive shaft difference.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Arent the doors slightly different between the extended cab and regular cab?

 

[540milotalon]

I think the doors are slightly different between the standard cab and extended cab. Sorry, I missed that in your original post.
Everything else besides door/side windows should be same, fenders, hood and bed, front and rear windshields.
Dash and components, but door panels obviously different.