just started a body swap!

[Senters_93]

Hey, my name is Ryan senters. Im new to this site! I have a nice 1990 Ford ranger 2.3 body im aiming to switch out with my 1993 ranger 2.3 (daily driver). I know it's square body to round body style and a little different under the hood. But I'm really just aiming for the body swap! The 93 has a rough body but it is my daily driver. What kind of problems will I run into? Will I have to fabricate new brackets for the front end for the radiator, light assembly, etc?

Thanks

 

[hoosier1104]

The body mount brackets maybe an issue. I would switch everything over.

 

[Mark_88]

I recently swapped an 88 body onto a 96 frame with very few issues...the main one I found was the steering linkage angle is slightly different so I had to actually raise the body by an inch...needs another inch but that will have to wait till the hockey season is over...(I used hockey pucks but only temporarily)...

Check that the mounts are free of rust and you will probably need new hardware since I found that removing old mount hardware intact is almost impossible...use plenty of penetrating oil before even starting to remove them....let them sit over night if you can.

And keep in mind how the mounts are made...the bottom nut on the back four mounts is welded to the washer and will take out the inside bushing (destroy it) if you do not break it free gently...and same with the fronts but they are reversed for some reason...nut is on top if I recall correctly...

I've done two body removals so far and the best advice I can give is take your time...disconnect everything and check clearances especially when putting the body on the frame...remove inside fenders if possible as this gives you a bit more visibility and clearance...and, of course, be prepared to spend about five times as much as you planned...

Hopefully yours will be an easy one...that's as close to an Irish Blessing as I can come with for March...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Radiator mount should be ok, they didn't change until 95-96.

 

[Senters_93]

Thanks for the info! Any advice will help!!!! im changing everything slowly. I'll post pics when I get the cab and the front end on!!!

 

[Senters_93]

Also is the wheelbase the same (if not does it matter)? I seen where the 93 is around 10'5ft and the 90 is around 9.5ft

 

[Mark_88]

The only difference I found is between regular cab and extended cab wheel base. So putting a regular cab on an extended cab frame can be done but you need to move the body mounts. The wheel base is actually measured from centre wheel to center wheel though.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Should be similar for similar cab/bed configurations.

If you compare a extended cab shortbox to a std cab longbox the wheel base will be different... stuff like that.