need ranger info

[dieselxj]

hi first time poster. I am mostly a jeep guy. I have owned a few rangers over the years as well. I am looking for a new diesel conversion project. I was thinking about a ranger. I have seen one internet bit that some model rangers do not have the large front cross member. I want to know what years or models are front cross member free?? Reason is It is much easier to fit a aftermarket engine to a vehicle that is cross member free.
Also one of the reasons I went from ranger to jeep, is the turning circle, on the super cab is too large for my needs. I am not much interested in a regular cab truck. Are there any mods to the super cab ranger to decrease the turning circle even a little bit.

thanks

 

[straycat]

Use the search function. There is a lot about the conversions there. Hope that helps you out. If not, Google Ranger diesel conversions. Tons of info there.

 

[dieselxj]

thanks I am not new to forums, I know how to search. I did not find what I was looking for. I am looking for specific info on what years have what installed for front cross members
so far all I have is that maybe the 2002 and later edge packages were cross member free

 

[adsm08]

I am really not sure about the crossmember issue, but I have a few ideas on the turning radius.

How far off the beaten path are you willing to go?

Postin' from teh Galaxy

 

[dieselxj]

if I get back into a ranger. it will be 2wd. I am all ears on improving turning circle. I was sort of thinking about a 2wd axle swap, or front wheel components from another type or model of Ford. I have been messing with the jeeps for so long, I don't remember much to speak of about the rangers.
My last ranger was a brand new 2009. I cash for clunckered a jeep for. I drove it for 16 days and 1800 miles. I was towing a trailer home, and I was rear ended while sitting full stop at a road construction red flag. Sandwiched me into the car in front, and the trailer pretty much ended up under the truck. it took 4 months of arguing with the insurance company before they finally totaled it.
No offense to you body shop guys out there. but the body shop told me they could put a new frame under my truck and it would be as good as brand new. I live at the coast and I was not having any of that.
So what are your ideas on reducing turning circle

thanks

 

[adsm08]

4-wheel steer.

I know this is on an Explorer, but it is basically the same undercarriage as a 98+ Ranger.


http://therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82037

 

[dieselxj]

4 wheel steer is a bit farther than I wanted to go. was wanting to stay with front end mods. I want a daily driver that can help park several trailers in a small yard. I guess I could just keep a jeep for parking the trailers.
The ranger diesel conversion guys I have seen have all had to do oil pan mods to clear the frond cross member. I had to do oil pan mods on my diesel xj if I could avoid doing that again it would be good

 

[Captain Ledd]

Well, if you want to stay 2wd, you could try and source a 2wd XJ or (more likely) Comanche Axle and essentially do an SAS. That'd clear the way for crossmember mods since the front axles/suspension no longer bolt to it.

Other than that, you're looking at rear-steer for getting a super-duper tight turning radius. That is if you wanted to stay extended cab. It's just too long.

You could also put a front hitch on, that can help maneuver trailers around quite a bit.

 

[dieselxj]

you are right front hitch is probably the easiest solution for me