newbie... going in neck deep

[fx41986]

hey just thought i'd introduce myself..... i've been following some threads on this site for a while and i really like this site more then some of the other ones out there.... anyways i will be starting my first "BIG" ranger project which involves my 2 rangers... my 86' 2wd and my non running 87' 4wd
can you guess what im up to? 2wd to 4wd conversion is what im planning on doing.
instead of removing the front cross member from the 4wd and fitting it into the 2wd along with all the suspension components im planning on just swaping the whole front frame section with the 4x4 .... anyone ever do this instead or ever heard of this done? anyways well im going to try it anyways haha
anyways please give me your thoughts on a swap like this..
Thanks!

 

[Boggin]

if your joining frames together always cut/weld on an angle, reduces stress on the join. plate it over with something like 1/8 or 1/4. if i were to join frames id end up boxing in the whole thing anyways just because

 

[brinker88]

It sound A LOT easier to just replace a damn crossmember to me

 

[sfwjesse]

It sound A LOT easier to just replace a damn crossmember to me

+1

 

[fx41986]

if your joining frames together always cut/weld on an angle, reduces stress on the join. plate it over with something like 1/8 or 1/4. if i were to join frames id end up boxing in the whole thing anyways just because

thats what i had in mind. thanks for the idea about cutting/joining on a angle it would probably hold up alot better then just a straight up and down cut.
i dont think i will box it in tho.... just weld the joint then grind it down flush, then after that plate it on BOTH sides with something like 1/8" or 3/16" plates

 

[RangerSVT]

Why not just put the body from the 2WD on the 4WD frame?? Considering both frames are the same length and are in good shape all the way through...
SVT

 

[fx41986]

Why not just put the body from the 2WD on the 4WD frame?? Considering both frames are the same length and are in good shape all the way through...
SVT

i would do that but the 2wd is a reg. cab with a short box on it.... thats whats giving me motivation to do this swap. i was thinking a SAS would be easier and i have a dana 30 that i got for free if i decide to do that... but i have no idea where to start with a SAS. do you know of any decent SAS threads on this site?

 

[RangerSVT]

A couple hundred threads here at TRS have them, including mine (although I'm going with a 60 instead of a 30), just use the search icon at the top of the page and type in SAS...
SVT