Ranger or explorer? Best parts value?

[nutpantz]

I am thinking of buying either a ranger or explorer for parts on my 90 bronco 2.
I plan to swap the motor and would like obd2 so may as will rewire the rest of the bronco 2 to match. So either truck needs to be 96 or newer.
I plan on getting/using/keeping
4l engine obd2
Standard transmission (back up)
Transfer case (back up)
Front coils for a little lift.
Rear leafs for a little stiffer setup.
Rear axle with disk brakes.
My front axle should be a d35 but if the explorer front is wider I'll swap it in to match the rear axle.
Master cylinder for disk brakes.
Newer dash if it will swap in.
Seats if they are better colour/shape
Tires/rims.
Would like a trailer built from a ranger box.

Is obd2 to much work to make it worth the benefits?
with out obd2 a older explorer should have more useable parts (the axles) and can be converted to disk easy peasy(right?). Just harder to find in standard.

An I missing anything in my thought process?
I've seen both rangers and explorers going pretty cheap of most years under 96 with 91 92 rangers 4l the easiest to find. I'm in no hurry, but I like cheap...so I can wait for the best parts truck.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

95+ Explorer front axle will not fit your truck.

It will take a ton of work to swap the dash out of a '96+ Ranger into your truck as well, and I do not know how easily OBD2 would be to swap in either.

 

[country0001]

91 -94 Explorer best option.

I used a 94 ranger, had issues w elec windows and elec t case.

Your 90 B2 will have the D35 if it was built after 11/89. It will also have the M5OD. Good tranny.


By staying with a 94 and below, its pretty much plug and play. There is always some issues that will come up.

Good luck with it, keep us posted.

 

[84bluebronco2]

95+ Explorers will not have the front suspension you want. So that kind of sticks you to a ranger if you are set on having OBD2. That also leaves the dash board issues. Did early OBD2 95's have an upgraded dash?