Ranger or Explorer?

[Mechanickid]

buy the ex drive it until you find some parts for the ranger. then just rebuild whatever you need on the ranger. tho it would be cool to see how sunk would build an ex. lol

 

[Sunk]

Well I'd like to think I'll build an Explorer someday, they are cool. My buddies are in on it, so we should have a project for Winter Break. One friend suggested swapping the dash too, and seems like it will really simplify the wiring, especially with the gauges. That would leave my truck as barely a shell of its original self, lol.

 

[Hahnsb2]

I decided against swapping the dash in mine, it needs custom brackets, steering column swap and I think a pedal bracket swap, ect. IMHO I think it's a lot less work to wire the 4.0 with the original dash and body wiring. Personally after working on parts sploders I'm really not a fan as far as an off-road rig, I'd rather take the best parts from the sploder and put them on my B2.

 

[Sunk]

Hmm yeah I saw that only 2 of the 6 mounts line up. I like the newer dash, but If we do it, we'll have to take a look at it and see which way we want to tackle it. Ideally the Ex would picked up within the next week so we have a chance to go over things while up in Seattle for Thanksgiving. Then we can a party over winter break, lol.

 

[Mechanickid]

well i may sound crazy but, heres a question ever thought of swapping a 3.8 into your ranger?

 

[Sunk]

Nope, I haven't.

 

[Mechanickid]

Well it sound like a neat swap. common engine, installs like a v8, and has 3 diffent types of induction, carb, tbi and sefi. i think sefi will save you some gas mileage tho. and its not done that often. I bet you could grab one for under 400$.

 

[Sunk]

Well if I pick the Explorer I found, there is a decent chance I will break even, or come close with the parts I can sell off of it, and the scrap value. Plus I can take the buckets, console and steering box.

 

[Mechanickid]

why steering box? u need one, the ranger gettin a lil sloppy lol. true there on that scrap value explorers are big brutes and weigh like a house.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

I would stick with the Ranger. Build it up and be proud of it. Hard to beat a sick ranger. Chicks dig em.

 

[Sunk]

why steering box? u need one, the ranger gettin a lil sloppy lol. true there on that scrap value explorers are big brutes and weigh like a house.

More like I killed this time last year when the first 2.9 died. So I've driven it (yes I wheeled it) without power assist since then. It's real fun with a locker up front, lol.

 

[truckmanson]

I say stick with the ranger, not sure but every explorer I have driven seemed to feel small and tight compared to the ranger, and you can't beat the look of a truck.

 

[rickcdewitt]

Hmm yeah I saw that only 2 of the 6 mounts line up. I like the newer dash, but If we do it, we'll have to take a look at it and see which way we want to tackle it.

its not hard. this guy did it in 4 hours without swapping the pedals it sounds like.**** the old cracked up dash!
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22150

 

[Capt Jay]

I've had both ranger and ex. I didn't like the ranger as much. There just wasn't room to carry anything IN it. The explorer is highly moded with a rear radiator. It is a little more top heavy. On the other hand I have better weight distribution. The ranger doesn't have enough weight on the rear wheels IMO. Mine are and where dedicated off road only trucks and both had/have V-8's. Don't go on sentiment, think about what will fit you best today and tomorrow. In the end I like/liked them both so either way you win. (go with the explorer).

Jay

 

[Sunk]

its not hard. this guy did it in 4 hours without swapping the pedals it sounds like.**** the old cracked up dash!
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22150

Thanks, I added that to my list of bookmarks.