Rear end of frame fabrication questions

[sfwjesse]

Hi guys. My dad just bought a 93 extended cab 4x4. It has low mileage but the rear bumper and about 1' of the frame in the back is rotted out. I guess the rest of the frame is good but as you know ford made things pretty flimsy the further back you go on the frame.

I was thinking of finding a solid parts ranger and just cutting the last 3 feet of the frame off and welding it on. I am no fabricating expert so we were going to bring it somewhere, i am assuming getting everything lined up perfect is key because the rear shackles would hang off the new piece.

Is this whole thing a bad idea or has this been done before failry inexpensivley?

 

[sfwjesse]

Also, if i do this, was there a difference in the standard cab and extended cab frames? If the wheel base is the same does it matter what type of cab i steel the frame piece from?

 

[Viper Command]

you could repair the spot, and box the frame.

 

[MAranger]

I had a similar issue. I tore it all apart, took out the rr crossmember and shackle hangers by grinding out the rivets, got all of the rust out until it was solid metal, and painted it. I took and fabbed up a rr crossmember out of 4x2" steel tube with two 16" long 4"x2" C-channel rails that insert into the factory rails. The C-channel legs were welded perpendicular to the rectangle tube, which is the only welding I had to have done on this project. Put 4 1/2" bolts through each leg, as well as the shackle hanger bolts. I did have to come up with new bumper brackets. Very beefy, no issues in 30k mi. Check if your spring and shackle hangers need replacement at this time. I did lose my spare tire location in the process, but i couldn't even fit a 31 under there anyways.

 

[nate09]

its possible. if you plan on removing a section of frame from another ranger make sure you make your cuts fit like this => >= so the you wont have to make vertical welds on the frame rails (a big no no) and then plate the area over the weld.

 

[sfwjesse]

Ok thanks guys....one mroe question. are the frames identical in a 2003 vs. a 93? I am assuming no. I have a guy with a totalled 03 who would see me the tail real cheap but i doubt it fits.

 

[RangerSVT]

Take his frame and put your body on it....
SVT

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Take his frame and put your body on it....
SVT

And all of the driveline...(of course)

Way too much work in my opinion

 

[RangerSVT]

If the back half of the frame is rusted through, chances are the rest of the frame as well as parts of the suspension are not far off even if they appear to be good...If you're going to do a job, do it right the first time
SVT

 

[sfwjesse]

If the back half of the frame is rusted through, chances are the rest of the frame as well as parts of the suspension are not far off even if they appear to be good...If you're going to do a job, do it right the first time
SVT

Not in this case. These trucks like to rot out in the back first...usually around here the rest stays solid...the back is just a salt trap

 

[chvlfrk]

Food For Thought>>>

98up frames are modular, as in the rear frame section is seperate, have him cut the frame infront of that section, then you grind off or drill out the 8 rivets per side to remove the crossmember, then cut your leavin a 10" overlap so the 03 rear frame section will slide over your frame, drill your holes, and bolt it up usin Grade 8 bolts & weld it if ya want.

Pic of my 99's rear section that I have modified for my current project:

Post pics & keep us informed of the build......