Rollalong Body swap

[Rollalong84]

I bought this 84 roll along from another member and Im excited to get it going. Currently there are two issues that keep me from fully enjoying it.
1. Its 2x4 and needs to be a 4x4.
2. Its very underpowered.

I think im going to swap the body onto a 93-97 automatic 4x4 4.0 frame with a manual transfer case. I know automatics are hated but the cab is tight and I hate shifting when launching my Kayak on a boat ramp.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Edit: I'm swapping the cab and bed.

Im currently looking for a good donor in Eastern Oregon or Idaho if any one has a lead.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You could try different seats, I know with my normal first gen standard cab they have made a huge difference for interior room.

I don't know if just swapping in a later standard cab will really buy a whole lot of room.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Take a very close look at the two body types. I think there are differences in the body shadow lines as well as the lean back of the front windshield.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

We do have another roll-a-long under reconstruction on here too:

Thread '1984 ranger roll-along'

Oct 24, 2022

Starting a new thread here with the newest ranger to enter our fleet of vehicles.
From this thread carry forward.....

seriously thinking 1984 camper

this is calling my name. can anyone give more info about this style camper? i have a couple 2.8's sitting on the floor ready to drop into this truck. cheers https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van/cto/d/vancouver-rare-vintage-ranger/7540185656.html 1984 ford ranger roll-a-long pop top...

www.therangerstation.com

UPDATING: ......

(Missing key for the tumbler, was going to replace it with a tumbler i have on the shelf, while i was at work angie started shoving old keys into the ignition, BINGO! found 1 that worked, then when i got home i tried 2 more different ones... yep we have 3 different keys that work in the same tumbler)

2 days ago we were able to get a battery into it...

• Angie
• Replies: 47
• Forum: 1983-2011 Ford Ranger Mini Truckin

• 
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[Curious Hound]

Take a very close look at the two body types. I think there are differences in the body shadow lines as well as the lean back of the front windshield.

I thought he was talking about putting the complete Rollalong body and cab on to 3rd gen frame. Sounds like a great idea to me.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I thought he was talking about putting the complete Rollalong body and cab on to 3rd gen frame. Sounds like a great idea to me.

I think he is wanting to do the cab as well though.

I don't really know how this thing is put together, it may be a very rare instance where it may be easier to weld the 4wd crossmember into the original frame than deal with the cut up pickup cab that is super glued to the camper body

 

[gaz]

@Rollalong84
Hello, I've never seen this set up before and would love to see some pics inside the back; is the cab a pass through to the rear?

 

[Shran]

I think he is wanting to do the cab as well though.

I don't really know how this thing is put together, it may be a very rare instance where it may be easier to weld the 4wd crossmember into the original frame than deal with the cut up pickup cab that is super glued to the camper body

I thought it was just a frame swap but either way I am with you, do a crossmember swap if the intention is to keep it TTB.

Dana 35 w/ 5x5.5 conversion and a full width rear axle & single tires in the rear would be pretty cool. I don't think there is truly a need for a dual wheel rear here.

 

[Shran]

This thing is just begging for a V8 swap or a small diesel... TDI and a GM automatic would be tits...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Dana 35 w/ 5x5.5 conversion and a full width rear axle & single tires in the rear would be pretty cool. I don't think there is truly a need for a dual wheel rear here.

A concern of mine with my Skamper... I bet they have the stability of a wounded drunken water buffalo if a rear tire blows out.

 

[Rollalong84]

You could try different seats, I know with my normal first gen standard cab they have made a huge difference for interior room.

I don't know if just swapping in a later standard cab will really buy a whole lot of room.

Take a very close look at the two body types. I think there are differences in the body shadow lines as well as the lean back of the front windshield.

I'm planning to swap the can and bed.