Swapping f100 beams into 94 ranger 2wd/4x2

[elliot2fastjameson]

I have a f150 front end right now, but someone told me i can use a 1981 - ? f100 front end and it will widen the wheel base. anyone have any knowledge on the subject? will the beams just swap over and use the same spot for the coils and steering?

 

[AaronC]

Are you sure those are f-150 beams?

As far as 2 wheel drive trucks go... There is almost no benefit in putting 82-96 f-150 beams on a ranger.. The amount of work there is in order to mount them properly is not logical. Everybody says "oh they just bolt right in and my track width will be increased." If this was the case people would be running them left and right.. The beams are not equal in length. The differences in the beam length is not the same as the ranger. Therefore, if you bolted F-150 beams in the ranger mounting points, on tire will be sticking out further then the other.

Most people shoot for equal length king pin beams with 1" king pins and front steer spindles.. These beams are forged and are easy to rework. I have also seen guys run the smaller king pins which I believe are 7/8".

If I remember correctly the 80-81 1/2 ton fords came with 1" front steer spindles..

I have seen rear steer spindles ran with swing set steering and a hydraulic ram...


If you were to run equal length king pin beams you would need to:
-Research and gather parts.
-Build beam mounts.
-Heat up the beams and correct camber alignment. Also frame clearance at full bump.
-Build radius arms, pivot boxes and transmission crossmember.
-Build swing set steering.
-Plate the beams..
-replumb the brakes to run down the radius arms.
-build an engine cage and mount shocks.
etc...

There isn't any alignment adjustment on king pin beams.. There is no room for error...


Steering completely has to be re worked for it to cycle properly.. Coils? This would be more of a coil-over shock application..


The cheapest route..

Get some pre 87' ranger beams. You will need the spindles and brakes.. Cut past the radius arm bolt hole, correct camber for 4.5 inches of lift, extend the beam about 4", run a 5.5" lift coil. Buy a used set of radius arms and pivot boxes and make some shock mounts. Or build the radius arms yourself... Cheap and easy and it works.

 

[canyoncritter]

Aaron hit it all pretty much, but just alittle more info.

88 was the last year of the forged beams on a ranger. first year was 85.

On the first year or two of the ranger, ford used a box plate style beam alot like the 4wd beam. just no diff....

89 -97 ranger used a cast beam. junk for fabing on.

80-81 f150's had 1 inch pins, and front steer along with a 5x5.5 bolt pattern.

80-81 f100's had 7/8 pins front steer and a 5x4.5 pattern.

65-79 ford 2wd trucks came with equal lenth beams and forged. all rear steer.

f100's/150's had 7/8 pins.
f250 came with 1 inch pins.

f350's came with 1 inch pins. and heavy duty beams.

these are what the early equal lenth kits were formed out of. plank, newline, SI etc.