What are the difference between the 1997 and 98 ranger? I know they changed the grill/headlights/taillights. What else did they change? (any engine/drivetrain stuff? What kind of front suspension does the 97's have? is it the same as 98+? (2wd)) Are the taillights universal between 97 and 98 or newer? What about the aftermarket? Im asuming there is just as much stuff for the 97's as there is 98+? This is linked to the 2.5l 5spd man. Also, the 2.5 in the 97 ranger the same one as in the 98-01? (as far as power goes) And are the interiors the same?

 

In the regular cabs they added 3 inches to the cab. Also they changed the fenders, headlights grille bumper in the front. They went from ibeams in 97 and down to Coilspring suspension with control arms and coils. They also went from a 2 piece driveshaft to a solid one piece aluminum on the extended cabs. They went froma 2.3 to a 2.5 which Im guessing the 2.5 has a little more power but not much. Tailights from 93-99 are interchangeable until 2000 when they went to a 2 bulb set up.. 98+ has a nice aftermarket to it also.

 

also the front half of the frame on the 98+ is different

 

in the 4x4's the 97's had the old TTB(twin traction beam) setup and the 98+ have the SLA (short long arm). These are totally different setups and nothing from one is interchangable to the other. The TTBs have U-joint on the front axles and the SLA's have CV's. both setups have their advantages and disadvantages. Lift kits are cheaper on the TTB's and there are many many lift kits out there for the TTB. There are about 2-3 different lift kits for the SLA setup and they are more money.

 

are the stepside beds on 93-97 the same as the 98+? (could you put a stepside bed off a 93-97 onto a 98?)

 

The Flareside bed from 93-04 did not change at all.

Zach I do not get why you said the front frame changed, its kind of obvious it would change since they went from ibeams to control arm suspension? 2 completely different suspensions obviously they are going to have to change the frame rails to fit the new suspension..

 

alot of people dont know that the like 86-93 front frame horns are completely different from the 98-06 which are all the same thus the bolting a 04 bumper on a 98. he asked whats different i listed something. that simple...why do you have a problem that a lagitamet thing was listed...

 

This is a little off topic, but will oem mustang wheels fit on a ranger? (bolt pattern) And what is the factory tire diameter on the ranger? And whats the widest tire you can put on a ranger? (mustang cobra wheels, along with tires......about 10" wide.)

 

They will fit fine but in the front you will need spacers or adapters to clear the hub to get the centercap to fit.

I think you can fit 10 in the back and 9 inches in the front.. Not sure though.

 

i have 18x9 cobras on my truck.. they fit fine, just like Mark said, the front center caps *might* not fit. I tried on a set of 18" Bullitts that my friend has on his GT and the front center caps were able to stay. So I guess it depends on the type of stang wheel you're lookin at getting. I also get some rubbing on the front sway bar with mine, so if you go wider you'll def. need to adjust the steering stops.

 

Ok, more questions. Does the 97's have Abs? Which suspension setup is better? pre 98 or 98+? Do the 97's 2wd use sway bars, can they handle real good?

 

93-97 have stronger susp set up i do believe!

 

i don't think that the 97s have abs. At least i don't think mine does.

 

ive got abs on my 97

 

If I recall all 97's had rear wheel ABS standard with optional Four wheel. I am about 85% on this, When I get home I will look through my factory brochures and see if that was the deal, at least at the time of printing for the brochure.

~HJ

 

The reason I want to know is because i found a nice 97 stepside.

 

My 2000 has RWABS standard and 4WABS was optional .. ford implemented standard 4WABS in 2001 on the Rangers. So im not sure if the Gen 3's had it or not.. never the less RWABS sucks IMO because it locks up the front wheels to where you cant steer upon hard braking.

 

well, its gotta be better than none at all like mine. The back locks up so easy, and if the road is wet, you better watch it, or the back end will come around.