Looking for a parts truck for my 97 Ranger. It's an extra cab, but I'd swap to a short cab as long as hear ratio is the same. The truck never leaves my property, so body style changes don't matter, only drivetrain and suspension.

Also wondering how much crossover there might get be from explorers. I'm guessing rear suspension would be different, but curious about the front end.

Old 3.0 4x4's seem to be pretty tough to come by, so any help is appreciated.


Cross posted in suspension.

 

1993 to 1997 would be the years to look for body parts, called generation 2
1995-1997 for electrical and computer

In 1998 the 4x4 front axle changed to SLA with CV axles and torsion bar suspension, called generation 3

The 1991-2008 3.0l 4x4 manual transmissions are the same, as are transfer cases although you lose the speedometer hook up in 1998 and up

1991-2008 3.0l engines are pretty much the same except for a few bolt on parts

Frame is longer on extra cabs than standard cab
The beds are the same from 1993 to 2011, all 6ft, regular or extra cab
Rangers did come in a regular cab Long Bed, 7ft bed, but longer frame and rear axle was move 6" farther back so long beds don't fit on other Ranger frames

 

Thanks RonD,
are there any major frame or suspension differences between 2 and 4 wheel drive? I've got a line on a 97 2x4, that was in a low speed accident with minimal damage.

 

4x4 and 2wd frames are different from cab forward, 4x4 frames are boxed and have different suspension mounting points

Up through 1997 4x4 and 2wd both used coil springs up front, in 1998 4x4 when to torsion bars up front

Good look here at the differences: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...spension.shtml