Does anyone know for sure... if I could get an Early Bronco Frame, 1977, and it ws stretched to 111.6" WB, similar to my Ranger, would my Ranger fit on this frame ?

Any guesses on how much work would be needed ?

AND what are your opinions ?


Added: 4/2/20 - This is only something I was thinking on... the idea sounds interesting but a lot of work to get done AND a lot of work to actually get legally in the system.

 

Bronco frame is actually narrower than Ranger frame at 29" , Ranger is 33"
So yes you should be able to extend body mounts

Yes, you could cut and weld frame to extend rear axle from 92" to 111"

I would ask why?

The Bronco body was 60" wide, the Ranger is almost 70" wide
Bronco axles would be way too narrow
So you would need Ranger axles..................so back to why?, lol
Later model Broncos were 78" wide

Bronco here: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/82/2a...3d86dd002e.jpg

Ranger here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...er-dimensions/

 

Just something I'm playing with, the width of the bodies, I need to look that up for some reason I thought they would be close to the same.
I thought the axles were closer too, more investigation.

BUT WHY ? The Ranger frame doesn't lend itself to solid axles and four link suspension... you need to lift the Ranger to the sky to get solid axles under it but the EB has bolt on kits.

The EB Frame is setup for a V-8 and transmissions options are far better than what would fit in the Ranger, so in that it is a good choice.

EB Axles are 58" wide Wheel Mount to Wheel Mount and the Ranger is 59.5", a little better and I don't think there will be a problem.
My front axle will be a D44 at 60.5", already built, so the rims on the rear will will need to make up the difference or a 1" Spacer, that could do it.

My rear axle is a stock 8.8, 31 spline out of a 2002 FX4, so that tread width is set, unless I use the Full Floater axle kit and that adds an1" to both sides.

A lot of things up in the air, the main one is I can't do it myself anymore, some of it but not all of it. I'm going to have to shop out the frame work and body transfer, the engine/trans, axle, and suspension work. The wiring I could do, straight forward with a Ford's three-wire engine harness, but if most or all of the work could be done in the same location, maybe a deal can be struck about the wiring... probably best if I keep the work in one place.

Cost, who know, out here in SoCal cost is through the roof for almost everything, but I stopped my chase for a new truck, I have a some saved and hoping it will cover most of the work.

That's the story and I think, I'm sticking to it !

Ltr

 

I have talked with two local shops, about first the mounting of the Ranger on the EB Frame; both don't see any problems.

One of the shops $2500 just to mount the body, have talked further yet; their welder drives a BII, boded with a 5.0L and auto trans (??), with mods tha he did and they look good.

The other shop, Infamous Garage Lic, will do the complete project, fab-up the four link suspension front and rear, engine/trans in place, body mounted to frame, running out the door, turn-key, 12.5K to 15K $$$.
A lot of money, yes, but a lot cheaper than a new truck and I would have a complete new truck.
I can't find any reviews on this Shop except on their FB Page.

So I am up in the air a little part were going to be ordered but waiting for the shop so I can drop ship them.

Another step faulted adds to my Master Procrastinator Status.

Ltr

 

Yes, and you are in Calif as well, so have to get a vehicle like this inspected to put it on the public roads, which can be costly

If you have a shop build it then they are on the hook to get it inspected and PASSED before you get it(pay for it) to register it

 

Interesting point, I knew I would need to have it inspected by means other than the usual, but never thought about having the build shop do something.
This is an approach I need to look at; Thx for idea.

Ltr

 

Yes, make sure any contract includes that it can be register in Calif on delivery, not "for off road use only", lol

Info here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/vr/spcnsreg

 

Thx Ron, I should have known you would know where to fid the info, not complaining, just you are a wealth of knowledge, thx !

I will check this out before ordering any parts.
Wondering what my options will be !

Thx / Ltr

 

Well...IF the Rangers VIN is clean, not totaled, and finished product "looks like" a factory Ranger you just have the YEAR of the V8 engine to deal with
Calif requires same year or newer engine but that's for direct engine size replacements, i.e. 4.0l to 4.0l, or 3.0l to 3.0l

So the Year of your Ranger may come into play, as far as emissions for the V8 engine, they are not real happy to put a higher emissions vehicle on the road replacing a lower emission vehicle, lol
And if an inspection finds the Frame's VIN, usually in 3 places, and it doesn't match Body VIN, then you have other issues
And if frame's VINs have been removed then you have stolen vehicle issues to deal with, which pretty much prevents any registration.......ever

 

I've always thought is is easier to ask forgiveness rather than ask permission !

There are a lot of loose ends that need to be addressed; I'm not sure where it is going AND IF Toyota drops there prices for their Tacoma, during this next month of lockup, who knows I might own one of those instead.

A lot of things to think on !

Thx