Hey guys...I rather impulsively bought a 2001 Ranger and I want to transfer the front end onto my 1996. I am assuming I have to swap the fenders, hood, grill, headlights, bumper, etc. I am really quite a newb and I just know I have the right parts to do it but I am unsure of the process. I am assuming it is not as simple as unbolt and bolt onto my 96...
Do I have to swap core supports? From what I read I think I do...
Second Question...what is a core support? Haha

Just wondering if anyone out there who has done it can share knowledge that will make it more easy for me to pull this off. I know I have everything I need as I have an entire truck to get parts off of...not just a random collection of parts.


Here is pics of said 2001 Ranger:



And of said 1996 Ranger




I think after it is painted correct it will look much better!
P.S. Ill keep the bumper black, I think it looks better that way
P.P.S. This will most likely happen in summer I just want to get a bunch of knowledge before I jump into this blind.

 

it's pretty much just unbolt your old bumper,hood,fenders,header panel,headlights,grill and and bolt the 01 front end on,it's simple

 

search is your friend!!
https://www.ranger-forums.com/exterior-semi-tech-39/front-clip-conversions-121130/

 

yes, the core support will need to be swapped, the header panel (fiberglass part the lights/grill mount tot) along with the stuff you mentioned. also, you'll need to swap the hood latch. a little modding of the inner fenders will be needed as well.


oh yeah, the core support is the metal piece that the radiator mounts to. it's welded to the inner fenders. also, some modding to the mounts for the core support may be needed.

 

and the frame is different. The bumper mounts are different on the frame.

 

Take the bed rails to if they aren't to buggered. Those things are SWEET.

 

https://www.ranger-forums.com/old-ranger-based-vehicles-104/1993-ford-xlt-%243750-108508/

 

please tell me you are keeping it that awesome blue and not painting it simple black.

what are you plans for the rest of the black truck? parts, scrap, put the 96 front on and sell?

 

Oh yeah! I am keeping the blue for sure. I have a buddy who works at a body shop, shouldn't be too hard to get everything paint matched. And...that is a good question. All of those things are options haha. I kind of want to put the 96 front end on and resell it. Think anyone would buy it tho?

Hahaha. I am realizing how much of a newb I am...I am reading this and I am thinking...I don't know what half these things are...it will be one of these "figure it out on the go projects"

Meh...I'm not feeling them, I have simple ones on my truck already...I'll probably end up parting this truck up...you may be the lucky buyer! Haha


Thanks for the posts guys, looks like it will be an interesting project for sure. In a month when I am home and school is over I will get this party started

 

HAHAHA you don't want to ship those rails to me in Ohio

 

How about I swap the 96 front end back onto it and you buy the whole thing!