Hello guys...

I have a smaller '97 2.3L 4cyl 2WD Ranger that has give me spectacular service for more than 260k so far. I am NOT parting with this machine. However, we have a second Ranger ( '98 3.0L w/4WD Std Cab) that has been fitted with a Utility Cap from Reading to serve as work vehicle. The 4WD has had a serious issue, but most recently the front quarter has suffered a collision. In addition, the 3.0L is just too underpowered to carry all the very heavy tools and equipment needed across/over rural pastures etc.. For that reason I am looking for a 4.0L V-6 with 4WD Ranger that can accept the Utility Cap as is with no refitting. To do that on the present 3.0 L truck, the bed was removed and the Cap dropped on and secured. I would like to do the same with the new Ranger ( if can find a good used one ) however all the 4.0L Rangers that I can find are the XL or XLT cabs and none are the Std. cab.

So the question to those of you who know.... Is the distance from the back of either the XL or XLT cabs to the rear axle the same as it would be with a Std. ( ie: short) cab, so that could just drop my utility cap onto the frame.... or is the bed on both the XL and XLT so short that my Utility cap would not simply drop on without cutting new wheel wells ??

If anybody knows,,, I would sure appreciate knowing.. Thanks in advance for any advice you may care to offer..!!

Very best regards......// Ernie and James in Bristol NH

 

This post is super confusing. Are you trying to buy a new one or do a motor swap? XL and XLT are packages not cab styles, there is extended cab, regular cab, supercab.

Maybe if you post a picture it might make a little more sense.

 

Hi ...

Well it seems that the Ranger models "posted, offered, described" as being XL or XLT all have longer cabs that are NOT the Std. ( ie: Std = short cab with nothing behind the front seat area ). My utility cap was made to fit a Ranger with Standard Cab. However, a dealer told me that the 'bed length' was the same ( longer wheel base ??? ) with the exception of a shorter bed on some new models. If the 'bed lengths are in fact the same ( Std., XL, XLT body styles ) then I have no problem. If however the 'bed length' is not the same then its either get a new utility cap ( est. $10k ) to fit, or find another comparable truck onto which I can fit my existing custom cap. The BEST solution would be to find a newer 4.0L 4WD Ranger with Std Cab but if there is one in the USA/Canada I have not found it !

Sorry it was a confusing message,, guess I'm too close to the problem !

Best regards and thanks for the response....// Ernie and James, Bristol, NH

 

Still confusing but regular cab short bed has the the same bed length as an extended cab. 6 feet.






Same bed length. Same mounting holes for fleetside and flareside.

 

Hi again..

First... THANKS for the info and the pics. My '98 3.0L 4WD is the same as the red "splash" that you pictured. If the 'bed lengths and mounting are the same for both of those you show, there will be no problem. My concern of course was/is "where is the axle and wheel well compared to what I have. It looks like everything will go when I find the new Ranger ( 4.0L 4WD )and I simply have to remove the bed and drop on my custom Tradesman cap. ( ie: specially designed for Farrier and Livestock business ) Here is a pic of what I have now ( ie: '98 3.0L 4WD) which was damaged in a front end collision.




I hope that makes my problem a bit less confusing to you...

Thanks again and best regards..........// Ernie and James, Bristol NH

 

Yes the mounting holes and everything is the same as long as it isn't a long bed. And if it is an extended cab it will not be a long bed.

 

There is no difference between a standard cab and an extended cab for the beds. Though, the standard cabs had an option for a 7' bed. That is the ONLY thing you need to pay attention to. If you are looking for a new Ranger to toss this service bed onto. Just make sure the new one has a 6' bed. OR! On the off chance your current truck has a 7' bed. You would need to buy a truck that has a 7' bed.

 

A short bed is a short bed. Don't over think it.