The front end of my '96 is pretty messed up and needs work. What I am wondering is if I should restore it to the original style or go with the '04 + (probably 06 grille)

Here is what its current condition is.



Here is what it looked liek before al lthe damage.

 

Definitely go with the 06 upgrade. I upgraded my old 87 Nissah Hardbody with the 97 front end and came out great. You will probably have to spend a little more, but you will be happy with the results.

 

i say 06 front end, it would kool. plus ive never seen anything like it

 

Harry.....er.....Kyle...............you need to make a full post on this strait axle beast. Some detailed pics. I didn't get to see it becuase of a certain jeep constantly throwing u-joints while driving every 10 miles!

'06 baby. I like it stock. eh....either way, it'll look good.

 

03!! 06 is sick..looks like an f-150 wannabee make me wanna hurl lol

 

06

 

Hater !

 

06!

 

there is alot of stuff in the classifieds for an 03 swap tho...

 

Here is the way I see it.

I can either keep it the way it is and wheel it, replacing parts when they get even worse.

I can fix it with '93 - '97 parts from a JY, this would be the cheapest way to restore it.

Or last I can spend the extra cash to get a newer front end.

I also haven't decided if I want to kep the step side bed or go fleet side.

Also keep in mind that I have no plans to see my '03 level 2.

 

dont forget you need fenders and a whole new Radiator support welded in and the old one the drilled out...and custom bumper brackets the list goes on ...

 

here !!!

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=34988

 

06+ for sure.

 

03

 

if i wanted an f-150 id buy one not a mini version

 

'06+ definately

 

If it were mine, I'd use what ever I had or what ever came cheaper.
Swapping to the late model front end would take too much money and parts unless you had a newer truck for parts.
Even then you would still have the early dash, powertrain, and tail lights. I think the splash was a decent looking package as is. If you want a newer truck, I'd consider just buying a newer truck.

Your truck doesn't look that bad as far a external parts, just a bumper, bumper brackets, maybe a hood, and some plastic parts. I can't tell how bad the fenders are by the pics? The hood looks repairable but probably not worth the trouble. You could also consider a custom hood too? I've seen a few in both steel and fiberglass that look pretty good. I've seen both cowl and scoop style hoods.

I would check the front frame horns though, by the pic, it looks like theres a chance that they may have shifted to the right side. Either way, it's not major and with the parts on hand it's a only an afternoon of work and some paint.

If the bed isn't damaged I'd probably leave it, unless you have a good used bed to swap. (If I had a bed that was already the same color and had the choice, I'd take the fleet side bed since it gives you more space and they look better with a cap).

 

keep the old style..put a nice pre-runner bumper! and throw on some hella offroad lights..and join the fleetside gang

 

i can't stand people who "pretend" they have a newer truck by modifying the front end to one from a newer year: "well, it's a '93, with the front end of an '01." keep it the same as it should be. imagine if a guy with a '68 mustang said: "i have this '68 mustang, but, i'm going to put a '72 front end on"

 

Give me a break man. You act as if the ranger underwent a complete change from 03 to 06. It's the same exact truck as yours, only with a slightly different grill and fenders. I just can't see why the 06's disgust you so much when it is pretty much your same truck. I really don't mean to be an *******, but I just don't get it. Your entitled to your opinion and me to mine, so lets just leave it at that.

 

Muhaha.....he already has an '03....LEVEL 2!

Mr. Arnald wannabe: Just run a stock splash. It'd look cool.

Hs next to my pile: