I have a 97 Ranger, 4x4, 3.0L, and about 2 years ago my son Tboned an SUV and caved in the front. The front clip was trash, but I was able to pull the frame sort of back into shape, and then a new radiator, drive belt, battery and PS pump pully was all it took to get it running. For two years now I've been using the thing as a general tractor, a lot of driving it into the woods and hauling out firewood, that kind of stuff. Still starts right up, runs well, pulls well, etc. Hasnn't had a good stretch of the legs for a while though

I keep thinking I should find a donor truck, maybe one with a blown engine or tranny, but a good body (and AC, the one I have never had AC) something I can find cheap, combine the two into one I can get legal on the road, but I don't seem to see any 97's, and I'm not sure how interchangeable drivetrain/suspension parts are between model years. I have the workspace/tools/skills to do the mechanical work. On any particular day it can be hard to make time for such things, but it's something I have the luxury of not having to complete in a hurry

What year Rangers would make it easiest to combine with my 97 to come up with a full truck again? Or is it too much bother and I should just support Ford and go buy a new one?

tia

 

93-97 are the same body style, the dash's were changed in 94?. still a TTB truck, same body panels.

 

thanks, helps to have a range of rangers to look for

 

89-94 had the same dash