Hello all , I have a 2002 Ranger Super Cab 4x4 4.0 . The rear frame is a disaster . A new replacement frame from Ford is obsolete but I can get one for the same model , same wheelbase , but for a 2004 model . I want to drill out the 7 or so rivets and spilt the frame just behind the cab at the front of the rear leaf spring mounts , doing this to the new frame also and swap the rear frame sections . Re-installing with all grade 8 hardware . My question : Does anybody know for sure that the rear sections of these frames are compatible and will bolt back together as such . From what I have researched , 98 - 2006 seem to take the same frames , but where as the 2002 and 2004 frames are a different part # there must be at least some subtle differences . If this is a plausible swap , I will be happy to document it and post up many pictures too . Thank you guys .

 

Just because the part numbers differ its not a guarantee that they are different sometimes they change the material or strengthen it some way or just general upgrades so what they do is issue a new part number that supersedes the previous part making it obsolete. they did change the bed mounts somewhere around 2006 so those would be different. You see it more commonly with airplane manufacturers because of the amount of tracking that goes into airplane parts they change one thing and it gets reissued a new model number but they are basically the same auto makers do it as well, but for autos there isn't as much info because no one tracks it that closely. If ford says that part will fit it should be fine. Also its amazing they even have the 2004 frames because generally after 5 years they don't even keep those parts around because they are no longer required to. Also most of the changes between 02-04 were cosmetic they very rarely made changes to power trains/ chasis components for the ranger.

 

So , are you saying I should not have any issues with my plan ? There are still 30 frames available out of Detroit , from Ford for the 2004 's . I just don't want to crack a brand new frame in half only to find it doesn't bolt up , or , the rivet holes aren't the same , or its wider or narrower .... That would suck ! Any other input greatly appreciated.

 

I also just found out the rear spring front brackets are different between 2002 and 2004 , what the difference is , I do not know . But the part #'s are different .

 

not sure on the brackets but body mounts and things should be the same the only thing that really changes between years is where they run the wires but that should only be an issue if your building a truck from scratch but since your just changing a piece of it should just be able to use what you have according to a few articles I've read on the fact and a few other locations the frames themselves are the same from 98-06 but it wouldn't be cost effective to have a version for every year in the parts house so id say you'd be ok but you may have to swap some pieces such as the spring brackets as i doubt that comes with it they are usually riveted on on the assembly line. Id get a diagram from the parts guy to start for both years it should have a blow up of the frame and all associated parts and just compare and see how different they are if its minor things like the brackets i don't see it being a big issue.

 

LOL , I am a Ford parts guy , trouble is all the pics look the same in the catalog , I have exhausted the info available from all our techs , none of them can give me a straight answer on any info on this matter , even our best tech looks at me like I have 3 heads for even attempting this . I am honestly shocked and disgusted at the rot on this frame , its disturbing . But the rest of the truck is solid . I already have the bed and bumper off and started grinding rivets and such .

 

Yeah i mean down here we get very little rust and corrosion so its rare that we play with frames unless it gets wrecked and then most body guys put a whole frame under it. And yeah I've seen that before my ranger is a hodge podge of parts i liked from all different years so you should see the looks i get when searching parts lol. I hate to steer you away from ford but my best luck searching for parts came from google The ford parts website uses very general pics which makes it hard. There are quite a few cross reference sites whose names i can't remember off hand but i had one you can go to and enter the factory part number and it will tell you a cross reference of parts that will fit so maybe try playing with google a bit?

 

Hey guys , just wanted to throw up a few pictures of my progress thus far . One hell of a lot of work as I'm doing this solo . Already have on order most of my incidentals , and will order the frame tomorrow , that will take about 5 days to get . Enjoy !

 

Few more ....









Any input would be great , I will put up more as I progress !

 

there are frames on NH craigslist!

http://nh.craigslist.org/ptd/4500587170.html


I dunno if you saw those or not.

anyway, good progress so far

 

Thanks for the info , I work for Ford and can get one At a very reasonable price , that place does have other things I can use though , thanks again!

 

Well , I would like to thank 99offroadrngr for recommending a local salvage yard where I purchased a rear frame section , it is mint and affordable . Here are a few pictures of it .....

 

Nice! I knew that frame looked in good shape from the side picture they posted in the ad haha

 

Yes , it was super mint , I drilled out all the rivets last night and separated the front spring mounts and what was left of the front frame ... Tonight I will scrub it down again with engine cleaner and a stiff bristle brush , wipe it down with mineral spirits and coat it with rustoleum primer , then rustoleum flat black enamel tomorrow . The rustoleum products got great reviews when used together and are wallet friendly too . Thanks again , you saved me about a grand .

 

no problem!

 

Wow! That was one trusted out frame! You made me go out last night to check my recently purchased 2000 Ranger XLT. It has surface rust (saw it when I first bought it), and started out it's life in Connecticut and is now happy in Central Florida. I noticed it's rear spring holders have been replaced, but the rails themselves appear to be solid.

Did your bed bolts come off, or did you end up breaking most when removing them?

I always thought that Ford's frames were indestructable, but yours proved that wrong!

 

Hi bucko , The bed bolts came out , but what a bitch they were... I will be starting the rebuild project Monday morning . I personally have not witness this kind of rust in person on a otherwise solid vehicle in my life . When I am done it will be a great truck . I hope . I'm glad your frame looks good ! I will admit , this is something of a fairly large undertaking ... Its not for the mechanically squeamish .

 

Hey guys , doesn't seem to be much interest in this thread , but I will keep it going none the less for anyone interested or for future members to search for . I had a minor setback as I cut the end of my finger off and was out of commission for a few weeks ... Got a lot done recently though , here are a few pics , I would estimate about 5-6 more hours of work , my truck will be back on the road .

 

Need to do the rear wheel bearings , seals , and brakes ... Once that is completed it will be mainly just nut and bolting all back together . Some scuffing and paint touch up along the way too , but nothing major ... ALMOST THERE !!!!

 

Truck is looking good, but I wanna see pictures of a cutoff finger.

 

O.K. Here you go .... Oh , and it still hurts too ....

 

Damn that sucks about the finger! The progress looks great so far, though.
I have a spare rear end with good bearings and seals (that i know of), no rust other than surface if you need / want it

 

Ouch!

 

How much would you like for the rear end , and do you know what the gear ratio is , mine is 4.10 . Or is it just the housing and bearings ? You can PM me if you want , thanks man .

 

I may have to do this to the rear part of my frame soon, its cracked in several places which I have welded up but it seems like I have a new one show up every year. Maybe I should be on the look out for a good single cab long bed 4x4 frame.