When we got our 1997 Ranger XLT Extended Cab the 60/40 cloth seats were a mess and the center console is missing. We got them cleaned up but the driver side foam is shot and they still don't smell too great, although it's not THAT bad. However, my daughter has found good leather buckets from an '08 Explorer at a price I'd be willing to spend. Is there any hope of putting these in a 97 Ranger? I'd really like leather buckets and these seats look really nice.

I have no problem drilling holes in seat tracks or mixing and matching parts. Little reluctant to start drilling floor pans because I've never done it but if it isn't too much of a big deal I'd do it. Is this a workable project?

The truck isn't a daily driver so I can take my time with it.

 

There is info here: Using Seats From Other Fords In Your Ranger

Also click on the links at the bottom

Not sure on the 2008 explorer seats, check over all width, explorers got wider I think

In the 2000's the tracks are welded to the seat frames, they could of course be cut off and Ranger tracks bolted on
But might fit, as is, by redrilling rear or front track mounts

Don't drill the floor pan, if needs be mount metal plate to floor pan holes and then bolt seat to the plates.

Lots of options, bottom line is that it is doable if seats are not too wide

Power seats often require Relay Box and wiring harness, I would look into that for the 2008 seats, so you know what to ask for and the work required to get everything you need from the donor vehicle.
Back in the day it was just 12v and ground wire, lol, now they have memories, and relays up the wazoo, so heads up