Hey all, tried searching for this, but didn't come up with much. I need to know if the TTB suspension from an 86 ranger would swap out with my 2wd 91?
I haven't found a reason why not, as I know they used pretty much the same front suspension on the rangers from 83 to 97, not really changing much if anything at all. So, talking just suspension and axle components, it should be a pretty simple swap?
If there is a write-up on this that answers my questions, link it or something, cause I couldn't find much more info.
Thanks guys!

 

I haven't had a 4WD Ranger, but shouldn't the frames be different from 2 to 4WD rigs?

Aren't they a bit mo' heavier duty than the 2WD frames?

"Just the suspension and axle components" means keeping it 2WD or convert to 4WD? Do you want to simply install the TTB on your rig and install it by itself without 4WD/transfer case/driveshaft?

If that's the case, are the pivot points, radius arm and shock mounts for your I-Beams the same dimensions as the TTB on the 4x? Tape measure time!

Are you looking to convert to 4x? If so, I don't think the transfer case/trans mount exists on the 2WD frame.

I think the better idea would be to sell the 2WD and get a 4WD to be safe. Did the 86 4WD truck fall into your lap, and you're looking for possibilities?

IMO...The grill does look better on the 91 than the 86, so I see that part.

I would love to see others chime in to confirm or rebuke

 

Ranger front suspension over the years seen here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...spension.shtml

As cliffdog said the frames on 2WD and 4WD were different, along with mounting points

2WD Rangers were build as 2WD
4WD Rangers were built as 4WD

4WD was not an "option", it had a different frame so was built from frame up

You can convert a 2WD to 4WD or 4WD to 2WD, just takes time and money, but its not plug and play

 

I found out that in 1998 that Ford started putting boxed front frames on the 2wd Rangers, but still different in mounting points for suspension and drivetrain tot he 4wd.

So the 86 4wd would have a boxed frame and your 91 would have the older non-boxed frame.

I'm not saying don't do it, but now you know it isn't a "plug-n-play" as Ron put it. You'll need to commit to a good amount of fabrication.

 

Alright guys, thanks for the info. Intent is to convert a 2wd to 4wd, and though fabrication is not new to me, I don't really have the time or money right now to take on a project.
Plus the wife thinks I spend all my time and money with that truck as it is, so even though 6ish hrs throughout a week and 0$ spent on anything except the bare minimum things i need to keep it starting in the morning isnt what I would consider ALL my time and money, starting this now would be gas on a flame :P

 

You COULD add on some suspension pieces that will lift it a little higher and install some bigger meats for more traction, as well as a locker, but that wife thing...yeah. Better not to poke the tiger.