Has anyone done or know of this type "marriage"?

I posted this on the Ranchero forum but got no responses (not many hits there).

I want to use a donor 73-79 short bed 4wd and put it under a 59 Ranchero.

The Ranchero wb = 118", the 79 short bed wb = 117".

I would lift it, if neccessary for clearances. Would the 1 inch difference in wheelbase be a problem? What other issuses would I riun into? Is this a pipedream?

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I am a true believer in anything is possible...if you have the time, money, equipment, working space, fabrication skills and enough cold "wobbly pop".
The only real advice I can give you is to measure, measure and measure again. Then start trial fitting and fabricating. I do not think it would bolt directly on but you never know

 

I've seen jacked up 4x4 Rancharoos before, so I know it can be done. I just can't tell you how they did it (frame swap or suspension swap).

good luck

 

there is one right here in town. he put the body on a bronco frame

 

I have seen a chebby el camino lifted pretty dang high, he was sitting level with me or even a little higher, big tires, converted to 4X4. Never seen a ranchero though, but it is possible for sure. Takes a lot of time and money though.

 

"there is one right here in town. he put the body on a bronco frame"


Big A,

Is it a 59 Ranchero? If so, any chance of getting the guys' phone # or email address so I could pick his brain?

This is a real bad itch I got and would really like to explore it.

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