Looking for an HD Frame to replace the exiting on my 03 Ranger.
Want a V-8 and solid axles in the end but need a supplier for the HD Frame to get things started.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Maybe try one of the FTE engine or driveline forums for inputs.

 

There is no direct frame replacement for what you want to do. BUT you can do a body swap onto a early bronco frame. Word of warning this is NOT a bolt on swap, you better be good at fabrications. First thing you need to do is lengthen the frame to make the wheel base work and it gets harder from there.

 

Can't believe I started this in sept/2012...
I found a frame maker that will make me a '77 Bronco Frame with a 111.6" wheel base.
Now all I need is to see a ranger on a 77 and older frame and see what it looks like and maybe talk to the builder.

Anyone now anyone who has done this swap over ?

 

Why have someone build you a frame for a bronco?(you have a ranger) Have them build you a frame for the ranger

 

I know what you are saying but try and find a shop to build a Ranger Frame for under 6K, NOT !

There is a shop that will build and extend a 77 Bronco Frame.

 

6k for 2 days worth of labor and 1000 in material? Find somewhere else. And then it still would need at least 2 days worth of time to adapt it to a ranger

Just beef up a ranger frame for a couple hundred

 

Are you building some rock crawler or pulling truck or what. Seems extreme to want a new frame. Is yours broke or you just think its not strong enough. It's not like you are driving a Cherokee.
Just swap in explorer v8 motor and trans, more than likely will all bolt in and plug in, then swap a solid axle under it. The ranger frame can't be as crappy as you think unless its broke.

Where "north of Boston" are you.
What is your budget
What are your plans for this truck
What axles are you hoping for
Coils or leafs in the front.

 

I think I have found a local shop to do the work.
He has been good on pricing in the past but I thought he didn't want to do this project, now he said he is coming by to look at what I have and want to do... A Welder's Housing Call, nice !

As far as what I want... I want a Ranger with a good HD Frame, 5.0L, HD 5-sp Trans, better Transfer Case, and better Axles, all this on a frame that will not rot out on me; all of this will add up to a good long term Ranger that I hope to keep for a long time to come.

My first problem was the lift for an SAS, I want minimal Lift, say 4.5" not one of these 8" rigs and 33-35" tires
Next I wanted then heavier duty axles, I know to some a D44 and 9" are not HD but for a Ranger that will see more show than go, they are and if I add some better shafts they will be better.
Next came the frame, either reinforce what I have and hope it doesn't rot out from under the truck up here in the snow belt of New England or switch to a frame that is HD and will accept all of the stuff I want to do and when the welding is Colette get it galvanized inside and out.

Yes is would be easier to just add the V8 to the Ranger but once I add the v8, add the SAS and strengthen the frame or at least replace any rot the cost will not be much different.

I don't trust my welding for any of the frame projects I have planned so all of this would have to be farmed out and after today I will know if I can afford to do either way...

Thanks for the interest and questions, ltr

 

A used frame would be about 200-400.

Take it to your welder and have him beef it up in any places you think are weak(there are none)

Take it to a sandblaster(another 200-400)

Then paint with POR15(you can do it yourself for $100)

Now you have a frame that things will BOLT to(NOTHING bolts to a Tube frame), a frame that has been sandblasted and painted with a QUALITY paint that will outlast the engine, trans, t-case axle and body