Has anyone done this? I have a chance to get a 95 Explorer 4x4 Sport track cheap (bad transmission) I'm also looking at a package deal on 2 48-49 F1s and an extra cab. And I was just wondering if anyone had done such a swap.

 

There have been a few posts about using a Ranger frame. Do a search of the board, you should be able find them.

 

Better off just to steal the drive train, and add to the existing F1.

 

I recall a few post, mostly from 'new' members explaining their plans to do just what you have in mind. I don't recall ANY of them posting a completed conversion.

 

When you get half way through it and find out what a lot of work and greif it is you can sell all your parts for cheap on craigslist. Your better off with the drivetrain swap as mentioned by Chris.

 

Funny you say that. I am semi retired and a trader. I buy projects all the time and sell off the parts. My claim is they run out of money, talent and ambition all about the same time, right after tearing everything apart and painting the frame.
No, you'll never see me in that position I did leave a string of 20 or so of those projects behind when I was a kid. And yeah, I will probably never tackle anything that involved, I was just dreamin. I suppose I'll just pirate all the parts I can ebay off the 48-49s when I get them home and send the remains to become Mal-Wart porch swings. I'll save my energy and resources for my dream 57

 

It's a lot of work (what project isn't? ) , but it can be done.

But if you decide to do it, make sure to check with your state dmv and find out what is required to legally register it. In Minnesota you have to file an "Affidavit of Reconstruction" and supply a title or bill of sale for all the major components.

Here's some pictures of a 51 or 52 Ford truck mounted on an Explorer chassis ( Not my truck ) . It appears to be a pretty good fit. But it will definitely require plenty of metal work.









And here's a few pics of a bare 95-2001 Explorer chassis.

 

Sorry Willow, I didn't mean to slam you in any way. But I have looked at a few of those situations from CL and they are a mess. Just trying to save you from the heartache so to speak. On a lighter side happy trading!

 

No offense taken, just quantifying I was an old guy who already made those mistakes and learned from them. funny thing is, I'm usually the guy taking the same position as you. Most recently in a different section some 15 year old kid was going to tackle converting his pickup to four wheel drive and the other members were mostly encouraging him. My response was pretty close to the same advice you offered.
I have been doing this a while and my roadster pickup was a complete build. I designed and built the frame, suspension and almost every part of the car. And also I did go through the process of getting it titled.
And thanks Fordman for those pictures.
I just want one more build before all my joints give out completely and I keep exploring possibilities.
Here's a thread with a couple pics of my rpu
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1349111-my-29-a.html

 

Funny, a couple of weeks ago I was looking for 4wd vehicles of generally narrow width that had close to the same wheelbase of my '47 1/2 ton, which is 114". There is a ranger, I think it's a regular cab longbed that matches and the ford explorer 4 door, which are both 114". Like Willowbilly, I have been buying, fixing and selling old ford trucks all of my adult life, starting at 19. We both know it's not an easy project by any means but it is within the scope of a functioning adult who has a shop and some tools and knows how to use them. Look at Tinman's cabover for crying out loud. He shows no signs whatsoever of walking away from it. Just my .02.... Maybe we start a reality show type 'build off' here, where each contestant gets to spend one year and a certain amount of money to drop an old truck on a new chassis. Us old worn out guys could give the 15 year olds a run for their money

 

One of the better I have seen, but still it does not look right but to each his own.
Unfortunately you see adds on the List like. 50 Ford Truck Project Updated Ranger, or S-10 conversion, just needs finishing. $2500 or it goes to the scrapper.

By far the worst example I have seen was a clipped Art Deco 42 Chevy. The guy told me when the conversation was done, they hit Flat Olive Paint. All the trim was chrome painted Olive. There were serial numbers on the hood and big Stars on the door under all that paint. They went ahead and pulled the running drivetrain and clipped it.