1980 Ranger bolt pattern conversion
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 543
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From: Tulsa
1980 Ranger bolt pattern conversion
As of today I've got a new (old) 1980 ranger complete with the Swiss cheese frame. I don't want a ground up resto but I'm planning on raising the safety standards a little so I'll be strengthening the frame and adding shoulder belts. Anything else anyone knows of particular to these trucks please let me know. I had a 1986 f250 but I understand there are quite a few differences between the two. One of my major concerns is the 5 lug bolt pattern and brakes. I have a set of wheels off a newer truck with a 6 lug pattern is there a way to convert them to fit via larger/different calipers/rotors?
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,977
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From: Virginia
No. You have a smaller f150 truck, so it has smaller wheels and smaller brakes. One more lug is not going to do you any good, I have never heard of the 5 lug pattern being a problem. Also never heard of the holey frame being a problem. I had one and it never gave me any problem and I didn't baby it.
If you think you are going to overload it on a regular basis, you should get a larger truck. That would be the main thing as far as safety. If your truck is loaded properly, it will be plenty safe.
If you think you are going to overload it on a regular basis, you should get a larger truck. That would be the main thing as far as safety. If your truck is loaded properly, it will be plenty safe.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northeast, OK
I agree fully with Dave. I have two of the 81's with the swiss cheese frame and have had no problems.
And, by the way, a "Ranger" is a trim level and it was available on the F100, 150, 250, and 350.
And, by the way, a "Ranger" is a trim level and it was available on the F100, 150, 250, and 350.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 543
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From: Tulsa
Thanks for the information guys. -good to know. I wasn't concerned with the bolt pattern on there being a problem per say. But I've got these new fangled wheels and was hoping to make them work without using some kind of adapter. BTW I recognize the SB v8 under the hood and believe it to be a 302 with a. Holley 2bbl. 351w wasn't available on the '80 F150 ranger was it? Not very familiar with the 2bbr Holley. Is it a good carb? Worth rebuilding. I've got a bunch of the ol 2bbl Rochesters (sacrilege) sitting out here. But ill rebuild the Holley if it's worth The
Time.
Time.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 524
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From: Maryland
The 351W wasn't even available until 1981, if it was a 351, it would either be a stock M motor or a swapped in Windsor. If you cruise more than drive, the holly will work fine. If you want some pep out if the 302, it might be wise to swap in a 4 barrel and intake
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