Hi, guys and girls . This isn't usually where I hang out but i have a ranger question you. I have a 1950 Ford F1 cab and frond clip that I have been playing with for many years. I have had it on different full-size frames over the years( 2 and 4 wheel drive). Im thinking this next part of its life I might try a ranger frame to keep the tires under the fenders. My question is what do you guys that drive them think the best 2wd ranger frame is , based on strength, ease of wheel alignment with 302 installed and things like that?

 

I personally can't answer your question with any specifics, but you might find this article informative:

Ford Ranger History

Note that, beginning in 1998, Ford changed over to a SLA front suspension, and the length of the wheel base was also increased.

 

Thank you for that article. There is a lot of info there but not quite what I'm looking for. Im thinking super cab frame for the wheel base. I think the later frames would have better front suspension. That is what Im most interested in. Im still searching.

 

I would think that the best thing to do would be to compare the original 1950 Ford wheelbase & track dimensions with the various years Rangers and see which comes closest to matching. Do you know what the 1950 model measured?

 

The 1950 is 114" according to some info I found.The closest ranger I found was a standard cab long bed at 117", so i could work with that. If Im reading correctly there were torsion bar suspension and coil spring suspension in the later years. Which of those do you guys think is better? Just a 2wd street truck with a 302 is all I want to build.

 

That is correct. All '98+ 4WD Rangers have the torsion bar setup. A majority of 2WD Rangers for the same period came with front coil springs; however, there are some '01-'09 2WD versions that also use the torsion bars.

Check out: Ford Ranger Suspension through the Years

Easier adjustment of ride height is usually cited as one advantage of the torsion bar suspension. And I've read that, the reason Ford went to the torsion bar suspension on the 98+ 4WD Ranger was to create more room for the front drivetrain components in conjunction with the changeover to the SLA suspension.

One thing to keep in mind is that, torsion bars makes changing out the lower control arms on a Ranger more difficult, because the bars travel through the arms.

 

Thats a good article, thank you. After seeing that it looks more likely to find a coil spring model, I think that will be what i will start searching for. Thanks to everyone that took the time to read my post and help out.

 

It sounds like a very cool project. Keep us posted on your progress.