When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I've searched this site, perused Hollander Parts, and looked around the Internet. This is the info I've gleaned:
On the Hollander site, there was pictured an '02 Ranger Edge flareside when I searched for a header panel for my '97.
[CENTER]
Rbv= Ranger Based Vehicle 93-97 fenders, hood, front bumper, grill, headlights, marker lights are a direct swap. 01-2012 Fenders interchange 2.9 and 4.0 swap fairly easy
82-94 heater boxes interchange, as does 95-97 Mirrors will interchange between 93-05 (non-power) 06+ will fit with minor mods. Window cranks will interchange from 93-11 Tail lights will interchange from 93-99. 00+ will fit but require minor mods. Beds will interchange from 93-11(Styleside long bed to itsself, styleside short bed to itsself, flareside to itsself) Rear bumpers will interchange between 93-11(except the license plate lights changed in ’03 and don’t fit ’02 and older) 93-97 cabs are interchangeable, as are 98 up
Core supports/radiator changes break down 83-88 89-92(can be modded for 83 headlights/grill) if need be 93-94 are same 95-97 are same 98-current
Firewall (only 2 designs) 83-94 95-2014
Doors (2 designs) (explorer doors and mirrors do not interchange with rangers) 83-92 93-2014
The inner structure is the same from 83-2013, so the body mounts are the same except the radiator support on the front for the 98+ (frame horns are a little wider)
Back window interchange Regular cabs are the odd ball, 83-97 reg cab back windows interchange ext cab is 83-current, and 98+ reg cab (only cab that won’t bolt to a 97 and older frame) share the same back window
Seats swap from 1st gen and 2nd gen 92-02 Explorer and 79-04 Mustang seats are a direct bolt in using your RBV seat tracks 99 expedition leather power buckets fit in a 93 extended cab without modification.
92-02 Explorer rearends are direct bolt-in if you want 4" of drop in the rear, if don't want the drop, then you have to weld on new leaf spring perches
82-97 steering boxes are interchangeable to include the MS boxes. The entire F-series shares that same box.
2wd ranger frames are the odd ball, all other rbv are based off the 4wd chassis up to 97.
95-01 explorers have the same front suspension 2wd or 4wd as the 98+ torsion bar rangers
The 94 ranger supercab dome light (3 bulb) fits the 98 standard cab (2 bulb) with mod, remove the "spike" in the reflector.
A 1991-92 2.9 uses the same condenser core as a 1991-94 Explorer where instead of having both connections on the passenger side of the condenser, and thus requiring a hose to cross over the fan shroud. The later condenser has the high pressure connection on the driver’s side. IF you use that style condenser then when you swap to a 4.0 you only need to replace the compressor and the manifold line that connects the compressor into the rest of the system. Though on the 2.9 condenser these are separate lines, on the 4.0 it is a one piece manifold that bolts to the compressor. When you get the 4.0 lines make sure to get the 1993 style where the low pressure suction line from the evaporator back to the compressor crosses the FRONT of the engine the other style that runs across the back has an extra TWO crimp connections and thus two extra places to leak. The radios in my 01 Escape [Premium Sound with a sub in the rear], Ranger [6CD Changer MP3 non premium sound] and Superduty [6CD changer with Premium Sound] are all interchangeable. Plug and play.
All good info but no direrct answers on the sheet metal. I have installed stuff from 97's to my 98 but it was trim type stuff mainly. power windows etc, grill and surrounds for headlights. Seats are out or 01 explorer direct fit except for having to extend seat belt holder. You answered a couple of your own questions like on the rad support. I would be willing to take a guess and say most will fir BUT require small amounts of modification.
Go to the Ranger Station they hae lots of interchange info and also post your message there and see if they will also post to their tech folders.
Update:
After all that research, I looked around for cheap rangers online in my area. Found a '94 4x4 for less than the body panels would cost so I bought it. it needed a clutch and a steering column repair, and was otherwise a fine truck, so then I had two fixers and no parts truck. A third internet search found a '96 4x4 with a seized engine, and missing several important parts like, seats, dash, windows, etc. I bought that one, and it turns out, it has a new clutch in it, along with all the front end parts and a steering column. So, I'm currently in process of repairing the bent one, and the immobile one using parts from the dead one.
I'm building Frankenstein's Rangers!
Pics will be forthcoming
I was wrong, the paint codes don't match, and not surprisingly, the paint doesn't either.
I did learn that the overflow/windshield washer bottle is only the same from '95 through '97.
Also, Radiators changed in '95. they mount on pins on the bottom of the radiator before '95 and they moved the mounts to tabs on the sides of the radiator after that. Still looking for a cheap (30.00 or so used) radiator that fits.
Found a radiator (new on Ebay 60.00) have driven the truck 1000 miles so far. I kept getting an evap code. I replaced the fuel filler hose (it was leaking fuel when filling, so it definitely needed replacing!) but the check engine light is on again.
Found a radiator (new on Ebay 60.00) have driven the truck 1000 miles so far. I kept getting an evap code. I replaced the fuel filler hose (it was leaking fuel when filling, so it definitely needed replacing!) but the check engine light is on again.
new gas cap? Sometimes it can be something that silly.
I have a 95 RANGER REGULAR CAB with beat up seats. It is a daily driver. I want to swap the 60/40 seats with better condition RANGER 60/40 seats. I have no problem making minor modifications ( swap rails, drill and tap etc. I don't want to have to fabricate new hardware etc.) I do not want mustang, explorer, tempo, Ferrari, Duecenburg, or Lamborghini, seats. I am happy with the basic 60/40 with fold down console. What year RANGER seats will fit without major mods. Will newer extra cab seats in a regular cab? If so what years? Thanks.
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
