Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

Crazy 4x4 idea!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 14, 2004 | 02:27 PM
  #1  
thesprocket26's Avatar
thesprocket26
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 0
From: South Central Boise
Talking Crazy 4x4 idea!

I really don't know much about the workings and reliability of the newer ranger pickups, but what do you think about a late 80's 4x4 with an 83 thunderbird body set on top? Maybe with 31" tires and a 302? I think it would be sweet! Is there any other vehicles similar to my idea? Let me know. Thanks!
 

Last edited by thesprocket26; Apr 14, 2004 at 02:28 PM. Reason: spellllingg
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2004 | 02:44 PM
  #2  
Ken00's Avatar
Ken00
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
Welcome to FTE!!!

Sounds like a fun idea and I'm sure somone has done it but the biggest problem I see would be putting a unibody car on a frame/body design. I'm no expert.
 
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2004 | 03:15 PM
  #3  
99xlt4.04x4's Avatar
99xlt4.04x4
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: Coastal North Carolina
I saw a Mustang on a bronco chasis. It is always at the mudbogs.
There is one this saturday. If i can get of work, ill take some pics.
 
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2004 | 08:26 PM
  #4  
thesprocket26's Avatar
thesprocket26
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 0
From: South Central Boise
Yeah, if you could get some pictures for me that would be greatly appreciated! I think for the unibody to frame would be easy. Drill holes and use grade 8 bolts? Seems simple? Maybe I'm wrong. I kinda live in an area where everyone has a brand new 4x4 that never goes in the dirt. Sad huh! One time we were out in the desert and a H2 came by at like 4mph. We took off in our fords and chevys and spun circles around him. Sucker! Now what about in a 83 t-bird with mudders! Ha!
 
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2004 | 08:08 PM
  #5  
99xlt4.04x4's Avatar
99xlt4.04x4
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: Coastal North Carolina
I didnt see it this time, but i know where the guy lives. Next time im in town ill swing by and see if i can get a few pics. I also saw a Grand-am on a 4x4 frame in Four Wheel and Off road magazine. I dont remember which issue or page, but ill see if i can find it.

I dont think there would be any problems putting a unibody onto a frame. It should be stronger than original, but maybe thats just me. I was talking to my dad about putting a 302 in my ranger. But i think it would be easier just to Super charge the 4.0 and maybe do a little porting and polishing. What engine is on the Ranger frame already?
 
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2004 | 12:07 AM
  #6  
thesprocket26's Avatar
thesprocket26
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 0
From: South Central Boise
Hey, thanks for looking out. A grand am huh? That would be funny. Right now it's all ideas so I could go with any motor/trans combo. Any sugestions? I am pretty familiar with 302, Fe, and 429/460. I can understand other motors but I have just grown up with v-8 power! Thanks for your time!
 
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2004 | 06:32 PM
  #7  
99xlt4.04x4's Avatar
99xlt4.04x4
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: Coastal North Carolina
Yeah, me too. I started out on a 351M, my next car was a 302, and now i have the 4.0. Each engine has pros and cons. I am happy with my 4.0, even after owning a 351 and a 302.

Just today i was looking through 4x4 and off road magazine and saw a Beetle 4X4. So i guess the skies the limit on what you could do. But since you already have the T-Bird, i would work with that.
 
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2004 | 07:20 PM
  #8  
rebturtle's Avatar
rebturtle
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Santee, CA
I've seen it several times with many different vehicles. It usually involves welding a unibody vehicle to the frame of a dimensionally-similar 4x4. Most often Bronco II and S10 Blazer frames. Ever seen a Camaro on 44s? I may be a Ford guy, but it's still pretty cool.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 21, 2004 | 09:39 PM
  #9  
racsan's Avatar
racsan
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 2
From: central ohio
i once saw a hearse on a suburban chassis, a camaro on a blazer chassis, and my favorite, a 78 mustang II with a bronco chassis.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:38 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE