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Crazy 4x4 idea!

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Old Apr 14, 2004 | 02:27 PM
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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
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Old Apr 14, 2004 | 02:44 PM
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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.
 
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Old Apr 14, 2004 | 03:15 PM
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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.
 
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Old Apr 14, 2004 | 08:26 PM
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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!
 
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Old Apr 20, 2004 | 08:08 PM
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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?
 
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 12:07 AM
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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!
 
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 06:32 PM
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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.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 07:20 PM
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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.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 09:39 PM
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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.
 
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