My 46 (same cab and bed, Different front clip) is on an 88 Rangerchassis. I made it way harder than it needed to be. The front cab mounts on the ranger frame really only miss the factory 46 mounts by about an inch or so. The rear and middle mounts can just be drilled right into the frame rail if you move them over in the cab.

I used the Ranger rubber mounts on mine so I could get a smoother ride. It's not done yet, so I still got bugs to workout, but I would do this again.

I agree about the newer chassis though. The 98 and newer gives you a better suspension setup for lowering, but the I-beams are nearly indestructible on the older models.

The factory Ranger rubber cab mounts worked fine, but I had to switch them front to back and add a 1 inch spacer in the front ones. This leaves the back of the cab clearing the Ranger gas tank by about 1/4 inch. I will be removing part of the lower rear cab lip to increase this space, but just about everything else fits.

I cut out the part of the ranger firewall that the steering wheel, pedals, brake booster, and clutch reservour attach to (it comes out as a small oddly shaped plate. I am now in the process of welding this into the 46 firewall. When finished everything from the Ranger will bolt up like factory in the 46. Clearance is tight for the brake booster, but it does fit.

If I ever get this thing done, I will certainly do this again.

 

I've just signed up to the forum here and have the opportunity to build a 40 pickup and would like to do just what you suggest - use all of the original body and chassis parts, keep it simple and box the frame and only modify what I need to to mount my 302 and AOD. I'm on the cheap so may wait and add the Mustang II suspension at a later time.

The parts offered me seem to be complete, all metal and rust free cab, running boards, four fenders, hood, grill, headlight buckets and bed with a 39 or 40 chassis. Someone made mods to get exhaust through the X on the chassis so I will probably clean that up or fab replacement X members from plate allowing more clearance.

I'm sure I will have more questions if I take up this project but my first:
1. alittle40 will you please post the link to your chassis drawing?
2. Do you know of a lower or complete firewall and tunnel mod drawing, parts or package to ease that 302 and AOD into the right position?
3. What's the cheapest and/or most available direct-fit HD Ford rearend with available posi for this chassis?
4. And as above, steering column?

Thanks for your help,
Tom