frame change
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frame change
i have a 1983 Ranger that i would like to put a 351W into and i have heared of swaping the front suspension and frame from 1986 mustang? i was wondering if anyone has done this and what it might take to do it? any help would be great thanks Will
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Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Southeast PA
Seems to me like a whole lot of work for not a lot to gain. 351W in a Ranger is tight but can be done. Regarding the morphed underside, you're dealing with an I-beam (assuming 2wd), full frame vehicle mixed with a sub-frame, A-arm designed donor. I wouldn't know where to begin.
A whole lot easier and much less expensive would be to leave the suspension alone and find a 302/5.0, either carb or EFI. Nice and light and PLENTY of power for the light truck. Need more power? Build a 331 or 347 and get into some aftermarket heads, you'll have more power than you can use. Weight distribution with even a 302 is front heavy.
Sorry, I know that doesn't answer your question about grafting the Mustang frame. You could also get input from a good chassis/race shop, if it's a race setup you're looking for.
A whole lot easier and much less expensive would be to leave the suspension alone and find a 302/5.0, either carb or EFI. Nice and light and PLENTY of power for the light truck. Need more power? Build a 331 or 347 and get into some aftermarket heads, you'll have more power than you can use. Weight distribution with even a 302 is front heavy.
Sorry, I know that doesn't answer your question about grafting the Mustang frame. You could also get input from a good chassis/race shop, if it's a race setup you're looking for.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2005
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You are adding a lot of work. The 351W fits with no real problems, no harder than a 302 and not much more weight either. If you are after handling there is a lot more out there for the Ranger than before so that isn't really an issue as much. As said earlier you would be trying to graft unibody parts to a frame. Really it would be easier to start with some universal type A-arms and go from there and add a rack and pinion. For the engine swap part of it, the stock Ranger stuff will work fine.
Matt
Matt
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