I know this might be thinking out of the box but oh well.Year ago I see a Ranchero on an s-10 frame. My buddie says he seen a Falcon on a monte carlo frame. So I was thinking Ford in a Ford, maybe a Crown Vick. I know a Crown Vick is 114 in wheelbase and my Ranchero is 109 in. THanks for any and all help. Ken N.
But why? It seems like alot of work. Are you looking to update it? I've owned a '63 Ranchero and I loved it, I would never butcher one up with a frame swap. Someone (mabey Fatman) is making a mustang II front for Falcons and Rancheros I think that would make a better upgrade. Good Luck anyway you do go with it. Normal Norman
There has been alot of negitivity about rack and pinion. Turning radius handling. And then if you change to granada spindals some people worie about bump steer. I want a daily drive that crusies the interstate.
Since the car is a unibody, it doesn't make sense to frame it. Go with an early Mustang front suspension replacement (MII) if you must to get the shock towers out, and do a back half if you plan on serious autocross or drag racing. The only reason to to a full frame is a 4X4, and that isn't the kind of thing that flys on this forum. EDIT: You replied while I was typing. The stock stuff will handle the interstate just fine.
Thank you John, I did want imput.Even if it is a dumb idea. I want to make a good choice. So the frame is to wide.This is the thing I need to know. Ken
RodStRacer,It is about the drive ability. The shock tower can stay or go . I'm using a Aussie 4.1 crossflow so room between the shock tower is not an issueThanks Ken N.
To give you and idea of how decent the stock front is, a friend has a 63 that was back halfed for drags. It ran mid-10s with the stock front stuff. That's over 120 MPH thru the lights. He drove it on the street in that trim. He has since done a MII so he can run big headers. If you are planning on a street car with a reasonable street motor, there is no need. He did a lot of the work himself, just had a friend do the critical welding. It still cost him over 1500. If you put that much into the stock stuff (springs, shocks, brakes), it will be fine for street driving unless you are trying to chase exotics thru canyons... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=495740
Upgrade/fix the stock stuff. The Falcon/Ranchero chassis gave birth to the Mustang. Most all of the parts in the GIANT aftermarket for the Mustang fits the Falcon/Ranchero. Research the "Shelby Drop". Do that too (just the re-drill one). Hit me up here if you have questions.
forget the frame swap, definitely do a mII front clip, its a little pricey but worth it. I wish I did it from day one, you gain handling and more room with the towers gone. I ran into so many problems trying to fit headers. Looking back I would have dropped 3 grand not to deal with fitment issues. good luck with it, falcons for life
Falcon = Mustang And yes, they make MII suspension kits. Far more reasonable that trying to reengineer the car for no practical purpose. I'd actually just upgrade to the Shelby pieces and be happy with it.
Papaw, Just bought a 62 Ranchero that has been in a barn sense 1990. Old DOT truck, good body,Has bad floor pan on drivers side,spent all day yesterday cutting it out and cleaning up every thing and fitting new pan. Soon to be 302,T-5 5 speed,Mav.Comet 8" 325-350 rear end. Still thinking of a MII front end, one from Rod & Custom Motor Sports in Florence SC. Great people to do bus.with. Quality second to none. Butch Evans(Falconeer) Thomasville NC
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