ford ranger frame

got a chance to pick up a late 80's ford ranger frame, v6 powered. will it work as good as a s10 unit under a shoe box ford? how strong is the rear axel?

 

speaking from experiance from the fact I own a BroncoII this is what I got to say, I would box the frame its has alot of flex, the rear is the least of your problems
benifitsof that rear: its the same as a mustang II and you can get a trac-loc from ford or a locker for it. Also with that frame is the same as a explorer so you can use a exploer rear which is bigger and it will bolt right up (early explorer)
The driveshaft is a composite and I would replace that, James duff.com
The tranny if auto sucks A4LD sucks I blew three in a span of a few months, but since ford used them alot parts are plentiful.
The engine a 2.9 scorpian EFI pre 89 had head problems prone to cracking if you over heat the engine, not alot of aftermarket bolt ons but can be made to be a performer with internal engine work.The current ford 4.0 is based directly on the 2.8/2.9 so you can upgrade at a later date and everything will bolt right up.
There is more so if you get it PM me and we will talk.
FS

 

fastsporty i was just going to use the frame,rear axel, front suspension, under a 51 ford shoebox. chevy power! was looking at a s 10 but ran across a ranger frame an well, as good or not?

 

I wouldn't use one. Weak frame, too much flex, and lousy suspension.

 

there was a post not to teribly long ago about swaping the 48/54 trucks onto ranger chassis compaired to the ranger and it went over all the pros and cons

a huge con being the front suspension


any one have a link?

its there some were

 

here is that thread:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=236277&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1
Twin I-beam suspension is a very good concept for a truck because you really increase the arc of the suspension giving you a better and more controlable ride. obviously people are going to disagree, but you have to look at the application.I think ford has been using this type of suspension since the 60's on there trucks, I personaly think some issues may arrise with using a TIS on a shoe box, mostly the bigger arc you might have some clearence probs Also because of the bigger arc, which is more stable, the suspension response is going to be slower. I would do a little research via some sport truck mags and web sites and see how others have dealt with dropping and handling issues. I am not very helpful there because all my knowledge is in the off road dept, not the dropping (why didnt yo buy a car in the first place dept).
also frame flex is not a bad thing, if aproached correctly. manufacturers have been using the flex of a frame as part of suspension/handleing for years. But you or I do not have the approprate resources to engineer proper suspension stiffness to frame flex ratio on a shoe box. I think my decision factor would be what would fit best for your ride. I mean you can always put in different front suspension.
FS