1987 ford ranger flatbed ideas??

[wyattsf150]

I just aquired my grandfathers 1987 ford ranger. its 2wd v6 (2.9) 5spd. its not in great shape, everything is repaible but the bed would take alot of tedious time. so my idea for this little truck is a flatbed what do you all think? any other suggestions or ideas? Im looking for ideas so pictures are much appreciated

 

[chasespeed]

Realistic expectations, and budget would help a bit.......

You COULD convert to 4wd with parts from a 4wd ranger/exploder....
Toss a 302 in there for good measure....
Build a flatbed that would suit your needs, and go from there.

In this case, the major cost is getting a wrecked donor truck.....BUT, if you scored a decent 90s model, you could get the beefier frontend, AND a 4.0...

Most is bolt in(for the most part), just labor intensive....

So, let us know what you want, and can afford, and the ideas will follow....

You DONT need 4wd, there are plenty of 2wd systems out there for the I-beam front ends....

Check out autofab for ideas...

Chase

 

[Deleted member 9101]

If it was me, I'd get it running good and leave it 2WD, then get about 2" of lift and A/T tires. Then I'd build a very light weight camper that replaces the bed.

 

[gmcpimpin]

"I just aquired my grandfathers 1987 ford ranger. its 2wd v6 (2.9) 5spd. its not in great shape, everything is repaible but the bed would take alot of tedious time. so my idea for this little truck is a flatbed what do you all think? any other suggestions or ideas? Im looking for ideas so pictures are much appreciated"
I don't see any intention of desire to make this a 4WD. Just saying...

 

[chasespeed]

No, maybe not, but, nothing else as well....

I mentioned the 4wd, because with the ranger, its actually pretty easy. No other reason. My service truck is 2wd, and I take plenty of places that most wouldnt take their 4wds.... just sayin...

 

[Deleted member 9101]

How about this, a light weight flat bed, with side mounted tool boxes. that leaves you with a good sized area in between them for even more storage..then a RTT on top of the boxes?

I guess we need to know what you want to use the truck for?

 

[haven]

Remember to lift the flatbed off the truck frame high enough to clear the tires when the suspension is at full compression. I had a friend who had to cut holes in the deck of his homemade Toyota flatbed to stop the tires rubbing.

 

[wyattsf150]

well thanks for the suggestions guys. 4wd would be nice but not really in the plans as of now. i do plan on replacing the motor with a 4.0 when the 2.9 wears out. the 2.9 has 124,000 on it and i havnt heard great things about them so it may be in the near future. plus the majority of the miles are farm miles, also another reason why the bed is shot. the reason i want the flatbed is to haul tools around and have a flat surface to work with and haul things around the farm, and build some sort of light camper for the back to use on camping trips <100 miles from home

 

[dragogt]

Just a ?? but, why do all the work for a 4.0 when a 5.0 is about the same amout of work with better power and the mpg is about the same or better...

 

[wyattsf150]

well from what i hear the 4.0 is basically a bolt in. but heck while im at it i should just do this.... lol
http://www.dieselpowermag.com/features/ford/0808dp_1998_ford_ranger_cummins/index.html

 

[dragogt]

A 4bt would be cool..

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/V8Conversions.html < -- 5.0

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4L_Conversion.html <-- 4.0

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4L_Conversion2.htm <-- 4.0

Me thinks the 5.0 is A Lot less work.... But thats just me...