Ranger Winch Bumper fits Explorer?

[99SportX]

I came across this winch bumper for a ranger. Does anyone think it would fit up ok to a 2nd gen explorer? My gut tells me it would be pretty dang close. I wouldn't be opposed to a little modding but if it's going to be way off I may as well build my own from scratch.

https://www.affordableoffroad.com/shop/elite-ford-ranger-modular-plain-front-winch-bumper-1998-2011/

 

[CDW6212R]

I don't know Eric, but find out if the front bumpers will swap for other 98-2011 Rangers. The frame horn is what the bumper bolts to, and those Rangers have the same suspension and frame shape in general.

 

[boominXplorer]

The frame horns are the same but the top of the ranger frame to the bottom of header panel is about 2.5" higher on the ranger vs explorer. So unless you have a body lift it wouldn't be bolt on and line up perfect.

 

[corkey]

i put a Ranger winch bumper on my 99 Explorer,, it was almost a direct bolt on, it's in the middle of my avatar

 

[99SportX]

Ok, so what i'm gathering here is that from an overall width and mounting pattern standpoint, it will fit. I may need to just drill new holes or mod the mounting plates some to get the height right. That's not too bad. I don't mind doing a little cutting and welding. I
just really don't want to build an entire bumper from scratch at the moment.

 

[CDW6212R]

The frame horns are the same but the top of the ranger frame to the bottom of header panel is about 2.5" higher on the ranger vs explorer. So unless you have a body lift it wouldn't be bolt on and line up perfect.

That's good information. If the bumper you get has a decent sized mounting surface, maybe you can drill new holes an inch higher in it, and the frame horn can take lower holes, by enough to make it fit well. Moving the bumper mounts downward will increase leverage on the bolts and bracketry etc. I think it may end up just needing another bracket to brace each side, from the bottom of the bumper, up and back to the frame, behind the horn, along the side of the frame. It sounds like a basic alteration.

 

[99SportX]

Turdle found another option that I have now ordered. It is a weld together winch bumper kit designed specifically for the 2nd gen explorer.

 

[RockRanger]

You found my bumper. Here are a few more pictures of it.

Building a winch bumper for our 01 Explorer.

 

[99SportX]

Awesome. I'm excited to start fitting it up!