3rd Gen vs. 4th Gen: Just how much difference is there?

[jab3_327ci]

Hello, all. I have been a lurker for some time and have enjoyed the creativity of everyone's Explorer offerings. But now I have some ideas on the table, and would like to know just how much interchangeability there is between the 3rd and 4th Gen bodies.

The reason for my question is because I own an '02 XLT 4X2, but have been very attracted to the 4th Gen's SportTrac Adrenalin front end and seek to graft it to my truck. I know that at a minimum I would need the fenders and hood to bring it together along with the front fascia and the bumper support underneath, but don't know if mounting points and structure are similar or different. I would appreciate any input anyone has on this. A photoshop also would be great if anyone is up to it.

 

[jab3_327ci]

Wow! No bites, huh? Not even a nibble?

 

[wisedetailz]

from my experience, it can be tough getting responses on this forum. seems like the traffic and activity sort of ebbs and flows around here.

 

[DjDom]

Patience my friend.

Some questions will get answered right away, such as simple questions.
A question like this will take a bit longer since not everyone has tried putting a 4th Gen front end on a 3rd Gen. So, just hold it out until someone who's attempted it shows up.

 

[FLOffroad]

You could take the grill and bumper assembly off your 3rd gen and then compare it to these photos I dug up (all 4th Gens/U251s):

I've seen photos of 3rd gens without their grills/bumpers, and sometimes I think 3rd and 4th Gens may have similar front end underpinnings, but other times they look more different.

Either way, I don't think you could easily get 4th Gen fenders on a 3rd Gen.

It would be a lot of work no matter what, but I would think the easiest way to do this idea would be to just get the Adrenaline grill/bumper assembly, then do a lot of body filler and sanding to get everything to match up.

Alternatively, just cut the ram-air holes in the sides of your 3rd Gen grill (to imitate those found on STs and many 4th Gens), remove OE grill parts as desired, add mesh and call it a day (and/or make a front body kit if you really want to low-clearance Adrenalin look).

 

[jab3_327ci]

Thank you all for the responses. FLOffroad, you gave me a good idea. I think that this week, I am going to take some measurements at the local salvage yard. I think they have some 4th Gens sitting around in there. Dependent on my findings and my financial outlook, there may be a project lurking.