Making an incompatible rear bumper compatible?

[Troy H]

How easy would it be to adapt a rear bumper from a first gen ranger to fit a 96? Is it just a difference in mounting brackets that makes the bumpers incompatible or was there a difference in frame width, etc?

Seems the tubular style that I like was only made in the 80's. Here I thought that I hated everything from the 80's.

 

[Scott B.]

Should bolt right on.

The frames are the same on Rangers from 1983 - 1997. At the back of the truck, the bodies are the same width, also.

 

[Troy H]

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the reply. I figured they must be close, but everywhere I've found says that compatibility is only from '93-'10. Perhaps this is just saying that the newer bumpers won't fit the older trucks?

Thanks again.

 

[Tbars4]

..This might be useful..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-NOS-Bl...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cd3adb53b&vxp=mtr

For sale is a NOS OEM Ford rear tubular bumper for a Ford Ranger/Bronco II. This bumper is brand new and has never been installed or mounted, and was in storage for 25 years.

It includes all mounting hardware, license plate lights, and plastic license plate mount. It is Ford part number F37J-17A958-A, and the instruction sheet states 1993 Ranger.

This bumper was purchased for my 1988 Ford Bronco II 4x4, which came from the factory with the XLT and the off-road package. The off-road package included this rear tubular bumper and a grill guard available in black or aluminum trim, and offered a LSD rear differential and lower gear ratios.

I did take this bumper outside to compare to the bumper on my truck, and it is slightly different on the bumper ends, which are slant cut rather than flush cut, as you can see in the pictures. Also, the mounting bracket holes are slightly different.

I was going to re-use my current bumper brackets and weld them to this bumper.

I have been told that the rare off-road package was available on Bronco II's from 1986-1990, and Rangers from 1986-1993.

This is an original Ford part, and can no longer be found new anywhere.

..In short, you will have to do some modifying...I have a 2000 and something hitch on my Ranger that I had to take a grinder to and drill new holes in it...

 

[Troy H]

That's the type I've been looking at and one that I've been considering. As much as I like that bumper, though, I don't think I can justify that expense. I expect that I can have a stronger, custom bumper made for that price or less and will probably go that route.

Thanks for the info, guys!