Ranger/Explorer Chassis similar?

[boisebobd]

I have joined this forum for a slightly different reason than most of you. There is a company down in Florida that makes a Re-body kit for Rangers that makes them look like a 1936 Ford pickup. Using a Stock Ranger you peel off the cab, fenders, bed, etc and replace them with fiberglass components. Since this is obviously a kind of hot rod idea, rather than a real Ranger upgrade idea, it seems that the 4.0 V6, while adequate, would not be as "Hot Rod" as would the V8. There are some Explorers that already come with the small block ford, so if the chassis on the explorer has the same mount point locations and the same bends and curves, it would save some time to start with the Explorer, then horse up or rebuild the stock engine into a 347ci stroker engine.
Any ideas?
Bob in Boise

 

[BradR]

Yeah they're the same, but the reason the company says Ranger I bet is because the can and bed are separate and come off easier whereas the explorer has no bed and the cab is quite larger. but yeah it'd be the same.

Be sure to make a build thread, or a story thread or whatever with lots of pictures, many of us will enjoy it.

Good luck.

 

[Turdle]

Do you have a link to the re body please?

 

[Tbars4]

..The shape of the frames between Rangers and Explorers are different, especially at the rear wheel area...

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! It sounds very interesting. I'm sure that a lot of people on this site would like to know more. Post any available information on this.

 

[Tbars4]

...The company is Thoroughbred Coach...Here is their link..
http://www.classic36pickup.com/

..and some quick info about the builds..
http://classic36pickup.com/original.htm