1955 ranch wagon frame swap

Discussion in 'Station Wagon Projects' started by Dao, Aug 22, 2020.

  1. Dao

    Dao New Member

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    Has anyone used a 83-97 Ranger frame under their 55 ranch wagon? Need as much info as I can gather...thanks
    Oldmusclecars1971@yahoo.com
     
  2. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    I have seen similar chassis swaps before, but none on a a 55 ranch wagon. Sounds intriguing.
    Is the wheelbase the same?
     
  3. Dao

    Dao New Member

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    Yes...ranger(reg cab 7ft bed), crown vic & 2002 2010 explorer...all around 115"
     
  4. Dao

    Dao New Member

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    I just want to see what anyone used in a swap and how well they matched up
     
  5. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    So what are your plans for this car? Obviously you're trying to update things. Are you thinking about going 4WD?
     
  6. Dao

    Dao New Member

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    Just want to see which one is the easiest swap n matches up the best
     
  7. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    If you do a Ranger chassis, make sure it's NOT the twin I-beam suspension. It's made for a much lighter body. A Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/Town car (especially with working air-ride rear suspension) would be a better bet, and is designed for a heavier body.
     
  8. KevinVarnes

    KevinVarnes Well-Known Member

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  9. Dao

    Dao New Member

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    Thanks
     
  10. Dabob82

    Dabob82 New Member

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    Bit of an older post by I am looking to swap my 55 Ranch Wagon on to a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. Looking to find some reading on what this will take. Anyone have suggestions?
     
  11. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    A fellow I know swapped his 1953 F-100 onto a V8 Explorer chassis. It turned out awesome. It looks great, has all of the modern conveniences that he wanted, including all wheel drive. And you'd never know it by looking at it.
    But that's a truck. I don't know what the wheelbase difference would be between that and a wagon.
     
  12. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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  13. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    You have to start off with comparing wheelbase and track width. Then, you'd need to make measurements of where the body mounts are in relation to the new frame, to see if you have to cut and reweld them, if the floorpan will fit correctly without mods.
     
  14. Dabob82

    Dabob82 New Member

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    It looks like 2002-2012 Explorer and Mountaineer have a 114" Wheelbase with a 71.1-73.7" vehicle width and the Ranch Wagon is 115.5" with a 75.9 vehicle width. I have see where there are a lot of the trucks swapped successfully like OrthmannJ shared above.
     
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