Thread: tying factory frame into 2x3x 11ga tubing?

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After some thinking and calculating costs, I'v decided to use an '89-'97 Twin I beam Ford Ranger front suspension/ clip in my scratch built hotrod.. trucks here are in the $500 ranger with a truck that has some rust... I could use everything including the steering box..

I know That the Ranger frame is often back halved with 2x3 or 2x4. but the mini truckers who do it, don't always do it correctly.. what is the correct way to tie it togther? or even what way would be the correct way to cut it off the truck/ where should I cut? is a saws all gonna work?

going this rt will save about $1,500 i think.

Got a front clip lined up from a '94 Ranger Ex cab. 2.3/5spd truck. not wrecked, but has a little over 155k miles. Ford dealer can't make money on it, so he is using it for parts.. $200 ish cut and removed.

Matt. My only thoughts on it are that setup sits high and theres no good way to lower it. If you get shorter or cut the springs,it really screws up the camber in which you would have to bend the hell out of the I beams to get it where you needed. I'm not sure if anybody makes dropped spindles for it either.

I thought about that too. and I'v made sure I can lower it without allignment problems. the Ranger frame is 14" from the ground at stock ride height.. 4" lowering can be achieved while being allignable with DJM dream beams and splash/ lowering springs. it can go a little farther with +-4* camber bushings. but 10" at the frame would be adaquate for me. I also plan on a smaller tire than the 215-70-14 the Rangers came with...
I checked with my local ( good ) tire and allignment shop, and he can line it up

as far as the other measurements.. the frame width is 29" at the front ( current frame 27" ) and the track width is 58".. I will have to cut the cab for the wider frame, but it'll actually fit/ look better as it is 48" wide