bodydropped ranger

im getting ready to z my frame on my ranger and figured i might as well body drop it since i have to ditch the a/c and what not. i was just wondering what you had to do to the frame under the cab to make it lay out with a stock floor. Can you just lay like 2x3 in the frame rail and cut the top down and box it all in kinda the same way you would do a chevy except with 2x4? ive heard that the rangers frames kick down a little in the back. i am going to do a traditional in the be dseeing as i just had some custom frame work done and dont want to loose it. also does anyone have any pics of the lower engine mounts? any help would be greatly appreciated

Some things to consider...

1st...18's & lo pros, you can re-work the A/C box and keep your a/c when bodydropped. Also, I believe someone did it with 20's (moved a/c to inside of dash - but Im unsure)

When I had my '00 Ranger X-cab shortbed, (sold awhile ago) I had 18x8 w/35 tires, yota front clip, 2x3 box 1/4" thick from the firewall back (and A/C blew cold).

To stock floor yours.. you can do what you were saying, lay the 2x3 in the old frame, weld it up, cut out the old one, etc etc. I don't recall if the rear of the frame kick down in the back like you are saying. Best bet is to get under your truck and look. Oh, and as for engine mounts, either make new ones or just modify the stock ones to drop down. Again, I didnt use my stock frame so new mounts were made. If you have the time, know-how, and money.. get the yota front clip and build a new frame from there (w/ the trad. BD on the bed like you want). That way, you can still drive your truck around and then just swamp frames basically when you're ready.

^^^^ GREAT INFO ^^^ -- I WILL KEEP MY ANSWER SHORT AND SWEET --

ITS A TON OF WORK MOE BUT IT WILL BE EASIER OVER ALL --- IF YOU WOULD JUST CLIP YOUR FRAME FROM THE FIREWALL -- AND BUILD IT FROM THERE -- USING THE 3X2 BOX TUBING --- IF YOU DECIDED TO DITCH YOUR AC -- REMEMBER YOU CAN ALLWAYS GO VINTAGE AIR --- GOOD LUCK !!!

thanx for the input guys, very helpful info. thats what i love about this site i really appreciate it. by the way i am running 18's with a 40's i think but i could always change that. as far as yota clipping it what did yall do with the the steering? isnt the yota a gear box? did you use that or did you use your stock rack and pinion, and what do you do with the steering linkage? I think i might be leaning towards the yota clip, whats everyones opinion on doing the clip is it worth it?

if you use the yota clip i belive that you keep everything from the toyota and you use your body mounts on the new frame and you make new engine mounts so yea ditch your rack it would prolly be esier if you got the toyo steering column also and just get a billet wheel or something like that

if your gona yota clip it just make a new steering shaft from the column to the steering gear. it will take atleast a 3in b/d w/ a stock floor to lay rocker i wouldnt put the 2x3 inside the frame rail since its boxed in passed the tranny xmember.