OldIHC

I am probably about to get blasted for this post, but does anyone have experience or a recommendation on a modern frame swap I could use for my '39 D2? My existing frame is in great shape, I don't plan to get rid of the frame, rather save it for the future. I will be running Ford drivetrain and engine, because its what I know and have easy access to. I am looking at either Ranger or Explorer frames, and their are a million or so posts about this online, but no measurements, and no followups from the people who say they have done them. I plan on using this truck simply for parts runs, parades and cruising, no wild motor combinations or turbos, just a mild 302 and a 4 speed . Has anyone done a similar swap that they could point me in the right direction?

Yeah. It's kinda a sore spot.
I put my D-2 on 2000 Nissan Frontier chassis and running gear. Fit was above average.
I only have this dark picture of the swap.
I suspect Ranger, S-10 work OK.
I ended up with a really driveable, reliable, great gas mileage yet stylish old truck. One side benefit is that these frame swaps often lower the truck as well.

Here's a '41 Dodge PU I put on ''88 Mazda PU.

Those both look great! Was there a lot of fan work for both or were they fairly straight forward? I expect to move mounts, and have to make some things work, just looking for an affordable way to get it on the road again.

I'm completing as we speak my third "Japanese Rod". It's a '39 GMC pickup on '88 Nissan Hardbody.
The swap can be completed in a matter of a few months as compared to years on a basic hot rod build.
There are some major concepts to keep in mind.
One is that modern/Japanese stuff has all engine components stuff "smashed" up against the radiator whereas the vintage stuff is more leisurely spread out along the frame.
That is why I move engine back about 8" on these builds.
You don't necessarily have to do that. But be ready to run out of room up front for a cooling fan or an a/c condensor.
I'm available to answer all questions.
Here's this morning's mess of a '88 Nissan pretending to be a '39 GMC.

Here's a longer view...

Man, that is the best looking Nissan I've seen! Do you usually run the engine that comes with the frame? I am wanting to run a 4 speed in mine, do you use the old pedals with their frame mount or do you convert and use the newer top mount style pedals? I would also like to keep my steering wheel and column, do you run the originals or do you upgrade to the more modern version?

I use as much of the Japanese donor as I can.
This includes, steering column, pedal assy's, etc.
I cut the firewall out of the donor truck and if the planets align I install inside the original firewall.
This then allows me to mount pedals, column, etc.
I try to find an automatic version (and yes I use the wonderful Japanese 4 cyls) because the hydraulic clutch master is in a spot of the donor firewall that won't fit into the IHC/ whatever/ old truck firewall
(Japanese = short wide and od stuff is tall skinny)

Today's mess...'39 GMC on 1988 Nissan Hardbody...