Hi Folks,
Another newbie here with another question/idea...Has anyone ever seen a trail worthy Ford Escape?  Not really possible right.  
 Well I got to thinking, could you pull the engine/drivetrain out of an Escape and swap in the appropriate parts from a Ranger?  I realize there would be a TON of fab work/welding and I would throw in a solid axle front and rear but could it be possible?  Could someone actually make a trail worthy rig out of an Escape?  Probably have to build up framework for the mounts and such to the unibody but maybe a custom 4-link in the rear and maybe sprung over at the front?  Probably would want lockers on there as well.  
 Any input, thoughts, comments good/bad?  

It's not going to fit.

The biggest problem you are going to run into is space in the engine compartment. The Escape engine bay isn't long enough to stick a 'standard' engine in it due to being set up for the transverse mounted engines. Also there is to tranns tunnel so you would run into issues of fitting a trans/transfercase under it.

It would be sweet though if you could pull it off. But you would be about a million times better off starting with an Explorer.  

I can see your point.  The engine compartment is wider than it is long.  Hmm..there has to be a way.  And I would have to cut a tunnel into the passenger compartment for the tranny and transfer case but that can be done.  Fab up some new floorboards to cover up the holes.  Hey, if they can fit a 5.0 into a focus, there has to be a way to fit up an Escape to kill trails.

I just think it would be nice to roll up on thru a trial with an SAS'ed Escape and watch the Jeep guys scratch their heads.  Guess I will have to go checking for donor parts to try to see what would fit.  

Still think it's a waste of time, money, and energy. Build an Explorer Sport if you want a small wheeler.

But, if you do go through with it, be sure and keep us posted, I'd love to see it and wish you the best of luck!  

first off its a 4x4 escort second it may work still lame but may work ive seen a focus using a bolt on 5.0 trans and rear end.   better off with a chevy my god even the tracker.  good luck kid  

The Escape is actually built on more of a Focus/Mazda 6 (626) chassis than Escort... but I digress.  

haha i know  but if you lower doesnt kinda look like the old escort  

Ha ha, I understand how much folks don't like Escapes.  I just thought it would be an interesting/challenging build is all.  I have an 06 Escape and have an older 01 to try to mod.  I was just toying with the idea was all of turning it into something that I can actually hit a trail with.  Thanks for the replies.  If I get going on this anytime soon I will keep you updated.  

why not put the escape body onto an explorer sport chassis?