1985 Ford Ranger Transformed Into Capable Off-Roader for Cheap

After picking up this 1985 Ford Ranger on the cheap, its owner spent a few more bucks making it awesome.

The Ford Ranger has always been a popular pickup, but most of us fondly remember the old compact version, while the more modern mid-sizer continues to make a name for itself. The original Ranger was mostly a bare-bones, basic little truck that was built for one purpose – so that folks could buy a competent truck for very little money. Turns out, a little bit more money can transform even the most basic 1985 Ford Ranger into a formidable off-roader, too.

We know this because that’s precisely what Blake Brown did to his 1985 Ford Ranger, which was recently featured at MotorTrend. Funny thing is, he has quite the connection with these trucks, as Brown learned how to drive in one while tooling around the family farm. When he got older, nostalgia struck, and Brown picked up this one for a mere $1,000, then proceeded to build it into a budget off-roader without destroying the things he loves about the first-gen Ranger.

The first thing Brown did was pull the original 2.8-liter V6 to have it rebuilt, as one cylinder wasn’t firing. The Ranger originally came with an automatic transmission, but he preferred the five-speed manual present in the truck he learned how to drive in, so he swapped one into the new build. Next up was the rolling stock, a critical component of any good off-roader. In that department, Brown sourced outer hubs and brakes from a 1981 Ford F-150, plus discs and a master cylinder from an old Dodge, then went with a set of Method Mesh wheels wrapped in Firestone Destination M/T2 tires.

Underneath, a host of TTB components were installed to make the Ranger more formidable on the trails, along with Dana 44, Warn Premium hubs, Skyjacker 4-inch coils, and Bilstein 5100 shocks. The original 7.5-inch rear end remains, but has been fitted with 4.56 gears and a Spartan locker. The bed now contains a sliding rack and a bed rack that holds a Smittybilt Gen2 rooftop tent for overnight stays in the middle of nowhere.

In the end, Brown’s hard work, determination, and a few bucks were enough to transform this old Ranger into a formidable off-roader that also serves as a great overloading vehicle when he wants to spend some time off the grid, and that makes it quite cool in our book.

Photos: MotorTrend

Join the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forums now!

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.