Ok I must be terrible at searching, I found some info I was looking for, but not quite everything. I was looking at a 85 Ranger 4x4 with the 2.8L V6 online and the guy didn't have very good pictures. Just wanted a little more info before going to look at it so I know what to watch for. The only issue I could find with them was the gas boils in the head. Also is this the same engine that was used in the Mustang II that had intake gasket issues? Just curious what are other things to watch for. Seems like there are alot of aftermarket parts for them which is nice. And it seems to be carbed which I love as well. Will most likely have to do some kind of power modding to get it to tow decent. Just curious how these hold up to hard work and if I should just hold out for a bigger truck. Sorry if any of this info overlaps with previous posts and thanks for any info.

 

The 2.8 was an ok engine. I think they had oil pressure problems after they got 130,000 miles or so. I think anyway. I know the lifters get kind of noisy also with the 2.8. The only engine I can think of that had allot of head gasket problems was the 3.8 not the 2.8. I think the 2.8 also had to exhaust manifold problems, they would crack and leak all the time. I have an 86 2wd Ranger. But mine is not stock. I have a supercharged 5.0HO in it. These first generation Rangers are getting hard to find parts for. Especially parts at the junk yard. I don't hardly ever see them in ours. Mine is getting to be the last one around here, lol, and it wont ever make it to the yard... They are a good hard working little truck. Great for small stuff like light trailers, small boat. I think once you start towing anything heavier than 1500/2000 pounds or so, they just don't have the power or the stability. I use to haul a 24 foot camper with mine. Wasn't the best idea. I didn't tow it very far to where we always camped. But it would do it. I guess if your just doing some light towing or even some medium weight towing, the Ranger is a good truck. As long as you don't have allot of hills to go up.

 

The 2.8 is a great engine...............once freed of the factory emiss. controls and durasparked.
I have a 84 4x4 Ranger I bought brand new, 1 engine rebuild at 315,000 and its still going strong at 386,000 on the chassis, trans, running gear.
As for working them, well I have done things with it I should have used the F-250 for but was just to cheap to pay for the gas. I can not count how many cords of firewood have been hauled in it over the years, the 24ft cabin cruiser we towed about 15 miles at 50mph, or the full size trucks that it has pulled out over the years.........Yeah, they are stout little trucks.

 

Well I will go look at it tommorow, or today as it's now sunday. It won't be a work truck I guess way to light duty for me, would make a good winter daily driver. I will let you know what I think of it. Would be kinda nice having a 4x4 for winter again, since I won't drive the Falcon in the snow.

I do kinda heavy towing usually around the 10,000 pound or more mark. I don't think the 2.8 will handle that, much less the rest of the truck, need bigger brakes and heavier suspension. Been a long time since I drove a ranger, don't remember much about it.

Thanks for the input. Maybe a 302 one would fit my needs better, seen plenty of those. Really need a truck that can take a beating and haul alot without issue like a military deuce and a half............someday, we all have our dreams.

 

Well no dice on the ranger. It seemed nicer in the pictures and by the guys description then it really was. When checking for rust the bottom of the radiator support fell off. The tailgate is held up by a couple of hook and loop latches from the inside. Then I went to start it and there was no fuel in it, so he gave me ten bucks to go get fuel. It didn't have much power and when put in 4wd drive pulled hard to the passenger side and on my way back the master cylinder went out. It also had 4 differnet tires on it. And under the dash was all the wiring pulled down so who knows what someone did there. And the cab was filled with garbage. No where near a $1500 truck as he described. I said I would give him $500 as it needs to be trailered away and he asked me to leave. So that's how that went, didn't bother with pictures, it was red with a white stripe down the side of the body and a red interior with a neat looking bench seat. I could most likely fix everything that was wrong with it, but I think his price was crazy for what he had.

 

By the sounds of it, you made the right choice. Its amazing how some people think they have a real diamond, but turns out its just a piece of coal......

 

Ya just kinda ticked the guy wasted my time, but it happens. Not everyone knows everything about their vehicle. I've had good luck with $500 beaters so maybe I will go look for one of them. I am just looking for a cheap 4x4 for winter. Seen some 4x4 rangers with 302's for under a thousand bucks. Truck is kinda small for me, but would make a decent daily driver. There are other trucks out there that are cheap as well, but I will not buy a GM and I don't like the Dakota 4wd setup. Guess I will be on the hunt for a truck someone knows is coal

 

Keep looking, there are still some nice older Rangers out there.
Its a testament to Ford quality to see how many 83-85 Rangers there are still on the road compared to old Chevy S-10s...........which mostly reside in the wrecking yard.