Need advice for returning Ranger owner

JOSH_ · Feb 19, 2015

I had an 87 stx high rider 15 years ago and really enjoyed this little truck. Now i am looking for another ranger to use as a 20mi a day commuter and to pull a utility trailer occasionally with fire wood or tan bark etc.

I just wanted to ask for some advice on best years/ drive train as far as reliability and repair costs. MY 2.9/5SPD ranger was great, but i had an 88 B2 with the exact same stuff and it was a comlete POS. i know alot goes into, just looking for advice.

OBTW i do like the styling of the 83-86? and the 4spd w/ 2.3 seems solid and cheap to repair.

Thanks all-hope to become a valuable member of this site

alwaysFlOoReD · Feb 19, 2015

http://www.therangerstation.com/ford_ranger_buyers_guide/index.shtml

griz700rocket · Feb 19, 2015

I personally like the 95-97 trucks with the 4.0 5 speed. This way you get the newer interior with old TTB front suspension.

scotts90ranger · Feb 20, 2015

I'm partial to the '89-92 body style, and in that period the drivetrain is more standardized, if going for 4x4 '90 and up is preferred to get the Dana 35 front axle

stmitch · Feb 20, 2015

For a commuter, the 01 and newer 2.3l duratec 4 cylinder trucks are really hard to beat. Max power numbers aren't far off the 2.8,2.9, and 3.0'v6s, but they get fuel economy in the mid 20s with an auto trans, and up to the low 30s with a stick. I drive mine 50 miles round trip everyday, and get 28mpg during the winter (crappy fuel, colder ambient temps), and 31mpg in the warmer months.

Generally, they're nicer trucks all around than the older Rangers, and it will be easier to find trucks with lower miles, so you shouldn't have to worry as much about maintenance costs that an older truck with higher miles might have.

Mike Tonon · Feb 20, 2015

I like my 07 and believe it or not, in certain ways, seems simpler than my 87 Ranger (more complex in other ways). But, I wish the interiors had more character, like the 83-87's did.

hank857 · Feb 20, 2015

Mine is a 94 SC 2wd 4.0 5 sp. It gets around 20-21 on highway at around 75 mph, gets 15-17 around town. Its pretty capable and I just recently ended up moving a 22 ft TT around with it so it has some power. Also towed a short ways a 20ft Bass boat for a guy. It does all I ask it to do and if I need more I get out my F350. It currently has 318000+ on it and has been reliable but I have had made trans repairs and all normal maint items. A lot think the 4cyl will get better milage and they may but I dont think its enough to cause one to overlook a bigger engine just for a couple of miles. I commuted 150 miles RT with this truck for almost 10 years so the 4.0 OHV can be good. Just have to find a truck to go with it if going old style. Supposedly its better than the 2.9, the 3.0 is ok if you dont want to haul/tow anything. Had a friend that Uhaul would not rent a tow dolly to tow a chebby cavalier on because the 3.0 setup!

Andy D · Feb 21, 2015

I can get 21 mpg out of the Rat driving at 65 -70 mph. 4.0, 5spd, 3.27 axles and 2.35 75 15s. It is my first Ranger,and first V6 so I have nothing to compare it to. But it is a good all round truck. The 4.0 is a good runner.

JOSH_ · Mar 3, 2015

Ranger diesel?

I saw on CL near my area an 86 diesel for sale. what can anybody tell me about this critter? i figured that was an oversea's option but maybe not?

exbass94 · Mar 3, 2015

JOSH_ said:
I saw on CL near my area an 86 diesel for sale. what can anybody tell me about this critter? i figured that was an oversea's option but maybe not?

They were sold here in the US back in the 80s. They weren't too common, but they do pop up on eBay and Craigslist every so often. They're slower than hell, parts are really hard to find, but they get good fuel mileage.

JOSH_ · Mar 3, 2015

That's kinda what i figured. although it would be kinda cool, also sounds like a hassle. think i will stick with my 83-86 2.3 4x4 4spd search-and i am in no hurry.

Earl43P · Mar 3, 2015

stmitch said:
For a commuter, the 01 and newer 2.3l duratec 4 cylinder trucks are really hard to beat. Max power numbers aren't far off the 2.8,2.9, and 3.0'v6s, but they get fuel economy in the mid 20s with an auto trans, and up to the low 30s with a stick. I drive mine 50 miles round trip everyday, and get 28mpg during the winter (crappy fuel, colder ambient temps), and 31mpg in the warmer months.

Generally, they're nicer trucks all around than the older Rangers, and it will be easier to find trucks with lower miles, so you shouldn't have to worry as much about maintenance costs that an older truck with higher miles might have.

^THIS really is the right answer.
Avoid the 3.0 (and yes, I own one and love it)

Truly, for the parameters you set - short commute, light hauling - the newer 4 banger IS what you want.

scotts90ranger · Mar 4, 2015

I'm not a big fan of carb'd engines, if you want a 4 cylinder 4x4 get an '85 and up to get fuel injection... if you are stuck on a first gen, all Rangers are virtually identical inside and out (other than different engines, switching to fuel injection in '85 for the 2.3L and '86 when they went to the 2.9L from the 2.8L, and a handful of different transmissions) from '83 through '88

JOSH_ · Mar 4, 2015

OK good info. Sounds like an 85/86 2.3 w/ a 4spd and 4x4 is what i am after. My commute is usually back roads 9 miles each way, and i am usually not in a big hurry. the 2.3 is a popular motor where I am due to the high number of 4cyl race car guys here-that's why i like it, plus i had two 2.9's and just wanna try something different. I like the 83-86 style too

scotts90ranger · Mar 7, 2015

The body stayed the same through '88 and the '88's had the better transmission (M5OD)... I think '86 had odd front brakes that were unique to that year

Need advice for returning Ranger owner

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