1984 Mini Monster Ford Ranger

This 1984 Ford Ranger 4×4 looks like it should be on its way to the 4Wheel Jamboree Nationals during the 1990’s. Anyone remember those? It’s definitely a time capsule of what the show trucks looked like then.

The Ranger has been modified with Strange Engineering front and rear axles. The rear axle features hydraulic steering which was made famous on Monster trucks. The truck has enough suspension lift to enable it to clear 44×19.50×15 TSL Bogger tires on 15-inch alloy wheels. Each wheel has two Rough Country shocks.

The 2.8L V6 was replaced with a 5.0L V8 mated to a C4 automatic transmission. The 5.0L features an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, a B&M air cleaner, exhaust headers, a Mallory distributor, an MSD ignition, and a Milodon oil pan. I don’t know what the transfer case is, but from the look of the shifter, I’m thinking it might be a Dana 20. A B&M shifter shifts the C4 automatic. L&L Products traction bars help control the rear axle from twisting under acceleration. They also look like they’re being used as radius arms for the front axle.

Gauges on the cowl likely keeps the driver informed of oil pressure and temperatures while a Mallory tachometer is mounted to the steering column to display engine RPMs.

Additional features include chrome bumpers and a chrome grille as well as towing mirrors, side steps, front tow hooks, a bed bar, KC Daylighter lights with blue covers, bedliner, a hood scoop, body-colored Bushwacker fender flares, tinted windows, and a power rear window with a “Super Beast” decal. The full rear power window is an interesting feature. The only power full window I’ve ever seen on this body style Ford Ranger cab was used on the 1987 Ford Ranger Bigfoot Cruiser. Those trucks were extended cabs.

The interior features blue cloth upholstery which extends to the door panels and the carpets, Pryotect seat belts, an MSD ignition adjustable timing control, a roll bar with padding, a fire extinguisher, a CB radio, and the remote for the rear steering.