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Topic: 1986 Ranger question (Read 566 times) previous topic - next topic

1986 Ranger question

Hey everyone,
I (or somebody who actually has the $$ to blow) has the opportunity to pick up an '86 Ranger STX, 2WD, V6, auto OD, factory aluminum wheels, extended cab truck for $200.  It has a clear title and a pretty nice interior for the age (PW, PL, cruise/tilt), the body is pretty clean and rust-free, but the paint is peeling on the hood and roof, it's got a pretty decent little dent right by the driver's headlight (you'd have to replace that fender, but maybe that's all), and reverse is out.  But, he says that with a battery charge, it will drive you home fine; just don't get anywhere where you have to back up. Oh, and I think he said it has ~190k miles.  Would it be worth the tranny fix or replacement to pick this truck up?  What trans does that truck have?  Is it our good ole' AOD?  I'm not sure if this truck has the 2.8 or the 2.9 V6 (don't remember when they changed).  Is that motor durable/dependable?  I'm not seriously considering buying it myself unless it's just a gold mine, but I do have a friend who's looking for a decent first vehicle for his 16-yr old daughter.  Somebody give me their $0.02.  Thanks.

Fordman3

Re: 1986 Ranger question

Reply #1
I had a little mazda pick up that was pretty similar to a ranger. It was a good little truck. Had some wiring issues. If reverse is out that isnt what you want to give a 16 year old kid. The tranny on my mazda was going out too. Over all it was a good decent truck and got good miliage (then again mine was a 4 not a six) and ran good in most cases. The tranny having no reverse is the only problem I see.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

 

Re: 1986 Ranger question

Reply #2
I dont know what trans is in it, but if you can find one for a decent price I'd say go for it. They're good little trucks. Hard to find a rust-free one around here.
85 Tbird 5.0
78 F150 351w
13 F150 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost