Comment on 86-88 2.3L 4WD Rangers?


Woodtroll

15+ Year Member

Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
25
Points
3,101
Vehicle Year
1986
Transmission
Automatic
Folks,

My faithful old '86 2WD 2.3 5-spd Supercab is finally about to rust out from under me. I would like to find another, same body style, engine, etc., but in 4WD.

Any comments on the 4WD drive train, engine choice in 4WD (remember I'm used to the less-than-peppy 2.3 already), etc.? Any specific problems I should watch for? (Don't some of these come with manual transfer cases, instead of the electronic ones?)

I'm probably looking for a needle in a haystack, but thought it would be worth looking for...

Many thanks! Regan
 
I've seen a few people listing 2.3 4x4's on here...not sure if they have manual or electronic t-cases...I'm sure a few of them are still posting so it may take a bit of time for them to reply...

From what I've heard they are OK...a bit underpowered, but that is why some have the turbo engine...and that would be a nice setup...not sure if anyone actually has a turbo on the 4x4 version though...
 
I have a 86 and a 85 ranger both are 4wd. the 85 has a 2.8 and the 86 has a 2.3. Both have a manual transfercase and lockout hubs.
Both run OK the 2.3 is underpowered but that is a given.
 
I wheeled an 83 2.8 4wd hunting with a kid who had an 86 2.3 4wd.

You could see him using more rpm and spinning more (technique), but he went everywhere I did. I like that combination, but never had one.

They are durable motors.
 
Thanks for the comments. I had not considered the turbo engine; how common are they, or how hard to find parts to retrofit?

Thanks again!
 
I'd prefer the 89-up 2.3s with the roller cam.
 
Yes, I agree about the engines, but I like the older body style a little better, and it seems to me that the pre-89s have a little more room in the cab.
 
I had an 86 with the 2.3L 5sp & manual t-case. I wheeled the snot out of the poor little truck. BUT, it was a point-and-click type of rig. It would go anywhere that I asked it to. With the right gearing and a heavy foot, you can get around quite well.

My new rig is a v-8 powered fullsize with 1-ton axles. You can tell I'm not much a fan of the small/light rigs anymore. Mass/momentum are often in your favor.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Sponsored Ad

TRS Events & Gatherings

Where We Were in 2025 – The Ranger Station

Latest posts

Featured Rangers

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

TRS Latest Video

Official TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

Latest Album Photos

IMG_4690.JPEG
IMG_4689.JPEG
IMG_4688.JPEG
IMG_4679.JPEG
IMG_4656.JPEG
IMG_4625.JPEG
IMG_4562.JPEG
IMG_4561.JPEG
IMG_4560.JPEG
IMG_4559.JPEG
IMG_4558.JPEG
IMG_4445.JPEG

Product Suggestions

Back
Top