The decision to spend too much money......

[Everlearn]

Well, I’ve had the 1985 Ranger for a couple of weeks now, drove it around last weekend. Got several thumbs up and a couple of offers to buy it, one for $4k. So I’ve decided to forego a much needed tropical vacation and spend that money on the Ranger. Going up next week to pick up the rebuilt long block. So far I’ve ordered Moog front suspension rebuild parts from JCWhitney. Saved over $100 not buying direct from Moog. Got all the tie rods, ball joints, etc. Also coming is a 2”-3” drop kit from eBay, and Belltech Drop 2 shock set from Amazon (saved almost $60). Went to Pull a Part today and picked up a Taurus electric radiator fan. Already have a thermostat left over from a Mustang build. Although the truck has a set of really nice aluminum rims and a good set of rubber, my plan is to eventually go with 15” American Racing Torq Thrust rims, 7” front/8” rear, with satin black spokes, since the bumpers are black from the factory. I love the look of those rims. Tires I’ll figure out later on. As soon as I get the motor, I’ll start the tear down. I’m gonna leave the rest of it pretty much as is........yea right.....?

 

[Dirtman]

Take lots of pics!

 

[Everlearn]

Take lots of pics!

Absolutely!!!!

 

[ericbphoto]

You're already way behind on pictures.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'm with EricB.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

 

[Everlearn]

OK OK OK here you go.....

 

[ericbphoto]

Very nice. I would daily drive that forever.

 

[Dirtman]

Wow. Seriously. Wow. I would leave it alone!

 

[Everlearn]

Very nice. I would daily drive that forever.

Ya. It’s tha sh*tz.........

 

[Everlearn]

Wow. Seriously. Wow. I would leave it alone!

I’m not gonna do anything than can’t be undone. The motor leaks oil and the valve stem seals are shot. There won’t be any “performance” do-dads. The longblock I’m buying is a race prepped motor:

• REMANUFACTURED 2800cc V6 Cologne Motor!
• 2.8L Six Cylinder Long Block built to tough Ford OE specifications.
• Carefully assembled and machined to ensure long service life.
• Complete Rotating Assembly, internally balanced, timed, and ready for dressing. Bored, honed, line-bored, decked, milled, and multi-angle valve job.
• All new KS Pistons, Rockers, Push Rods, Camshaft, Lifters, Valves, Springs, Metal Timing Gear Set, & Bearings.
• Latest OE Spec Ford Germany 171cid motor, with Big Journal Cam, HD Webbed Block, Filleted Crankshaft.

 

[Dirtman]

Nice.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

That Ranger is in beautiful shape!

 

[Everlearn]

That Ranger is in beautiful shape!

It’s a once in a lifetime find. I thought the interior had to have been redone but I’ve looked under the seats and at the fasteners and I am positive it’s all original. I bought it from the grandson of the original owner. He had acquired it at the estate settlement in June. The body has NO rust anywhere, and other than a few minor parking lot dings and nicks it’s perfect. Even the original pinstripe is flawless. I’m just gonna touch it up a little and polish it out.

 

[1qaz]

The seats look more 1989-92. The paint should buff out nicely.