Ranger model.

[Danec71]

1986 ranger xlt
I have had this truck close to 10 years now. I have never seen another with the explorer emblems on the bed. Was this a certain model offered or how or why are they on this truck

 

[RobbieD]

It was a Ranger trim package, going back at least to the '84 models. Not sure when it stopped, but through 1986 would be safe to say.

Earlier years had "Explorer" tape stripes:

eBay screen grab of the 1984 models dealership sales book, showing part of the Ranger Explorer package description:

 

[Brain75]

beat me to it... I was just about to link to the other thread where you posted the same pic...

1st Gen. Ranger “Explorer”

I saw a first gen Ranger in a parking lot yesterday that had some body striping and “Explorer” stickers. I thought I remembered this being an options package for full size Ford trucks. It had horn cleats along the sides of the bed, the stickers, and an overdrive badge on the tailgate. Looked to...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Brain75]

Ford had a tendency to retire the trim package name at least one full year before they used the same name as a model (either that or they waited a full year after retiring before they decided it was ok to use name again)... So I would guess the last year of Bronco 2 would be close to the last year of the explorer trim too.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Ford has used trim packages as model names since at least the 50s. Edsel had a Ranger trim package, 70s had both Explorer and Ranger trim packages for the full size F series pickups.. and then the Edge... also a trim package and a Ford Model. probably a few that I am missing as well

 

[Uncle Gump]

What everyone has said...

What they forgot to say was...

Thats one sweet little truck!

 

[RobbieD]

Yes; that is a sweet truck, and one that deserves a lot of love.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

This is the 1985 sales pocket guide, they had four different Explorer packages in '85

First Gen Literature

Kind of an obscure thing to know what is even out there and I have been collecting it for awhile. Pretty interesting to browse thru, if anybody else has any post it up. If you have other generation start your own thread to keep it kind of organized and keep this post First Generation (1983...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Danec71]

Yes; that is a sweet truck, and one that deserves a lot of love.

What you guys can’t see is that everything under neath has been redone. From engine and transmission from rear axles to the radiator. You name it it has been replaced. I’m not kidding and I may be an idiot but I am around 10 grand into this truck.all work done by me. I really like this truck and don’t see ever getting rid of it. I will most likely never paint it because it is what I call my adventure truck. I don’t want to scratch up new paint. The only rust on this truck besides some surface rust in the bed is on the front wheel well. Just a tiny spot. Once I take care of that I think she is good to go

 

[RobbieD]

I’m not kidding and I may be an idiot but I am around 10 grand into this truck.all work done by me. I really like this truck and don’t see ever getting rid of it.

Look at things from a fellow idiot's perspective:
Some of us simply prefer older, simpler things.

To me, a vehicle is just transportation; plain and simple. The last thing that I want, is a big, expensive, rolling "device" that requires a dealership for some maintenance and repair things.

Any enjoyment that I get from my old trucks, as in driving them, owning them, or even working on them, is an added bonus in my book. My tags run $20.00 per truck, and my insurance is about $1100 a year for four old RBVs. I know these trucks and do all of my own mechanic work, so I'm not a slave to a dealership or garages. The trucks are appreciating in value, not depreciating.

So you've put 10k into your truck. That's roughly what it cost in '88 when sold new.

Now ask yourself, what would a completely rebuilt "zero time" 1988 Ranger cost today?

From a quick google: "how much is $10,000 in 1988 worth today?"
The answer I found is: Adjusted for inflation, $10,000 in 1988 is equal to $27,349 in 2025.

So the way I look at things, you have a great truck, and you also still have a lot more room to spend more monies on it.

Win-win.