1984 4x4 2.8 I think?

[65mechanic]

Hey guys, new guy here with a purchase question. My buddy has got this little ranger on his property that he needs gone so I thought I might try and buy this thing up for a couple bills and see what I can make of it. It's a 1984 4x4 with manual locking hubs and its automatic. I've got a question about the motor. I assumed when I popped the hood and saw the circle air filter that the motor was carbed, therefore it must be the 2.8 correct? And they didn't start putting the 2.9s in till 87 or 88 or something. My dads 2.9 has been nothing but trouble with the whole heads thing so I just wanted to find out (if any) likely problems with the 2.8 motor. Also, I'm not crazy about auto transmissions, but what kind of transmission would most likely be found in this year paired with the 2.8? Any common issues with said transmission as well? Thanks in advance for the help guys! I hope to get to know you fellas as good as I do the F150 guys over on F150forums sometime. This is a cool little ranger and a little of a fixer upper, but I'm a blue oval guy true and through, so this might be a cool little ride I can pick up for a good price. Thanks -Joe

 

[small ranger]

No major head problems like the 2.9 are know for. It is/should be a 2.8 the motors run well and are generally built proof! They will never make much power though. The tranny is proly a c3 but you will need to ask someone else what its week points are tho. Good luck!

 

[John Smith]

The trannie is probably

A C5.. taker a look in the tech library here for a picture of the trans...The C5 is preferred i think and generally a great trans albeit w/o overdrive. Sounds like a great find.

 

[65mechanic]

A C5.. taker a look in the tech library here for a picture of the trans...The C5 is preferred i think and generally a great trans albeit w/o overdrive. Sounds like a great find.

I forgot to look to look at the door panel for the trans or axle codes, cause I just wanted to see what year it was, but I can get my friend working there today to try and read me off some codes. Somewhere I was reading I saw they only introduced the C5 in 85 or 86? Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[John Smith]

you can check the codes..

I forgot to look to look at the door panel for the trans or axle codes, cause I just wanted to see what year it was, but I can get my friend working there today to try and read me off some codes. Somewhere I was reading I saw they only introduced the C5 in 85 or 86? Correct me if I'm wrong.

and also peek under the rig to check that fluid pan..
I'm pretty sure you'll find a C5

 

[65mechanic]

and also peek under the rig to check that fluid pan..
I'm pretty sure you'll find a C5

That'd be ideal, I'll try and see if I can find out. Just checked with my dad and he's cool with me getting it, so its looking pretty good for now. If I get it back and it's a dud I'll just strip the thing down, part it out, and scrap the frame. But I would seriously like it to be a nice little daily driver. Man, I love fords lol. I think I have an obsession. Also, if it ends up taking too much work, I'll pull that motor and put it in my dads ranger to replace that poor 2.9. Oh, forgot to mention it's not really running for now, but the guy only wants maybe $100-200 bucks for it. -Joe

 

[B2 Addict]

Did you ever get the B2? The engine will be a 2.8, Ford went to the 2.9 in 86. The 2.8 is not a powerhouse by any means, but it is an awesome engine with exception of the feedback carb.


B2

 

[mp3deviant721]

Couple hundred huh? If it ain't a complete rust bucket and you can afford it, it sounds like a great project to get running. I've heard the 2.8 can do good with fuel injection, there's something different if you do decide to get it.