1984 Ranger 4x4, "Wrangler"???

[MeatAnchor]

About to buy this 1984 Ranger, auto, 4x4, 2.8, decent body and poor interior, excellent drivetrain. It's badged as a "Wrangler" and I cannot find any info on it online. I'm not new to working on cars, restoring, etc. I'm certainly not new to Fords although this will my first Ranger.
Does anyone have any info on the model? Is it just a badge that was thrown on it or is it something official?
Any info is appreciated. Thanks guys!


Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[SenorNoob]

Jeep badge??

 

[MeatAnchor]

Is it? I thought of that too but haven't nailed it down because I could find any like that repro for a Jeep

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[JoshT]

Either a previous owner or a dealer threw it on there. Definitely didn't come from the factory that way.

I've never seen that emblem on a Jeep either. The Jeep Wrangler was introduced in 1987, so it's possible that in 1984 a dealer somewhere was doing a custom dealer "package" and using that name and badge, that has happened a lot over the years. Maybe their was a once a "Wrangler Ford" dealership and that was their dealer badge? I think it's more likely that someone just saw the emblem and though it would look cool on their truck (IE: Chrome à la J.C. Whitney) and if one looks good, two or three must be better.

 

[MeatAnchor]

Either a previous owner or a dealer threw it on there. Definitely didn't come from the factory that way.

I've never seen that emblem on a Jeep either. The Jeep Wrangler was introduced in 1987, so it's possible that in 1984 a dealer somewhere was doing a custom dealer "package" and using that name and badge, that has happened a lot over the years. Maybe their was a once a "Wrangler Ford" dealership and that was their dealer badge? I think it's more likely that someone just saw the emblem and though it would look cool on their truck (IE: Chrome à la J.C. Whitney) and if one looks good, two or three must be better.

The dealer badge denoting "Wrangler Ford" makes the most sense. I work at a dealership and from the movement of inventory from one dealer to another, I've seen things similar to that, just never quite to this extent.
Next time I get around the truck, I'll run the VIN through carfax and see if it came from out west originally and what the name of the dealer was. If I can remember, I'll also check to see if they're adhesive or the old rivet style where holes were drilled and they had to be hammered on the back.
Either way, $1500, runs like a top and 4x4 works. I think I'm getting a good deal, odd badges or not.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[SenorNoob]

It definitely sounds like a steal..

 

[JoshT]

Definitely sounds like a good deal

 

[MeatAnchor]

Quick update, selling a few toys to buy this one. Hopefully Monday will see me into driving the truck home. Comes with the orginal 2.8 in the bed with a lower mileage 2.8 under the hood. It will need a set of tires but that shouldn't be an issue.
Anything I should know about this model to look for as far as common issues? Small block Fords and straight sixes are my wheel house, don't have much experience with V6's. Wish me luck!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[SenorNoob]

Not much different from what you're accustomed to dealing with.

 

[BLOODBANE]

Looks like my 84. Mine HAD the 2.8 but with a manual transmission. The computerized carb is a PITA sometimes. I seemed to go through TPS sensors quite a bit (stupid sensor on a carb'd engine). If it has been taken care of the engine is a decent enough runner (minus the computer stuff). Do a good tune up on it. Mine always did really well off-road (even stock) so I built it up.....

Sorry no stock pics. I have had mine since 92 or so and its always been a great little truck (specs are in my sig.)

 

[wildbill23c]

I really miss my 1984 Ford Ranger. If I only knew about this forum in 2002 I would still have my truck . All it needed was what is referred to here as the Duraspark conversion as the computer in it was causing issues. The 2.8L V6 engine was pretty descent and prior to me owning it, my grandparents spend about 16 years with it using it as a tow vehicle for their 14' travel trailer which they pulled all over the country and never had any trouble. The truck was 2WD, and had the 3 speed automatic in it, but it did amazingly well towing. Wish I could get that old truck back especially now that my grandmother is gone, and grandpa's health is failing.