Comment on 86-88 2.3L 4WD Rangers?

[Woodtroll]

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

 

[Woodtroll]

Nobody?

 

[Mark_88]

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...

 

[smokey]

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.

 

[Earl43P]

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.

 

[Blackdog455]

my '88 2.3 is wayyyyyy underpowerd. 4x4 works great, and i love it.

 

[Woodtroll]

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!

 

[Hahnsb2]

I'd prefer the 89-up 2.3s with the roller cam.

 

[Woodtroll]

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.

 

[JohnnyU]

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.