First time ranger owner 1986 STX

[jbutler]

Hey guys,

Just picked up my first ranger for $700. Runs fine and all just have a weekend project replacing the steering gear box and tie rods. My question is, was the 1986 a "high rider"? My research shows that the stx high rider was later than 1987... Vehicle seems lifted and has tubular black bumpers as well as off-road frame with lights. It's also 4x4. I couldn't tell if everything came from the factory like this or if it's aftermarket. Also is there anything I can do other than a 4.0/5.0 swap to get more power from the 2.9l?

Here's a pic https://imgur.com/a/vRl1FBP

Thanks

 

[pjtoledo]

nice truck, and welcome aboard.

 

[Shran]

Nice truck. I like the black & chrome wheels, looks sharp!

Does not appear to have the high rider look to me, what size tires are you running? Looks like around 235-75-15 or so? My '88 high rider clears 31's on factory wheels easily. I have seen those tube bumpers and light bars on other non high rider trucks before, I imagine they were available in the aftermarket and elsewhere. Or they could have come off a high/sport rider at some point. Who knows.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Take a look where the radius arm connects to the frame. A hi-rider will have a ~1.5" mount extension between the frame and the regular mount. This brings the back of the radius arm closer to the ground. Along with longer axle pivot point mounts and longer springs/shocks gives the hi-rider about 2" lift.

 

[Snoranger]

That's definitely the high rider bed bar. I can see the rivet on the rear tube. The Ford bars weren't 1 piece.

 

[jbutler]

Nice truck. I like the black & chrome wheels, looks sharp!

Does not appear to have the high rider look to me, what size tires are you running? Looks like around 235-75-15 or so? My '88 high rider clears 31's on factory wheels easily. I have seen those tube bumpers and light bars on other non high rider trucks before, I imagine they were available in the aftermarket and elsewhere. Or they could have come off a high/sport rider at some point. Who knows.

Yes 235 75 15 currently. Truck does have power windows by the way which I think was a part of the package. Another pic of front end: https://imgur.com/a/9MHNPZa

 

[91stranger]

Nice truck. What's with the blue sky partial paint job? Paint actually looks good, just not finished lol. Honestly the color they were trying to paint over looks better than the new color they painted on the hood and part of the fenders. If you want to know about the package I would check for factory lift blocks on the rear axle and what alwaysfloored said about the front. its called high rider for a reason... factory suspension lift. you may be able to call a ford dealership with the VIN and see if they can pull up factory info on it. You could get and answer pretty quick if you get a hold of someone who cares what you are asking about and not the typical "we have to see it to be able to tell" or what not.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't think you had to get the high rider package to get the bar or grille guard.

 

[Shran]

That grille guard is pretty common. I had one on my '86 (XL package, FWIW) for a while and have seen them on other trucks.

Lift blocks in the rear do not mean anything - 100% of 4x4 trucks I have worked on have them. 2wd usually do not.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

That grille guard is pretty common. I had one on my '86 (XL package, FWIW) for a while and have seen them on other trucks.

If I ever find one my "Custom" will have one.