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Hello and good-bye..sort of.


Eric Kropp

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
195
City
Prunedale CA
Vehicle Year
1983
Transmission
Manual
I have been a member of this forum for a few years now. Always great topics and info. In 1990 I needed a 4x4 with A/C real desperately. I found a 1983 Ranger with a long bed, dual tanks, 4x4, V6, 5 speed, A/C, PS, PB, with 135,000 miles. Pretty well loaded for the day(1983). I knew that 135,000 miles wasn't the best bet, but I was desperate and for $4300.00 I was driving my first ever 4x4. I drove that truck daily and went everywhere with it right up until 2011 when my employment provided me a truck and I pretty much stopped driving "little red" as I call her. When I stopped driving little red she had 360,000 miles on it and never rebuilt the engine. She still runs and uses darn little oil and passes smog in CA. I also picked up a 1993 F-250, ext. cab 4x4 diesel with a five speed and a Banks Side Winder to do most of the work around the house. Since I no longer drive it, and it was breaking my heart to see it sit and rot, I gave this little beast to my nephew in Gig Harbor WA. He flew down, did a little maintenance on the little rascal and drove it all the way up to Gig Harbor from Central California. He said it ate miles of road for lunch. Yes I have had the transmission in and out a few times and had to swap out the transfer case cause the oil pump spun and quit working, but I would say this has been the best little rig I have ever had. I am so happy to see it go to my nephew that just loves it. The 2.8 engine is such a bullet proof engine with with the solid lifters and the timing gears. I actually believe if you change the oil regularly, keep the valves adjusted, don't run them out of oil and or over heat them the engine will last forever. You guys/gals are all great. Thanks for keeping the 2.8 dream alive.

Eric
 
All good things come to an end. My 85 had clutch problems and the new slave cylinder didn't work - and it appeared that they are all made by the company. That and trouble finding smog part and a couple of other things made me decide to let it go. I agree that they are great engines that run pretty much forever. I now have a '01 Ranger extra cab 3.0 with auto; its OK but I really liked that '85.
 

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