Looking at a 1985 ranger 4x4

[Rptuel]

Hello this is my first time at the sight and hoping for some advice or hints. I am looking at a 1985 ranger 4x4 v6 automatic and was hoping for some advice on what problems or strong points to look for. I have drove the truck and it seems to run pretty well no smoke transmission shifts smooth and the 4 wheel drive works. The body is straight but needs paint the clear coat is coming off. Not sure about the millage a kid has it and he doesn't know. It shows like 85000 but pretty sure it has at least rolled over. He is driving it daily. Any ideas on what to look at to see what may need attention. I am not to failure with these trucks so any advise would be great. I am familiar with ford's and have hade a few jeeps. My first car was a 1985 bronco 2 but that was a long time ago.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS.

Auto Hubs for 4x4 were issues when they got older, swapping to manual locking hubs is a good upgrade.
The 2.8l V6 was a good engine but carbureted, not fuel injected, and carbs require tuning/rebuilding, and with carbs MPG isn't great.
It will use the Ford TFI ignition system, good system when new but aging wires and module do require servicing.
A4LD automatic, like any automatic, does wear out(just like a clutch on a manual), if rebuilt with just bands and seals(cheap rebuild) it will only last a year or so before problems start again, so if trans is recently rebuilt(look under truck to see oil and dirt build up on trans), and it was done cheap, you could be looking at another rebuild within 12 months

Rusting rear spring hangers on any pick up is an issue.

Used car is a gamble, check fluids, drive it, trust your gut, that's about the best you can do.

 

[Rptuel]

Thanks a lot. It does have manual hubs I have had to swap some on a f150 I had. The carb is not a problem I kinda like it much simpler. I am a little concerned about that ignition is it computer controlled or just the normal electric ignition? I had some fits with computers running carborator and ignition on a jeep.

 

[RonD]

TFI ignition is computer "enhanced", lol, TFI module on the side of the distributor runs spark on it's own, but.........it sends RPM data to computer(PIP signal), computer has carb input like throttle position, computer sends TFI module spark advance-retard "suggestions(SPOUT signal)", but they are used since TFI distributor has no vacuum advance.

Popular change is switching to a Duraspark distributor and HEI module(chevy)
Duraspark distributor has vacuum advance, HEI module is inexpensive and works well, easy wiring, no computer involved.

 

[Rptuel]

I will have to read up on that ignition I am sure it it stock. Will probably have to up grade and get that computer out of the middle.

 

[RonD]

TFI info here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml

2.8l info here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8L_Performance.shtml

Bookmark this page, all Ranger info here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml