Opinions on 1985 Ranger up for sale

[Everlearn]

Hello all! I’m the proud owner of a black on black 2003 Ranger 4x4 Edge extended cab 4.0. I’ve had her since ‘04, bought the dealer demo with literally every option. She just turned 200k and I will probably die owning this truck. I do all my own work save for tires & alignment, and just completely overhauled the front end with all new bits. On to the question.....I’ve run across a beautiful bone stock 2nd owner 1985 Ranger long bed standard cab 2wd. Just turned 100k miles. The body is almost flawless, having been garage kept for its entire life. The interior has new upholstery, carpet and door cards. It’s Wimbledon white with red interior. Has the 2.8 V6 and an AOD. Needs front & rear main seals, and if I go that far I’ll just overhaul the motor. Guy is firm at $2k. I can’t find much that’s comparable to get my head around a fair value. Most everything I’ve found on the inter webs has been heavily modified. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Up here that rust free body and great interior would be worth every penny spent. That would be about C$2,600.

 

[RobbieD]

Welcome to TRS.

In my opinion $2K is not out of line. A lot of these trucks may have been made, but there's very, very few left that are in the original condition that you describe on this one. Second owner, and garage kept, are huge pluses.

"If it were me", I'd evaluate the engine, and not rebuild it unless it really needs it. Definitely, correctly fix the oil leaks, and then just maintain what is there on this truck. If it runs good, that would include just keeping the feedback carb system as is for now.

A vehicle can be "original" only once. This truck is 35 years old, and is a survivor. If it were me, I'd drive it and enjoy it, and do my best to maintain its original condition. I hope that you get this truck, and would love to see pictures. Sounds like you found a time capsule.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

For the record, the truck won't have an AOD. It may have a garbage A4LD though..

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Buy it.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

If you have the cash, definitely pick that one up.

 

[Dsetz]

Get on listhopper.com and do a search for a similar era. Will give you craigslist, offerup and letsgo results. I find it quite handy.

Up here, any ranger that runs is worth $1000+
Guy next town over wants $1400 for an 84 4x4 w/out transmission

That said, 2wd doesn't hold the same value as 4wd.
And every Ranger with 6 digit odometer just or is just about to hit 100k. It COULD be 200k. But if it's in that good of condition, it doesn't really matter.

The 2.8 gets along ok, but would surely suffer behind an auto. Have you driven it? Drive it, and you'll know whether you need it or not!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Get on listhopper.com and do a search for a similar era. Will give you craigslist, offerup and letsgo results. I find it quite handy.

Up here, any ranger that runs is worth $1000+
Guy next town over wants $1400 for an 84 4x4 w/out transmission

That said, 2wd doesn't hold the same value as 4wd.
And every Ranger with 6 digit odometer just or is just about to hit 100k. It COULD be 200k. But if it's in that good of condition, it doesn't really matter.

The 2.8 gets along ok, but would surely suffer behind an auto. Have you driven it? Drive it, and you'll know whether you need it or not!

I wonder if i sold rusty 2.0 (i wont but if i did) what i would get....

I doubt 1000 dollars. Maybe 850.

Theres a pretty solid 85 4x4 for sale about 5 min from me with a 2.8/5sp for 1400 bucks.

Not to hijack. Just thinking out loud lol.

 

[Everlearn]

Well I pulled the trigger. Waiting a few days for a CD to mature and she’s mine. I continue to be astounded by the condition of the body. It’s missing one V-6 badge, (if anyone has one on the shelf, I’ll buy it!) and has a small easily fixable dent at the bottom of the tailgate.
I’ve built 9 fox body notch back Mustangs over the last 15 yrs, including a 750hp supercharged pro street. The only one I have left is a ‘92 with a 550hp (at the wheels) small block built by a NASCAR shop in South Carolina, so telling me not to pull the motor is like telling a baby not to crap his pants....it’s gonna happen. The plan is to stay as close to stock as possible, but the motor IS getting a massage, and I’ll rebuild the crappy A4LD tranny while I’m at it. Looking at a master rebuild, .030 over, align bore, etc port polish the heads and maybe the 2.9 valves ‘n seats I’ve seen mentioned. Very mild cam (again open to suggestions) Holley carb, aluminum radiator, etc. Figure it’s a nice winter project. I’m very open to all of your feedback, and will post project pics in the appropriate forum!! ? Thanks for all the comments!

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

If you want to build a 2.8...

Just go balls deep like the Euro guys do, and build it ??

 

[Everlearn]

Missing at LEAST one carb!

 

[Fastech370ca]

Wow, very cool!!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Nice lookin rig....congrats!

The V6 badges are available through Lmc.

 

[RobbieD]

Congratulations! That is a nice truck. Your plans for it are good, and it sounds like you'll do it right. Kind of cool that you'll have a black and white pair, and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Everlearn]

I’m way looking forward to it. I got some stunning news this morning. I’m semi-retired, do a lot of property maintenance and construction for a very wealthy father & son. Showed the father the truck yesterday just to get his input. He has several collector grade cars as well as a $200k Porsche GT3-RS I get to drive sometimes. He called me this morning and said “If you want that truck, it’s on me. Thanks for all your hard work....” I was floored!