Ranger 1986 2.3 Diesel help please!

[billfishnz]

Hi There,
I am looking at buying an '86 2.3 diesel Ranger, (manual).
I'm afraid I don't know anything about these trucks-does that engine have a good name, manual transmission etc. Are parts still available etc.
I need a truck to take in to a small mining operation in the Yukon. It's about 100km on a small bush track and it has to be done in the winter as it's swampy in the summer. I'm taking in a bulldozer as well so a lot of the snow will be ploughed off. I live in New Zealand most of the time so know much more about Toyota hilux's/landcruisers etc . Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jason.

 

[gandrimp]

Try parts geek . com for what your interested in. Searching is pretty simple through them, and it will tell you if parts are available from other sources ( if they can get it most stores could also type of thing).

 

[enjr44]

Go look though this sub forum:

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=216

 

[bobbywalter]

up there.....i would buy a gas engine truck...as new as possible.


unless your a really good mechanic. and that engine is common over that way, and versions are still in production.

i say to go the other way because your here asking.

 

[Shran]

Those diesel Rangers have been mostly a curiosity for many years. I would love to have one but only for the fact that they are cool. In your situation, no way. I'd be looking for a 93-97 truck that has a gas 2.3 and is 4x4 (not common either, but easy and cheap to fix) if you simply must have a really small truck, or maybe a newer Toyota or anything really, just new enough that a local parts store will actually have parts on hand for it.

I daily drive an '88 Ranger and between 80's technology, age, and small/weak drivetrain parts... it has definitely not been the most dependable means of transportation.