Ranger GT Specifications, Information and History

[turbo91xlt]

My '88 GT long bed msrp was ~$16k new!! More then a GT mustang at the time lol.

 

[AllanD]

The ranger GT is basically a 2wd STX Ranger with some added non-functional plastic body work that some refer to as "aerodynamic", but never even attempt to deliver what it's looks "suggest".

That and some nicer seats, seats that were not materially different from those supplied in Mustang GT, Thunderbird Turbo-Coupe and Escort GT models.

The one thing that is sure about a RangerGT is that it is fitted with a 2.9 engine and that it is equipped
with the grabbiest axle ratio available for the specific "power team" (engine & trans) which for a 2.9 & 5sp is 3.73
and for a 2.9 & A4LD combo 4.10 gears

But it was basically an STX with some sporty looking plastic side-skirts that was just as worthless an the bulk of
similar plastic fitted to Mustang GT's.

 

[Golden Ranger]

AllenD
It was the 80's for goodness sakes.
There was little performance in the show rooms of that era from the big 3.

In the 80's us kids were still playing with the CHEAP AS DIRT, at that time, muscle from the late 60's and early 70's.

GT's are fairly scarce. And being relatively inexpensive these days, makes it a great platform to create what you want.

 

[longbedGTs]

...just to update this thread for those who find it in their searches. Production numbers for the GTs have been found through some members who have requested Marti reports and posted copies of them on the Ranger GT Facebook page.

88 GT: 3,983
89 GT: 730

 

[88rangergt#1385]

Alright.... Back from the dead..again!

Just got a Email from a guy at Ford Customer Service Canada who sent my email off regarding production numbers and GT related information to a Ford Senior Archivist.

With this they gave me information on the 866A and 942 order codes, the GT Package.

Also they gave me in PDF Format, Ford Ranger Source Books for 87,88 and 89. All books have information on the GTs which have all colors listed for each model year. Options and Standard Equipment for the GT and which options or features that were added or deleted per model year. Doesnt just include the GT, has all ford ranger models in there as well. But im focusing only on the GT.

Production numbers are still up in the air. They are still digging for the numbers but are having a hard time where its a Option package instead of a trim or model. So production numbers may never be revealed as shorangerbird mentioned earlier.

Stay tuned guys! Still havent given up on this, just takes alot of time doing research! Now off to do some reading

Matt

Can you post a link for the pdf?

 

[EvanCole45]

I'm a bit late but did you ever create this website about Ranger GTs?

 

[Shook0002]

Figured I’d jump in here. After looking for a long time I finally found 2 GT’s in a week and purchased them both. The 1988 needs some love but is very solid and runs great. The 1989 is perfect with only 27,000 original miles on it, well documented, and was purchased from a member here.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Thanks for the photos, looks like a center console cupholde I've only seen in one or two photos.

Interesting that the seat and console combo is the same I have I'm my 1988. They came out of a 1992 XLT 2wd.

 

[Snoranger]

Figured I’d jump in here. After looking for a long time I finally found 2 GT’s in a week and purchased them both. The 1988 needs some love but is very solid and runs great. The 1989 is perfect with only 27,000 original miles on it, well documented, and was purchased from a member here.

That second gen would look really nice on my trailer, leaving your house and coming to live with me.

 

[EvanCole45]

Figured I’d jump in here. After looking for a long time I finally found 2 GT’s in a week and purchased them both. The 1988 needs some love but is very solid and runs great. The 1989 is perfect with only 27,000 original miles on it, well documented, and was purchased from a member here.

Holy crap I'm so jealous of those and your Fox Body. Do you have any big plans for them? Hint hint V8 swap

 

[longbedGTs]

Figured I’d jump in here. After looking for a long time I finally found 2 GT’s in a week and purchased them both. The 1988 needs some love but is very solid and runs great. The 1989 is perfect with only 27,000 original miles on it, well documented, and was purchased from a member here.

Looking good. Have you removed the ground effects on the 88 to see how bad the rust is? I have 8 pictures of that '89 with the white Enkei wheels back from around 2004 when it was being offered for sale(before Stu bought it). LMK if you want me to send them. Congrats on the GTs!

 

[Shook0002]

Looking good. Have you removed the ground effects on the 88 to see how bad the rust is? I have 8 pictures of that '89 with the white Enkei wheels back from around 2004 when it was being offered for sale(before Stu bought it). LMK if you want me to send them. Congrats on the GTs!

I don’t know how I missed this but yes I would definitely like the pics with the Enkei’s. Thanks!

 

[Shook0002]

Just a little update. The ‘88 GT was sold to a friend of mine and currently being restored. The foxbody was sold as well. The ‘89 GT gained a spot in the garage after being kept in a storage unit and is ticking up onto 29k miles. She’s a keeper for me. I also added some SVE wheels to her from Latemodel resto. 5 lug wheels they intended for Mustangs fit perfect with no spacers.

 

[Michael MAnning]

His site was helpful for the one time I was on it. I cant remember everything he had up there. The site is no longer available which is kind of a bummer.

Ford emailed me back, they gave me all the production numbers for the 89, 88 and 86 model years but unfortunately it was for all ranger models. 4x2 and 4x4. I sent them back another reply in hope that they can dig up a bit more information.

Ill keep you guys posted. If anything is of interest I can copy/paste the information they have sent me.

Good read. I would like info on how to contact them. I was trying to match up my OEM Tri stripes on truck and I noticed it wasn’t an option on my vin tag, but they did come on the truck from what the previous owner said.