tell me about a ford ranger diesel?

[kolb02]

Are they any good? Im looking at an 86 ranger with a Mitsubishi diesel in it. Don't know if I should buy it. It has 85k on it. Can this be a good reliable daily driver that I can also be a good trail rig? Are there any issues that would prevent one from buying a ranger diesel?

 

[97RangerXLT]

Good truck, not overly powerful. My Grandpa had an 83 Ranger with the deisel and it had over 200k on it when he sold it for a few hundred bucks. (he bought it brand new in 83, sold it in 95 or 96) the issue with his was northern Wisconsin rust killed it. the gas tank was rusted out and the rear brakes were rusted out, so he sold it cheap. He could not find a tank for it at the time.

So the big issue you will have facing you is finding parts that are specific to the diesel engine and drive train, so be prepared to have this truck down for a while if you are searching for parts (ie, don't let it be your only vehicle for a DD...). But if the price is right, all the other stuff is pretty easy to come by.

AJ

 

[enjr44]

I really like them; but, 2800 miles a year makes me wonder?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I really like them; but, 2800 miles a year makes me wonder?

Better than 28,000.

Could easily be 185k or 285k though. Pretty easy to tell the difference by looking at the truck though.

 

[adsm08]

I really like them; but, 2800 miles a year makes me wonder?

Why not? My vehicles only see about 2000-2300 a piece. My grandpa's truck sees less. That's on 01 and I think it has about 50K on it.

 

[Denisefwd93]

There's one up on CL for parts http://lancaster.craigslist.org/pts/5294197906.html

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The box looks decent.

The yard looks like it could be interesting to tour too.

 

[RattlerRanger]

I have been working on this bugger off and on for about 5 years..all has come together lately and now it's time for a little turbo action

It is in fact pretty gutless, takes over a minute to get up to 60mph on flat roads, smokes like crazy when you have your foot into it excessively (which is almost always if you're not gaining speed and you have any interest in accelerating), is noisy, etc.

But it is a very strong tough motor as far as longevity goes, is consistent, takes no plugs, wires, ignition system, and it sounds awesome if you ask me. Mileage for mine is about 26mpgs with a lot of in-town driving and hills.

 

[bobbywalter]

sounds like your describing the performance of my diesel ranger...slow....smokey...noisy pos.... but not as slow as yours....still goes triple digits in a minute.


but, my ranger sounds way different then yours.