Opinions on 85 ranger xlt 4wd

[NavyGuy]

Hey Folks,

Not too familiar with smaller trucks from ford in mid 80s, and am looking to buy a ranger 4wd, 2.8 or 2.9L v6 engine. Any takes on this engine's performance/reliability history? what about tranny and transfer case? anything to watch out for? All input is appreciated. thanks,

NavyGuy

[Psychopete]

Originally Posted by NavyGuy

Hey Folks,

Not too familiar with smaller trucks from ford in mid 80s, and am looking to buy a ranger 4wd, 2.8 or 2.9L v6 engine. Any takes on this engine's performance/reliability history? what about tranny and transfer case? anything to watch out for? All input is appreciated. thanks,

NavyGuy

the 1985 Ranger was carberated, which I am not too keen about. I don't think those came with the C5. The 86-87 finally got EFIed, but has EGR and heads that crack easy.

88-92 Has no EGR, and better, but still crappy heads.

I would be looking at both ends of the spectrum. I would either get the (83-84) 2.8L with the C5 transmission, or the 2.9L 88 or greater.

The standard transmission is supposively weaker than the A4LD. Some A4LDs are prove for failure.. I think it's just the owners not taking care of the tranny. My A4LD is actively taken care of and I have had no issues. My 2.9 is even modded with a bigger cam and mass air flow.

Pete

[NavyGuy]

It turns out, this was an 86. Heard something about Borg and Warner transmissions being bulletproof. What years had these trannies? Seems like what you were saying was to avoid the mid 80s rangers (like this one). I thought it was 2.8L. It's had a lot of work done on it, so it's possible it was not stock engine. Apparently has been leaking a decent amount of oil from valve covers. simple enough to fix, so it might just be an opportunity to get them to come down on the price. KBB put it at $2600 max, they're asking $3200. Sure. Also, what's up with the front suspension on this? It appears to be some sort of hybrid between live axle and independent wishbone.

[NavyGuy]

Originally Posted by Psychopete

the 1985 Ranger was carberated, which I am not too keen about. I don't think those came with the C5. The 86-87 finally got EFIed, but has EGR and heads that crack easy.

88-92 Has no EGR, and better, but still crappy heads.

I would be looking at both ends of the spectrum. I would either get the (83-84) 2.8L with the C5 transmission, or the 2.9L 88 or greater.

The standard transmission is supposively weaker than the A4LD. Some A4LDs are prove for failure.. I think it's just the owners not taking care of the tranny. My A4LD is actively taken care of and I have had no issues. My 2.9 is even modded with a bigger cam and mass air flow.

Pete

Also, was there any other head that fits this? i know sometimes heads are interchangable in odd combinations. If this head cracks, am i stuck replacing it with the same thing, or are there other heads available less likely to crack?

[Psychopete]

Originally Posted by NavyGuy

Also, was there any other head that fits this? i know sometimes heads are interchangable in odd combinations. If this head cracks, am i stuck replacing it with the same thing, or are there other heads available less likely to crack?

Yea, they make aftermarket heads that are a lot stronger. My aftermarkets were a least 20 pounds heavier (both together). I paid $450 complete (no rocker arm assemblies). If it's the stock tranny, it's not a Borg Warner. 2.8 heads will not fit on the 2.9L nor will the 4.0L heads. You can certainly tell the difference between the 2.8 and the 2.9. The 2.9 says "2.9L Electronic Fuel Injection" Right on the upper intake.

Pete