Best year for '83-'87 rangers.

[Power Ranger]

Hey all,I'm looking into my first vehicle and I'm looking at a first gen. ranger.I was wondering if they're any years I should watch out for or any weak spots on certain years.Thanx in advance.

 

[410Fortune]

86-88 are the best IMO, they had a slightly stronger 2.9L V6
I dont like the 89+ just because I dont like the front end as much as the older 84-88 style.

If you can I would seriously consider a 95-97 truck, they were available with the 4.0L, 8.8 rear axle, dana 35 ttb, the 4.0L was stronger in 95-97 and so was the 5 speed transmission


97 Ranger 4.0L OHV 5 speed would be my first choice in a Ranger

 

[sjr033]

^x2

95-97 first, I like the newer int.
86-88 second, I like the front end.
I personally would not look at any other years, just based on looks.

 

[4x4junkie]

If you can I would seriously consider a 95-97 truck, they were available with the 4.0L, 8.8 rear axle, dana 35 ttb, the 4.0L was stronger in 95-97 and so was the 5 speed transmission

Nothing changed in the '91-'97 OHV motors or transmissions except for the change to OBDII in '95, and some minor head & intake revisions (torque & HP remained the same through this).

I like the '93-'94 models best. Same burly 4.0L engine and drivetrain, but without all the stupid little electrical gremlins that seem to plague the '95 up trucks (sticky dome light switches, the ridiculously overcomplicated electronic 4WD system, among others).

If you're set on sticking with a gen 1, then I would say 1988 is best. This was the first year for the FM146 stickshift, which is directly interchangeable lengthwise with the better M5OD found in later trucks, and has bigger u-joints on the rear driveshaft. I think I've heard '88 also did away with the twin fuel pumps, but don't quote me on that (could be '89).

 

[radsr2002]

k

95 - 97, plenty still on the road, but they are old enough that the price has droped to make them very affordable. Shop careful and you can find a real gem.

 

[Power Ranger]

I'm sticking with the 1st gen. rangers I only like that body style lol!When I get one I wont keep the motor\drivetrain stock.I'll be putting in a 4.0,5speed,dana35 front,8.8 rear,3in suspension,3in body,cuting the fenders (depends on clearence with lifts),lockers front and rear,and 33s.Of course thats build one, build two is sas dana44 full width front,full width 9in rear,302 conversion,c4 or aod,np-205,35x15.50x15 sx's,custom fender flares,custom nerf bar,custom front and rear bumpers (based on camini c3 plate front winch bumper),roll bar,tool box,cb's,and euro lights.But first I have to get the truck lol!

 

[Power Ranger]

There's something that just came to me.Could you put the motor mounts and crossmember from a v8 explorer into a 1st gen.ranger (or 3rd gen ranger) to cut the cost of the swap?Or extend an explorer frame and put the ranger body mounts on it and that would be cheaper to.