1985 Ford Ranger 4WD XL 2.8

Summary:

Someone should make it again

Faults:

Clutch master cylinder.

Clutch slave cylinder.

Passenger rear taillight.

AC belt broke.

Both door latches on the outside broke.

Shifter will turn around backwards.

Previous owner put 15in rims from a Ford Explorer on it.

Last thing, I have to keep a few new fuel filters because sometimes it will suck up a black substance with tiny rust bits. Put a new filter on re prime fuel and she goes again every time.

General Comments:

I had always had a negative attitude for these Ford trucks, but when I got this 1985 2.8 4wd truck I loved it from day one. It totally out performs the S10 truck with the 2.8. I believe I will have this truck until my death.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th April, 2024

1985 Ford Ranger XL 2.8

Summary:

My all time favorite car out of many I have owned!!

Faults:

I had to replace the distributor because it got old and cracked. I also had to replace the belts.

General Comments:

This is a great little truck. I bought it from a factory when I was 16, and have had it ever since.

I don't drive it too much anymore because I'm in the military, but I would have no problems driving my Ranger anywhere. The best small truck for the money you can get.

I have 3 other cars that I have bought new, but the reaner has always been my favorite.

The styling is great and can easily be made into a very sharp truck. Also buy some wider tires to tremendously improve handling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2008

1985 Ford Ranger

Summary:

Excellent small truck. Its performance was great

Faults:

Body fell apart after 300,000 miles.

Head liner fell.

Seats cracked.

General Comments:

I had a 1985 Ford Ranger with a factory 2.3L turbo diesel in it. It is far the best Ranger out there.

I would like to buy another one, but there are just a few on the road now.

50+ mpg.

The body fell apart, and the engine almost ran down the road by itself; it was still very healthy engine, which did not smoke, but used a little oil. GO FIGURE.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2008

12th Mar 2014, 22:26

Hard to believe someone would complain or write "GO FIGURE" about any vehicle that has 389,000 miles.

1985 Ford Ranger 2.8 6 cylinder

Summary:

I would recommend this truck to others for sure

Faults:

I had the lifters tightened when I first bought this truck.

Standard high miles maintenance for this truck like; tires, brakes, 1 starter, AC work, etc

Additional to the 100,000 that was already on it - I put 215,000 on this truck in 12 years and about the only thing I can think of is that it started using about 1 quart of oil per oil change. Torwards the end of my ownership of this truck the gas mileage had also went down on me, that was with the vehicle tuned as good as it could get.

General Comments:

VERY reliable truck, this truck is what sold me on Fords for the rest of my life.

I had a fiberglass shell on this the whole time I owned. I also pulled a 14 ft RV with this in the summers for small trips, and that was when it was around the 300,000 mile mark.

315,000 when I sold it...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 2005

28th Apr 2005, 18:03

Hey,

I have a 1985 Ford Ranger and it is beat up. But man, I love the little beast. I'm only 17 so I haven't really been around very long, but I know a good truck when I see it, and your story is a complete replica of my truck. The people before me unloaded a 2 ton bathroom set in it, and it kept trucking. So man, if you wanna see mine, go to www.ranger-rust.00go.com and it is at Cardomain also, under The Infamouse Ranger.

2nd Feb 2006, 01:36

Wow, I really agree with both of you guys, my grandpa gave me his old truck (an 85 ranger) when he upgraded, and I put that thing through it's paces! I had it for 5 years, but on over 100000km, and all I had to change was the starter / tires. Although she did like a litre of oil every 2-3 months, I never had a problem starting it. (Even in the middle of Canadian winters @ -40celsius, which is the same as -40 F) Great truck, and like the poster of the review, it sold me on Fords for the rest of my life! (currently drive a 97 ranger)

21st Jan 2010, 22:08

I have an 85 4x4. Rings and bearings at 345,000 miles, still running strong. Lifted 2 inches, added snow tires and limited slip diff in rear..

I wouldn't trade it for anything. Tranny is getting a little noisy but is expected. Wish I could buy a new one just like it.