1987 Ford Ranger XLT review from North America

The heads cracked at 98,000 miles. After much inquiry and research, I found out that this is a common problem with Rangers/Broncos around this year, and that there are aftermarket heads available with thicker castings. I located a set from a company in northern West Virginia and bought them for around $480, and had them installed for around $400. There are noticeable differences in the mating surfaces of the heads that make it easy to verify that you have the thicker castings. Engine has ran fine ever since.

I just noticed that after a hard rain there was a good bit of water in the driver floorboard. After removing the window trim, using a small blade screwdriver to lever the molding away from the mounting clips, I noticed that the seam sealer had cracked and the cab seams were letting water in. I was glad the front glass didn't need removing. By the way, this is not covered under comprehensive insurance claims. I went to O'Reilly Auto Parts and purchased a $9 tube of seam sealer and ran a bead down the drip rail and fingered it into the upper corner of the windshield opening, smoothing all with a fingertip. Also filled the seams that run from the drip rails back to the rear window.

Interestingly, both power window motors and passenger door lock actuator quit within 3 weeks of each other. I can live with that since they are all 22 years old. I am replacing the drivers window motor this weekend.

The 4x4 still works great and the interior is in good shape except for the dash pad in one small place.

I paint it every five years or so and have no rust and no wrecks.