1979 Ford Ranger XLT review from North America
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Previous owner wheeled truck at Paragon. With help of a tree, a boulder, and severe angles, removed right side box chrome strip.
Purchased truck at 231,000m, it had a slight tick. Ran 38" Swampers on 18psi, pulled off a full-posi smoke show. Bias tires really squeal.
Four wheeled rig daily, stuck once. Buried 38"s in 4' of thick soup. Crossed tracks; Duh! F250 turbo diesel yanked her out. Broke #3 & #5 pushrods: now a six banger with two dead cylinders.
At teardown, #1 cylinder had 3/4" of fuel after sitting 6 months. Apparently carb really leaked. Two pushrods, or I should say four pieces of pushrod found laying in lifter valley. Timing chain had approx. 1.5" of slack! Valves looked good, but seasoned; while cylinders needed attention due to massive ridges. Evident at teardown that motor was totally stock, with little attention.
Since teardown, block at shop with new 400m heads. Work in progress, with custom 17"/19" lift with 46"er's, fully locked D60's, custom rollcage, and complete body make-over.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1979 |
| Year of manufacture | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.8 351m/400m Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 231000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 380000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Ranger |
| Date of Entry | 3rd April, 2005 |