11th Mar 2004, 15:40
I have just recently bought a 1986 Ford Ranger, with the 2.9 V6, 4X4, 4 speed with OD. I have had several problems with it since I purchased it. First of all, the front outer locking hubs went out, those needed replacing. The shocks still need replacing, along with the fuel lines. Near all of the stock fuel lines have some sort of leak in them, thus getting 250 miles to a tank of fuel is a trick in itself. I have also noticed that it eats up coolant, that although is not leaking. I too have noticed that it lacks power in OD, but has good power in 1,2,3, and 4th gear. Living in Wisconsin, I was hoping that the truck would go through the snow, mud, and wet a lot better than it does. I have recently put brand new Michelin tires on it, and that still does not help the traction problem. I have also had problems with exhaust leaks. I just wanted to post this comment stating my opinion on the 86' Ranger is not good. Jordan.
14th May 2003, 11:45
I purchased a 1986 Ford Ranger last January the night of the Super Bowl. It has a 2.3 4 cylinder engine and a 5 speed manual transmission. I am very pleased with the performance of this vehicle. The power difference between my old car's v-8 and this is great and noticable however I do not expect much from a small truck on power. The 4 wheel drive works great and is fun to play in the mud with. The suspension hauls anything without much complaint. I had to replace the clutch and power brake booster however these are items that do not last forever in any vehicle. The truck had 160,000 plus miles on it with just normal oil changes. The gas economy at 20-21 mpg is great for a small truck. After all I did not buy a metro I bought a truck.