22nd Apr 2007, 15:28

I just got a 1986 ford ranger 4x4 and it's great. the only thing is it will not go in to park does anyone know why?

Mike.

15th Nov 2008, 10:16

I love my 1986 Ranger V6 2.9 5 speed, 4 wheel drive, manual, lock out hubs, limited slip rear axle, extended cab, vent windows in doors.

Now it has 353000 original miles.

I bought this truck new in July 86. Had to put a rebuilt transmission in at 300000 miles. Seems to be the weak link to these trucks.

Motor has never had anything done to it.

Did have some starter problems around 200000 miles.

Changed it over to mobile 1 synthetic oil at 100000 miles. I change oil and filters every 100000 miles. Mostly highway miles.

When this truck was younger, it would get 24 to 25 mpg on highway on trips across country. 70 - 75 mph. It has a 3. something rear axle I forget for sure.

When I ordered this truck, the dealer called it a industrial truck because they wouldn't put the V-6 in the plain jane body. Or the vent windows in the doors. The dealer swapped the vent windows out of a STX truck.

I would buy a brand new one just like it if they would make one for me.

Never did like the I beam front end, but it has not been a problem.

Funny thing is I didn't like Fords when I bought it. I wanted a Chevy S10, but they never offered lock out hubs or door vent windows. This has been the most trouble free vehicle I've ever owned.

27th Jan 2009, 15:02

I have an 86 Ranger STX 4x4 with 575,000 miles on, and it runs like a top. Other than a new clutch and tuneups, I have not had any problem. And I do a lot of hard 4x4 trails. My kids call it the Tonka truck, cause it will not break.

10th Feb 2010, 23:04

I bought my 1986 Ford Ranger Supercab 4x4 V6 2.9L new. Recently I test drove some newer and new Rangers, but I flinched at the price and really there is nothing wrong with my old truck. I prefer the older vehicle interior and I would really miss the on-the-floor automatic. Sure, the paint is worn and there are no air bags or those swell supercab doors, but this truck has never broken down. NO major repairs have been needed and I drive it on rough dirt roads. So I think I'll invest $500 in new front brakes, shocks, and maybe it's time for new plugs, gas filter and go further with this sturdy vehicle! I'll even save $19,500 on a newer used model.

25th Feb 2011, 13:09

I once took my 85 Ranger to a dealer and the salesman said "she runs better than a new one". Now she has 310,000. She's a keeper.

22nd Mar 2011, 19:10

Dear Jessica,

Hello my name is Nick & I also have a Ford Ranger, 4X4, 4 cylinder that runs great... Were you able to fix up your Ranger?

9th Jul 2011, 07:22

I just traded my 69,000 DOCUMENTED original mile 1987 Crown Vic Wagon in about 90+% condition, all highway miles as well, on my new (to me) 1986 Ford Ranger 4X4 ext. cab 5 speed/lockout hubs/high/low transfer case pickup, and I have never been happier with a decision in my life! (just for the record, the odo shows 24,000, which I PRESUME is 124,000) It burns ZERO oil, starts with a flip of the key, see's 22 MPG, drives like new. Looks like that on the interior as well, and this winter, my buddy with his EPA paint booth will me paint her an ever so light Black Cherry. ll in all, if anyone (and I was brought up by strict country folks so am 100% honest) were to ask me for a recommendation, and a GOOD used 4X4 pickup,

Look no further than the venerable telling them of my personal experience, GOD BL.

1st Feb 2012, 10:18

I have a 1986 Ford Ranger 4x4 long wheel base, 5 speed on the floor, 2.9 liter V6, sitting on a 6 inch suspension lift and a 3 inch body 35x10.50-15 super swamper boggers.

My father bought it brand new, and it sat up for eight years, and I fixed it the first day I messed with it. I dropped the gas tank and cleaned it out. I cranked it in 1 hour, and now I'm working on the fueling line, and all that is confusing and exhausting. I would much rather do it myself than let some wannabe try. I know more about my trucks than anyone. I have rebuilt them just to do it.

I might try to sell it. All it needs is a fuel line ran from the tank to an inline pump, and then to the filter, then to the injectors.

I love it, and I would love to keep it, but I am broker than a bum; I need the money.

13th Mar 2014, 10:50

I had this issue, it needs a new transfer case.

19th Dec 2015, 23:46

Do you know where the 4x4 is located on a 86 Ford Ranger? Automatic!? It is an automatic lock for it; I just can't seem to find it.