1983 Ford Ranger User Reviews

Great Choice For Work Truck! —

The Ford Ranger is probably the best compact truck ever made. People generally get hundreds of thousands of miles out of them. I am no exception. My 1983 Ford Ranger 4x4 has turned over it's odometer 4 times. Part of the reason for it's longevity is that the engines seem to be a lower compression. With proper care (oil changes etc) it can run and run. The Toyota's engines are also excellent but run at a higher compression. Generally the Toyota will be pretty used up if it can get to 275k miles. The Ranger can keep going past that though! The body steel is thicker and stronger on the Ranger as well. The Toyota may achieve better gas mileage. The overall cost to operate is lower on the Ranger. One danger spot on the first generation Rangers is the radiator. Toss the stock and replace it with a beefier unit. If you have a automatic tranny, install a large transmission cooler. The stock rear for Rangers 1983-1990 was the Ford 7.7". It is ok but if you plan on hauling heavy loads or doing any notable off roading, upgrade to the tough as nails Ford 8.8. Grab one off an Explorer for disk brakes! The stock front end of the Ranger 4x4 on the early years is the Dana 28. Upgrade that with the Dana 35 and you will be cooking with gas!! I was planning on replacing my Ranger a long time ago because it is in primer and has dents and whatnot. The truck just won't die though and I have no practical reason to replace the little rig.

Primary Use: Utility (towing boats, transporting cargo, etc.)

Tank. Takes A Beating Like One And Keeps Rollin. — Good mileage, good for jumping. Built Ford Tough. Well, at least back when this puppy was in it's prime.