The beginnings
The Ranger name started as a trim package on the full size F-Series trucks. Ford had been importing the Courier since, 1972 as a compact pick up. The Courier was produced by Mazda and at the time Ford owned a 25% stake in Mazda. In 1982 Ford began producing the Ranger as a replacement to the Courier. It was sold as a 1983 model and XLS replaced the Ranger name on the F-Series. The Courier is still produced today as an over seas version of the Ranger.
1983
The Ranger appeared in mid 1982 as a 1983 model year. This was the last year for the Courier as the Ranger replaced it. The Rangers bed was 85-inches long and 53-inches wide, and it was rated for as much as 1,500-pounds carrying capacity. Available in both 2 and 4 wheel drive versions, the base Ranger had the 2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 72 hp. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard. Optional were a 2.3-liter diesel 4-cylinder rated at 59 hp. Five speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions were available.
1984
The Ranger styling continued unchanged, but some marketing moves were made to broaden its appeal. In addition to the base truck and the more upscale XLS and XLT models, a Ranger S model was introduced that was a very stripped down version. Added to the option list was a new 2.8-liter V-6 rated at 115 hp. 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were also options.
1985
The 1985 was largely unchanged. The 5-speed manual transmission became standard, replacing the 4-speed manual. Sales brochures talked about the increased use of aluminum and composite materials in the construction of the pickup bed and other areas as examples of how Ford was fighting corrosion. Ford also continued to stress that the Ranger was truly a small scale version of the F-150, down to the same ladder-type frame construction and twin I-beam front suspension, a Ford trademark for more than 20-years. More than 232,000 Rangers were sold in 1985.
1986
Ranger at last followed the body lineup available on the F-Series and offered a standard cab and a new Super Cab. The Super Cab had 17 inches of storage space behind the folding front seats, and two jump seats were options that could be placed back there. The Super Cab could only be had with the standard 72 inch bed, but buyers of the regular cab could choose from the 72 and 84 inch bed. Under the hood, the entire Ranger lineup had electronic fuel injection. Base engine was the 2-liter 73 hp. inline 4, while the most powerful engine available was the 2.9-liter rated at 140 hp. A diesel 4 was still on the option list, though very few were ordered.
1987
A new 4x4 model was introduced called the High Rider STX. It had 1.5 inches more ground clearance than the previous year's 4x4 model. Other changes included dropping the 2.3-liter on the Super Cab for the larger 2.9-liter V-6. New white painted wheels were an option on some trucks and all the radios had an electronic display, which also included a clock, as standard.
1988
Changes were limited to trim with new cast aluminum wheels the most visible change. A turbocharger was added to the diesel 4-cylinder boosting horsepower to 86. The average age of the Ranger buyer was 30 and most passed up the standard model in favor of the XLS or Super Cab models.
1989
The Ranger received an updated look to the front end with flush mounted halogen headlights, wrap around parking lights and flush mounted grill. A new 2.3-liter twin-sparkplug, fuel injected inline 4-cylinder replaced the old 4-cylinder of the same capacity. The new engine was rated at 100 hp., 14 hp. over the old engine. It had a revised intake system and distributorless ignition. The Ranger also received a rear wheel antilock braking system, as well as an all new interior. A 21-gallon fuel tank was optional on Rangers with the extended pickup bed.
1990
For 1990 the Ranger received an optional 4.0-liter engine with a cast iron block, aluminum heads, a 9-1 compression ratio, and produced 160 hp. 20 hp. more than the optional 2.9-liter. Both were available in 2 or 4 wheel drive with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The 4.0-liter Rangers came with an 8.8-inch rear end versus the Ford 7.5-inch rear. On a limited number of Rangers with the 72-inch bed, Ford offered as a no-cost option, a bed made from plastic composite material as a way to fight corrosion. The front axles were upgraded from a Dana 28 to a Dana 35.
1991
A sport model was added with a special paint and tape package in the standard cab only. Special aluminum wheels completed the sport truck. Elsewhere, a 60/40 split bench seat was added to the option list.
1992
The base engine on all 4 wheel drive Rangers was upgraded to the 140 hp. 2.9-liter V-6 with the 160 hp. 4.0-liter V-6 an option. Dropped from the 4x4 lineup was the 2.3-liter. Ford used additional galvanized steel to resist corrosion. Fog lamps were now optional on the STX Sport 4x4 Rangers. Ford discontinued the cloth headliner on the entry level S model as a way of reducing the price.
1993
The Ranger received a new aerodynamic look for 1993. New flush side glass, wider doors for easier access, slight fender flares and a rounded front end were all hallmarks of the freshened Ranger. Ford introduced the Ranger splash which was a flareside Ranger with aluminum wheels and distinctive, colorful graphics. The 4X4's got their own distinctive grill, and changes to the dashboard, seats and headliner were made to all models. The optional 60/40 split bench seats now had a center armrest, and a new multi-function control stalk was added to the steering wheel. AM-FM radios with cassette or compact disk players were offered as options. A new 3.0-liter V-6 replaced the 2.9-liter that had been standard on all 4X4's and optional on others. The new engine produced 145 hp.. The 4.0-liter remained an option and produced 160 hp.
1994
Ranger added a Super Cab 4x4 version of its Splash pickup that proved very popular with young buyers, who saw the compact pickup as a sports car.
1995
Driver's-side airbags were installed as was a brake/shift interlock on the automatic transmission models. A four-wheel antilock brake system was now standard on Rangers with the 4.0-liter V-6 and all 4 wheel drive models, and available as an option on all other Rangers. The 2.3-liter and 3.0-liter engines received minor internal improvements that made them run more smoothly and boosted horsepower up by 10. An improved electronically controlled 4-speed automatic was also available. On the outside, Rangers got a new grill, while inside there was a redesigned instrument panel. Optional on Super Cab models was a 6-way power seat, and a 6-disk CD player and remote entry/alarm setup were available on all models.
1996
Ranger got the added safety feature of a passenger side airbag. As an added precaution, the passenger airbag could be deactivated by a dashboard switch if a rear facing child seat was used. Other changes included a factory certification of all Ranger engines stating that they could go 100,000 miles between tuneups under normal driving conditions if the fluid and filter are chaged regularly. The flareside body style, previously available only with the Splash trim package, is now offered with other trim levels as well.
1997
For 1997, the Ranger lineup adds a significant product advantage in this segment, a new five-speed automatic transmission called the 5R55E that improves performance. A new single-disc player has been added to the audio option list, in addition to the six-disc changer that's already there. Power windows and locks have been added to the low-line XLT models as options. Flareside rear fenders can now be ordered on Ranger models other than the Splash. A second power point has been added to the dashboard, as has a SuperCab cargo area cover. ABS, previously standard on 4x4 models, has been made optional for 1997 to lower the price and offer the buyer more choices.
1998
Improvements to engines include enlarging the base four-cylinder engine from 2.3-liters to 2.5-liters and giving the 3.0-liter V6 a new intake manifold that improves torque, or pulling power, by 14 percent. Then the standard cab was stretched 3 inches, thanks to a 3.6-inch increase in wheelbase. With the '98 redo, the Ranger's previous C-section frame is now boxed from the front bumper to the A-posts, which greatly enhances overall solidity.The Ranger's sheetmetal forward of the A-pillars has been tastefully cleaned up for '98. The fresh pieces include a new grille, bumper, valance, lighting, and aluminum hood. Designers also lowered the truck's hoodline and increased the rear-window size, which greatly improves outward visibility. Another '98 change that positively influenced the ride and steering quality was the front-suspension's overhaul. Ford replaced the veteran twin I-beams with a new wishbone-style front suspension that uses coil springs or torsion bars. New "Pulse Vacuum" hub-locks enables virtually silent 4x4 engagement on the fly with a flick of the dash switch.
1999
New tow hooks assist in towing and in being pulled out of trouble (4x4 only). New 2.5L I-4 engine with increased engine size, horsepower and torque is standard on 4x2. Front crush zone helps absorb energy in the event of a frontal collision. New Pulse Vacuum Hublock (4x4) allows "shift on the fly" capability at just about any speed with smooth, virtually silent operation. New "A pillar" grab handles assist entering and leaving vehicle (XLT and Splash 4x4 only). New Second Generation depowered standard driver/passenger air bags with manual passenger deactivation switch (always wear your safety belt and deactivate the passenger air bag when using a rear-facing child safety seat). New rack-and-pinion steering for precise cornering. New short/long arm suspension contributes to improved ride and cornering stability. Standard rear-wheel ABS; available 4-wheel ABS. New larger Regular Cab - 76 mm (3") deeper with additional interior space. New fully boxed front frame increases front torsional rigidity 370%. New seats have a sporty style and feature excellent comfort and lateral support. Side door intrusion beams add protection in the event of certain side impacts. Tie-downs in bed help secure cargo. Corrosion protection measures include stainless steel exhaust system and aluminum hood. Larger standard 4x2 tire for improved traction. New 4-pin towing harness standard for more convenient trailer electrical hook-up (XLT and Splash only). Available in a 4-door SuperCab. Also available with a 5 speed automatic transmission.
2000
Ford offers two trim levels for the Ranger: XL and the XLT. Ranger XL models are light on amenities, but long on value; they come with the basics: black vinyl floor covering, AM/FM radio, vinyl seats. XLT Rangers get more chrome, handholds, an AM/FM/CD sound system, cloth seats and upgraded door panels. XL models have rear antilock brakes, while XLTs get four-wheel antilock braking systems. Both XL and XLT Rangers are available in Regular Cab and SuperCab configurations; SuperCabs are available with either two or four doors. SuperCabs are based on a long 126-inch wheelbase, while Regular Cabs are available in short-wheelbase (112 inches) and long-wheelbase (118 inches) versions. On SWB models you cab opt for the stylish Flareside. This year Ford added a Trailhead group to its menu of options. This off-road package includes a torsion bar suspension, extra ground clearance, and 16-inch tires, along with tow hooks and other features that transform a 2WD truck into a 4WD look-alike. Ranger owes its smooth ride, to a rigid frame that cuts down on vibration. Four-wheel drive Rangers (and 2WD models with the Trailhead Group package) have front torsion-bar suspensions with rear single-stage leaf springs. Two-wheel-drive models have coil springs in the front and two-stage leaf springs in the rear. The torsion-bar suspension is smooth, and the coil-spring suspensions are smoother still. The rack-and-pinion steering found on all Rangers is responsive and precise. Two-wheel-drive Rangers come standard with a 2.5-liter, inline-4 engine that puts out 119 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 146 foot-pounds of torque at 3000 rpm. While the engine is economical, it might be a bit light for a truck that tips the scales at a minimum of 3068 pounds. A 3.0-liter V6 that turns out 150 horsepower at 4750 rpm and 190 foot-pounds of torque at 3650 rpm is standard on four-wheel-drive Rangers. Not only is it powerful, but it's a flexible fuel engine that can run on either regular unleaded gasoline or E85 (a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). But if it's power you want-power to pass anything on the road or climb any hill with ease-try the optional 4.0-liter V6. Available on all models, it cranks out 160 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 225 foot-pounds of torque at 2750 rpm. It compares well against Toyota Tacoma's high-revving 3.4-liter V6 (190 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 220 foot-pounds of torque at 3600 rpm). As for transmissions, you can choose to mate a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic to any of the three engines. Or, if you get the 4.0-liter V6, you can opt for a 5-speed automatic. With the 3.0 engine, a 4X4 gets 16/20 mpg, with the 4.0-liter a 4X4 gets 15/19. Ford's pulse-vacuum hub-lock system introduced last year allows nearly instantaneous shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive at any speed. When the system is disengaged, the front drive train is disconnected at the wheels. The truck gets better fuel economy with less vibration and noise. All Rangers are equipped with driver and passenger airbags, with a passenger-side deactivation switch for improved safety with children
2001
The Ranger is available in three trim levels. Between base XL and fancy XLT is the new Edge model. It has a sportier cabin, 4x4-level ride height (even when equipped with two-wheel drive), and a monochromatic exterior that mimics the burly look of Ford's F-series Super Duty pickups. The cream of the Ranger crop, however, will be the XLT SuperCabs that get the Premium Offroad package. At about $1500, the package greatly enhances the 4x4's off-road ability with fifteen-inch forged aluminum wheels, BFGoodrich T/A KO tires, Bilstein dampers, a Torsen limited-slip differential, skid plates, and tow loops. Inside are grab handles, unique seat fabric, and bright-metal stalks for the gearshift and transfer case with cue- ball knobs that seem far too cool to be original equipment. Under the hood, the 150-bhp, 3.0-liter V-6 is carried over, as is the 119-bhp, 2.5-liter four (a more powerful new four, displacing 2.3 liters, is due this winter). The optional 4.0-liter OHV V-6 is gone, supplanted by the 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 from the Explorer. Mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic, the SOHC six produces 207 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque47 horsepower and 13 pound-feet more than the engine it replaces. The new V-6 moves its charge off the line with authority and hums along at highway speeds with none of the breathlessness of the old engine. It also enables a properly equipped '01 Ranger to tow more than 6000 pounds. The Ranger team has revised the suspension to quell the previous truck's somewhat wallowy ride and herky-jerky handling. Safety has been enhanced with the addition of standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution, and a thorough noise-reduction effort has brought remarkable quietude to a cabin that sports supportive new seats, a revised instrument panel, and a standard single-disc CD stereo (an in-dash six-disc changer is available, as is the stunning 560-watt "Tremor" audio system).

2002 Well thats not history yet.....

special thanks to Steve, Scott, and Ford

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"IF IT CAN BLEED, WE CAN KILL IT"

That is great info about the Ranger

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98 xlt, dropped 3/5. 17in. CHROME Cobra wheels wrapped in 255/50/17, billet grille, dumped flowmaster 40 series, clear corners, euro tails, indiglo guages, TWEED Interior, painted interior, silver flame pinstripe, 5% Limo tint all around, K&N, Viper alarm, 60/40 to bucket conversion, 4.10 gears
SOLD 10/29/03!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2003 Dodge SRT4


Mopar Stage 1 | Mopar STS | BDJ's exhaust | HKS SSQ BOV | IPP CAI | ATP Upp | Autometer pillar pod with dual gauges | DC sports Strut bar | 9007 PIAA Extreme whites | Eurolite 893 Fog lights | Titan turn signals | Clear side markers | Intercooler Neon | Viper emblem | Exel Ennio wheels | MM inserts | Catch Can | Custom racing stripes |More to come.

Thats what im talking about.... how about the other 20 models there red?

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2002 Mustang GT
Mods: Aftermarket Tint, K&N. Air Silencer Removal, Painted Calipers, American Thunder Flowmaster Catback, Mach 1 chin spoiler.

hmmm when you say 20 models you say to me all ford cars....
hmmm, thats sounds like mod of the history board to me
LOL

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"IF IT CAN BLEED, WE CAN KILL IT"

yea i think ya should give him mod to of the history bored.. but thats only if he does like 3 more of these ;)

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Life isn't worth living unless you have:
#1. Kissed some lesbians
and
#2. Have driven a ford.

hahahahahaha, well im workin on an f150 piece and a stang piece but theres alot to do on them so is gonna take me awhile

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"IF IT CAN BLEED, WE CAN KILL IT"

hey red when you do the 70's and 80's 250's and 350's can i give a lil help i know mostly the common stuff

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all bow down to the one who choses to shift cause i am a Crazy Gear Rower,
supported by "ares wipe when that fart becomes a,squirt there's ares wipes"

when i get to those youll be the first person i come to, but you can do em i havent been given a mod spot of the board yet so im just writin em for the hell of it i guess, nah im doin it to help the site

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"IF IT CAN BLEED, WE CAN KILL IT"