Unique 1983 Ford Ranger w/ 5.8L Engine Swap- Mechanic's Special

1983 Ford Ranger

I acquired this truck this in November. It was driving fine before I took it to the shop for a flywheel repair and, unluckily, came home with a busted transmission. They couldn't figure out what they might have done and said it must of been on its way out already. Then in running it before putting it up for sale just now the coolant has started bubbling and smoking and it was stalling. Ugg:( So not driveable although you are welcome to try and throw it in forward and reverse in the driveway to see that it does run and move. I have AAA 'til August 31st so I believe I can have it towed for free to your house within 100 miles of Rimrock, AZ 86335.
This Ranger has a 5.8L v8 engine swap. This was done 3 owners ago, sometime prior to 2001, so afraid I can't answer too many questions about that. The previous owner used it as a daily driver and sometimes for drag racing and says he won against sports cars. Is this true? Who knows.
Engine is a remanufactured 351W 1977-1983. But these are found a little later in some trucks and vans. Previous owner always bought parts for a '86 Bronco. In any case, I think they changed the 351W slightly in the late 80's or early 90's and this is not that one.
Current transmission is AOD. Not native to a Ranger but an optional swap.
-3 inch body lift (not suspension), necessary to allow room for 5.8L engine.
-Good condition wire knock-off wheels and lead hammer/wrench to remove them. Tires=14".
-Body in great condition except a small ding on the passenger side door.
-Paint is nice without typical Arizona clearcoat spotting, but faded on hood and roof. There is a darker blotch on the hood where it used to have a sticker. Seems to be able to be buffed down to a darker color.
-Interior in good condition for age. Carpeting and seat upholstery very clean and nice.
-Blue interior lights.
-Tinted windows
-AC does not work. Leak in hose. Heat works.
-Has a Planet Audio stereo/DVD player. I believe it works, but isn't wired right (isn't wired so that it loses power when the key is off), so it is unplugged due to concerns about draining the battery. May need to hit "reset" button after wiring properly.
-MPG is what you'd expect from an older, Bronco-type vehicle: 13-17.
-odometer tops out at 99k so I am not sure what it is, but few original parts, so not that relevant.
-Avital alarm system
Since Nov. '17
-New battery.
-New flywheel/starter.
-New valve cover gaskets and hold downs.
-New radius arm bushings.
-Oil change and inspection (just before transmission broke).
-Records show a carburetor rebuild on 8/2017. Edelbrock carburetor. You usually still have to pump the gas a few times to start.
Comes with:
-various service records and receipts back to 2001
-Original 1983 Ranger Electrical & Vacuum Trouble-shooting Manual
-Chilton 1983-90 Ranger/Bronco II repair manual.
Any more questions, please ask! No, does not come with dog. Yes, I am single ;) Thanks, -Emily

• Condition: Used
• Make: Ford
• Model: Ranger
• Type: Crew Cab Pickup
• Year: 1983
• Mileage: 102,806
• VIN: 1FTCR10A8DUA71849
• Color: Blue
• Engine size: v8 5.8L
• Number of cylinders: 8
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Automatic
• Interior color: Blue
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!