Little Engine That Could: 1983 Ford Ranger Diesel

Throughout the 1970s, Ford relied on imports to fill the needs of the compact truck market in the U.S. Mazda supplied a Japanese truck badged as the Courier to compete against the likes of the Chevrolet LUV, also an import. But that changed in 1983 when a U.S.-built Ford small pickup was introduced, the Ranger. And for a few years, it could be ordered with a diesel engine, the first supplied by British manufacturer Perkins. The seller’s 1983 Ranger has this set-up, and we’re told it’s reliable, though it could probably be outrun by a turtle. Located in South Seattle, Washington, this little workhorse is available here on craigslist for $5,000. A bravo goes to “Curvette” for this latest tip!

The Ranger would become quite successful and last through two generations and 2011. It would return in a larger package (mid-size) in 2019 to do battle with the Colorado, which itself had grown in size. Diesel engines in passenger vehicles were seen in the 1980s as a way to improve fuel economy amid rising prices. So, the Ranger became one of several U.S. machines that could be ordered with a diesel. In 1983-84, the oil burner was supplied by Perkins and displaced 2.2 liters. At less than 60 hp, these were hardly pocket rockets, especially when carrying a full load as they were designed to do. But fuel mileage topped 40 mpg in the days before hybrids were all the rage.

The Perkins diesel was used for only two years, to be replaced by a slightly larger but more sprightly one made by Mitsubishi. It, too, was gone after a couple of years as the great diesel experiment began to run out of gas. The seller’s truck has the Perkins diesel and at least 85,000 miles (the seller believes it could be higher). It’s a solid runner and has recently completed a road trip with flying colors. The wheels in the photos are from a 1998 Explorer, but the original ones with snow tires also come with the purchase.

Parts replaced under the seller’s watch include the water pump, heater core, belts and hoses, clutch master cylinder, and the exhaust. The “glow plugs” will need to be changed more often than those in a gas-powered engine. The seller has new suspension parts on order, and if they arrive before the truck is sold, its price will go up. The paint is an older respray (color change, too?), and there is one rust hole that should be patched. It also needs a headliner, but can easily be driven without it. If you’re looking to do the quarter mile in under five minutes, this might be the truck for you!