hi im john .... i life in western nc , and am a lifetime ford man. a 53 yo machinist who loves dogs ...... i have two older(95,93) town cars , and was looking for a cheap truck ...... i found a ranger from a friend that im most likely going to buy even though i havent seen it yet. its rough .... 85 2.8(or is it 2.9?) 4x4 auto..... my friend is nervous that i wont be satisfied.... he wants scrap price for it (300.00) so i figure i cant go wrong... it runs and drives , but 'skips' he says the carb needs rebuilding .... one of my 'clown cars' is going to go 1/2 million miles , and its more than 1/2way there.... the other one annoys me. this will be my 2nd ranger , (the other was also an 85- a tough little indestructible 2300/5spd im sorry i ever sold)..... had just about every other old ford made over the years.... several years ago , i was looking at a bronco and found this site very helpful ..... i almost got the ranger because i though you guys were cool =]
not really

i really want to fart around with this truck without spending much money on it
fix it up on the cheap , even if it takes forever

 

Welcome to the forum

It would be the 2.8l engine, 2.9l was fuel injected only model

2.8l Ranger data here: Ford Ranger/Bronco II 2.8 liter Engines

Massive timing gear on those, no chain

Probably has the 2150 Motorcraft carburetor, seen here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech..._2150_carb.pdf


1985 was first year Rangers got the A4LD Over-Drive automatic trans(4-speed), it only had the one computer controlled solenoid that locked torque converter for better MPG above 45MPH, 1987/8 and up models got 2nd solenoid for OD
C5 trans was used thru 1984

 

that was exactly the sort of thing i was looking for..... i think i will enjoy it around here ..... i forgot to mention , lived in ranger , nc , and found a shepherd pup in the highway.... a few years back guess what , he is ranger ;]