My 1980 Ranger prototype

Cape Cruiser

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Bret
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31 Ford-20 Ranger Lariat FX4- 19 Ranger Lariat 4x2
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retired mechanic
1980 Ranger huh? In 1980 I was looking for a mini 4wd pickup and I didnt like the options out there so I created my own. After I purchased a new 1980 Ford Courier (Mazda with 2.3 liter) I drove it about 1000 miles and proceeded to rip into it. I custom ordered a aluminum center section front rear and new Jeep springs and transfer case front limited slip and rear locker. With help from a friend we completed the build in 6 weeks with great results. Had to finish quickly cause I was working full time and my only other transportation was a motorcycle and it was a cold December! drove the truck for 4 years and due to New Jersey's tough new inspection rules I couldnt pass state inspection even though I passed an independent engineers testing. The main reason for failure is they go by a stock vehicle height and you where allowed 4 inches over stock height. I was 17 inches over stock 2wd Courier with 33 inch tires!! I started out with 35 inch tires that where a bit too much. The Rangers where being built so I traded in on 1984 Ranger 4x4 with rear locker and front limited slip.

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t4thfavor

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Chance
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Nice work, that's retarded that you had to get rid of something so beautifully engineered for a bureaucratic reason... I'd have put 18" tires on it and went back for inspection :)
 
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Cape Cruiser

Cape Cruiser

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Bret
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31 Ford-20 Ranger Lariat FX4- 19 Ranger Lariat 4x2
Occupation
retired mechanic
Nice work, that's retarded that you had to get rid of something so beautifully engineered for a bureaucratic reason... I'd have put 18" tires on it and went back for inspection :)
Thanks Chance,it did hurt to get rid of it but the 1984 Ranger that replaced it was a very good offroader. And the 1984 Ranger turned into a new 88,94,2000,2001,2003 Rangers and now 2019.
 
 



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