• Ford's compact Ranger pickup had replaced the Mazda-engineered Ford Courier in 1983 and evolved with only minor changes up through 1986, when the big news was the addition of the SuperCab, which added almost 17 inches to the cab's length. Rear vinyl jump-seats were optional. Power came from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder which produced 73 horsepower; California buyers got a 2.3-liter four-cylinder that made 90 horsepower. A 2.9-liter V-6 making 140 horsepower was available, as was a turbo-diesel four displacing 2.3 liters and producing 86 horsepower. Ranger S was the bargain-basement trim level, offered with the regular cab and a 6-foot box. Standard regular cabs could be ordered with either a 6-foot or 7-foot box. SuperCabs were available only with the short box.
  
  

Bed Construction

• All 1986 Rangers are Stylesides, meaning they have wheel wells on the inside of the bed (as opposed to step-sided Flaresides, as many full-size Ford trucks are). Boxes feature double-walled construction in the sides and tailgate and include floor skid strips, rope tie holds and a quick-release tailgate.
  
  

Dimensions and Capacities

• Two bed sizes were offered: 6-foot and 7-foot. The 7-foot bed is actually 85 inches long. The distance between wheel wells is 40.4 inches, while the total inside width is 54.3 inches. Short-bed trucks ride on a 107.9-inch wheelbase, long-beds on 113.9 inches and SuperCabs on 125 inches. The SuperCab's curb weight is 2,842 pounds. Gross vehicle weight ratings range from 3,820 to 4,740 pounds.
  
  

Convenience Features

• The tailgate can be removed from the pickup bed without tools. Although the space between the wheel wells is less than 4 feet, the Ranger can carry standard 4-by-8 sheets of plywood by inserting crosswise slats above the wells.