What motor is in a 1984 Ford Ranger?

The 1984 Ford Ranger offered three engine options: a 2.0-liter inline-four, a 2.3-liter inline-four, and a 2.8-liter V6. Which engine a given truck had depended on trim level, cab configuration, and regional market; this article outlines each option and how they were typically used.

Engine options in the 1984 Ranger

The following engines were available across 1984 Ranger models, with notes on typical roles and use cases.

• 2.0-liter inline-four (I4) — a light, economical engine used in base and work-oriented Rangers.


• 2.3-liter inline-four (I4) — a more capable four-cylinder that balanced power with fuel efficiency for mid-range trims.


• 2.8-liter V6 — a compact V6 offering more torque for heavier loads and optional towing, featured in higher-trim or certain configurations.

Engine availability varied by body style and region. To confirm which powerplant a specific 1984 Ranger has, check the vehicle’s build information, VIN, or engine stamping.

How to identify your engine

Use these steps to verify the exact motor in a particular 1984 Ranger you’re inspecting or restoring.

• Look for engine displacement codes stamped on the engine block and cross-check with the vehicle’s VIN or door sticker.


• Check the emissions label or under-hood placard for the engine size and code.


• Inspect the engine bay for distinctive features (air intake, valve cover shape, and cylinder head design) that align with 2.0L, 2.3L, or 2.8L configurations.


• Consult the original build sheet or window sticker if available, which lists the factory-installed engine.

With these checks, you can accurately determine which motor your 1984 Ranger uses, even if it has been modified over the years.

Notable distinctions between engines

Here are quick differences to help differentiate the options by capability and maintenance considerations.

• 2.0-liter I4 — lightest and most fuel-efficient, best for basic daily use and lighter workloads.


• 2.3-liter I4 — offers more mid-range power, suited for normal highway driving and modest hauling.


• 2.8-liter V6 — provides the most torque and pulling power among these options, better for heavier loads or towing but typically costs more in fuel and maintenance.

In practice, the 2.3-liter I4 was a common middle-ground choice for many 1984 Rangers, while the 2.0-liter served budget-focused builds and the 2.8-liter appeared on options aimed at more demanding use. Always verify using the engine code or VIN for an exact match.

Summary

For the 1984 Ford Ranger, the primary engine choices were the 2.0L I4, the 2.3L I4, and the 2.8L V6. Availability depended on trim, cab configuration, and regional market. Identifying the exact engine involves checking the engine block codes, emissions labels, VIN/build sheets, and, if needed, consulting original documentation. Understanding these options helps in dating, restoring, or maintaining a vintage Ranger with confidence.

What engine is in a 1984 Ford Ranger?

The 1984 Ford Ranger offered both gasoline and diesel engine options, including a standard 2.0L and optional 2.3L overhead cam gasoline engines. It also came with an optional 2.8L V6 and a 2.2L Perkins diesel engine. 
This video reviews the features of a 1984 Ford Ranger: 55sNeighborhood Car ReviewsYouTube · Dec 26, 2018
Gasoline engines

• 2.0L and 2.3L I4: These were standard options, with the 2.3L often standard in 4x4 models. They were designed for low-end torque and fuel efficiency. 
• 2.8L V6: This was an optional engine available for the 1984 model year. 

Diesel engine

• 2.2L Perkins I4: A 2.2L diesel engine was also available, producing around 59 horsepower. This engine was a Perkins-built unit. 

You can watch this video to see a 1984 Ford Ranger with a V8 engine swap: 1mRamblinAroundYouTube · Oct 29, 2021

What engines were available in the 1984 Ford truck?

For 1984, the 3.8 L V6 was dropped from the F-Series (as the F-100 had been discontinued), with the 4.9 L now again serving as the standard engine. As an additional option, an "HO" version of the 5.8 L V8 was introduced; a 4-bbl carburetor increased output from 150 to 210 hp.

Is the Ford 4.0 OHV V6 a good engine?

The 4.0 OHV's were pretty reliable old school pushrod engines. The earliest 4.0 SOHC's used a bad plastic in the timing chain guides that would break, and it was almost completely random. I've seen them go 350k miles no problem, and many of them failed while the vehicle was still under the warranty period.

What engines were used in the old Ford Ranger?

From 1983 to 1992, the first-generation Ranger was powered by 2.0L and 2.3L versions of the Ford "Lima" inline-4; the 2.8L, 2.9L, and 4.0L Ford Cologne V6; the 3.0L Ford Vulcan V6; and four-cylinder diesel engines sourced from Mazda (Perkins) and Mitsubishi.