Vehicle Specifications for the 1983 Ford Ranger (1FTCR10A5PUD15252)
The 1983 Ford Ranger, with the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 1FTCR10A5PUD15252, is a compact pickup truck that offers a mix of utility, performance, and durability. Below is an overview of the key specifications and features of this vehicle:
General Information:
- Model Year: 1983
- Make: Ford
- Model: Ranger
- VIN: 1FTCR10A5PUD15252
- Body Style: Pickup Truck (Standard Cab)
- Engine Type: Gasoline
- Engine Displacement: 2.3L Inline-4 (standard engine)
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual Transmission
- Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Curb Weight: Approximately 2,400 lbs (varies with configuration)
- Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): 3,400-4,000 lbs (varies with configuration)
Engine & Performance:
- Engine Type: Inline-4
- Engine Displacement: 2.3 liters
- Engine Power: 86 hp @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)
- Torque: 122 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (approx.)
- Fuel System: Carburetor (varies by model)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 18-24 mpg (varies based on driving conditions)
- Cooling System: Liquid-cooled
- Bore x Stroke: 3.40 x 3.70 inches
Transmission & Drivetrain:
- Transmission Type: 4-Speed Manual (standard)
- Gear Ratios:
- 1st Gear: 3.50:1
- 2nd Gear: 2.16:1
- 3rd Gear: 1.43:1
- 4th Gear: 1.00:1
- Differential Ratio: 3.45:1 (standard; may vary)
- Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Suspension & Handling:
- Front Suspension: Independent coil spring suspension
- Rear Suspension: Leaf spring suspension
- Steering: Recirculating ball steering
- Brakes: Disc brakes in the front, drum brakes in the rear
- Wheelbase: 103.9 inches
- Turning Radius: 32 feet
Exterior Dimensions:
- Overall Length: 173.8 inches
- Overall Width: 66.4 inches
- Overall Height: 58.7 inches
- Front Track Width: 56.6 inches
- Rear Track Width: 55.4 inches
- Ground Clearance: 8.5 inches
- Wheelbase: 103.9 inches
Interior Dimensions & Features:
- Seating Capacity: 2-3 passengers (depending on configuration)
- Headroom: 38.6 inches (front)
- Legroom: 42.2 inches (front)
- Shoulder Room: 55.3 inches (front)
- Interior Features:
- Vinyl or cloth seating (depending on trim)
- Basic AM radio system (standard)
- Manual windows and door locks
- Bench seat configuration (2-3 person capacity)
Towing & Payload:
- Towing Capacity: 3,000 lbs (varies by engine and configuration)
- Payload Capacity: Up to 1,200 lbs (varies based on bed length and configuration)
Wheels & Tires:
- Tire Size: 205/75R14 (standard)
- Wheel Type: Steel wheels (may vary by trim)
- Spare Tire: Standard full-size spare mounted under the bed
Safety Features:
- Seatbelts: Lap belts for front passengers
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Not available (basic braking system)
- Airbags: Not equipped with airbags (standard for the era)
Other Features:
- Cargo Bed Dimensions:
- Length: 72.8 inches (short bed version)
- Width: 55.5 inches
- Standard Trim: XL (basic trim level)
- Optional Trim Levels: XLT (higher-end trim, more features available)
- Color Options: Multiple colors, including red, blue, white, and black
- Windows: Manual roll-up windows (powered options were not common in this year)
Performance & Handling
The 1983 Ford Ranger was designed for light-duty tasks but still offered solid performance for its size and weight. Here are additional details on its performance aspects:
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): The 2.3L 4-cylinder engine typically takes around 12-14 seconds to reach 60 mph, a reasonable time for a small pickup truck of this era.
- Top Speed: The Ranger’s top speed is estimated to be around 85-90 mph, depending on road conditions and the specific configuration.
- Fuel Efficiency:
- City: 18 mpg
- Highway: 24 mpg
- Suspension Handling: The truck’s rear-leaf spring suspension offers decent load handling capacity, but the ride may feel less smooth compared to modern pickups with independent rear suspension.
- Off-Road Capabilities: While not a dedicated off-road vehicle, the Ranger offers respectable off-road performance with its manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. With a 4×4 option available in higher trims, the Ranger was able to handle light off-road situations such as dirt roads and trails.
Interior Features & Comfort
Though compact, the 1983 Ford Ranger offered essential interior features for its time, focusing more on utility than luxury:
- Dashboard Layout: The dashboard is simple and functional, with easy-to-read gauges and dials. The instrument cluster includes speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and a voltmeter.
- Climate Control: The Ranger features basic ventilation controls with a manual heater and fan system. Air conditioning was available as an optional feature in higher trims, though it was not a standard option in the base models.
- Storage Compartments: There are basic storage compartments within the cab, including a glove box and small pockets on the doors. The compact size means there’s not a lot of extra storage, though the bed of the truck compensates for that with its cargo capacity.
- Seating Configuration: The standard configuration for the Ranger is a 2-3 passenger bench seat, providing a fairly comfortable driving position for the driver and one or two passengers. The seats are manually adjustable, and the material varies depending on the trim, either vinyl or basic cloth.
Body & Design
The 1983 Ford Ranger’s design was functional and straightforward, with no frills:
- Body Type: The Ranger features a classic, boxy design typical of 1980s trucks. The vehicle is a compact pickup, which was popular for urban driving and small business use.
- Exterior Features:
- Bumpers: Chrome bumpers, often with plastic bumper ends, are standard.
- Mirrors: Manual side mirrors with a simple, functional design.
- Lights: Basic halogen headlamps with no advanced lighting technologies like LEDs or HID.
- Cargo Bed: The Ranger’s bed was designed for carrying tools, materials, and other cargo. The short bed version is 72.8 inches long, providing ample space for everyday needs but not as much as larger full-sized trucks.
Safety Features
The safety features in the 1983 Ford Ranger were very basic by today’s standards but were common for vehicles of its era:
- Braking System: The Ranger uses a basic hydraulic braking system with disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. There was no Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was uncommon for trucks of this time.
- Seatbelts: Lap belts were the standard, with no shoulder straps in the rear. This is a safety feature that reflects the era’s less stringent requirements.
- Crash Protection: Like most vehicles of the early 1980s, the Ranger was not equipped with airbags or side-impact protection, as these safety features would not become widespread until the 1990s.
Trim Levels & Variants
The 1983 Ford Ranger was available in different trim levels, offering varying features based on the buyer’s preferences and needs:
- Base Trim (XL):
- Features: Basic amenities such as vinyl seats, manual windows and locks, AM radio, and no air conditioning.
- Target Market: Ideal for work-related use or those seeking an affordable, functional pickup truck.
- XLT Trim:
- Features: This higher-end trim level included added comforts such as better upholstery (cloth seating), more interior chrome trim, a nicer dashboard, and an optional air conditioning system.
- Target Market: Aimed at those who wanted a more comfortable daily driver while still needing the utility of a truck.
- 4×4 Option: The Ranger was available with an optional 4-wheel-drive system, which significantly improved traction and off-road performance. This system was particularly beneficial for those who needed to drive in rural or unpaved areas.
Market Reception & Legacy
The 1983 Ford Ranger was part of the first generation of the Ranger lineup, and it marked Ford’s entry into the compact pickup segment in North America. The vehicle was well-received for its versatility, durability, and lower cost compared to larger trucks. Over time, the Ranger would go on to become one of Ford’s most popular compact pickup trucks, with several generations produced until its discontinuation in 2011.
- Popularity: The Ranger was favored by small businesses, rural communities, and urban drivers looking for a smaller, more maneuverable truck.
- Durability: Known for its robust build, the Ranger earned a reputation for reliability, which helped it maintain strong sales during the 1980s and beyond.
Conclusion
The 1983 Ford Ranger (VIN 1FTCR10A5PUD15252) is a vintage, yet dependable compact pickup truck designed for a practical and straightforward driving experience. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle for light hauling or a daily driver with decent fuel efficiency, the Ranger fits the bill. Its simple design, sturdy build, and reasonable performance made it a solid choice during its time, and even today, classic car enthusiasts and collectors value it for its nostalgic appeal.
The 1983 Ford Ranger with VIN 1FTCR10A5PUD15252 is a classic example of the compact truck segment, offering practicality, utility, and solid performance for its time. Though basic by today’s standards, it was a reliable choice for light-duty work and personal use, with the robust engine options and manual transmission providing a functional driving experience. While lacking some modern features, the Ranger’s simplicity and durability made it a popular option for many years.
If you need any further details or have specific questions regarding the vehicle, feel free to ask!
