Thoughts on 1984 Ford Ranger 2.2 Diesel?
 

I found a 1984 Ford Ranger 2.2 Perkins diesel for sale near me. Body is in rough shape, motor runs good and the original 4-speed manual has been swapped for a newer 5-speed from an RX-7. They’re asking $1500 obo. Would this be a decent buy for a project, or do you think parts availability and sourcing a new bed and hood would outweigh any benefits?

I don't know your situation, but I'd consider the 'obo'.

Hoods can be had. You could pitch the bed and build a little cedar (boat-tailed) cabin.

I'd say if you have a need for a pickup, that is a decent enough deal.
You could make a nice little flatbed with sideboards as needed, if a bed is not available locally.

Do it. Do it now.

The running perkins alone is worth the 3X price, parts are universal across the entire ranger line and just bolt into existing holes. Only difference will be the stylised body panels on transition model years

Tons of blown motor body's available, look for AOD /auto trannies since they fail very often and are expen$$ive to repair.

Even though this engine is a Perkins design, yet AFAIK made only by Mazda, it's worth to remind it's not exactly the same as the newer 400-series engines. But anyway, if I had the chance I'd be tempted to pick it.

$1,500 is fire sale pricing.

First and last update: I decided I absolutely needed this thing and was driving out with cash in hand to buy it... and got a Facebook marketplace update that it sold. Called to confirm- what a bummer. On the bright side, I’m currently at a hotel in Green Bay about to go pick up a nice D15Z1 from a parts yard for like $200.

Give up on that idea and sell it to me