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  1979 Ford Courier One Tonner Ute

  A rare 1979 Ford Courier One Tonner Ute that was parked near the river. Taken in Warracknabeal, Victoria in 2015.

  Photo by Five Starr Photos ( Aussiefordadverts) on Flickr

• 

  1979 Ford Courier One Tonner Ute

  A rare 1979 Ford Courier One Tonner Ute that was parked near the river. Taken in Warracknabeal, Victoria in 2015.

  Photo by Five Starr Photos ( Aussiefordadverts) on Flickr

• 

  Ford Courier

  A rarity these days but handy with high gas prices: a 1979 Ford Courier pickup.

  Photo by C. K. Hartman on Flickr

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  '79 Ford Courier Pickup, 1979

  Photo by Cosmo's "ART" Gallery on Flickr

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  1979 Ford Courier Brochure - Australia

  Covers the early Courier Utes that were released by Ford Australia in 1979. There is plenty of these still working away on Farms. Brochure Front Cover.

  Photo by Five Starr Photos ( Aussiefordadverts) on Flickr

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  1979 Ford Courier

  Photo by aldenjewell on Flickr

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  Ford Courier Show Truck, 1979

  Photo by Cosmo's "ART" Gallery on Flickr

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  1979 Ford Courier Ute Ad

  First of the Japanese Courier Utes that Sold very Well in Australia, with Petrol & Diesel Engines Available. Newspaper Advert.

  Photo by Five Starr Photos ( Aussiefordadverts) on Flickr

• 

  1957 Ford Ranchero

  Photo taken in Kungsholmstorg at Gärdesloppet, or Prins Bertil Memorial, Stockholm, Sweden. Drivers: Anders & Sigbritt Bremö. The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced by Ford between 1957 and...

  Photo by PriscillaBurcher on Flickr

• Creating a fortress for pope's visit

  08/21/15, via Bucks County Courier Times (subscription)

  President Gerald Ford, Papal Legate Cardinal James Knox and cardinals and archbishops from around the world took part. Mother Teresa and Bishop Fulton J. Sheen were two of many notables who attended. Bishop Sheen gave an important sermon at the 

• Gordon's debut marred by tragedy

  08/20/15, via Bristol Herald Courier (press release) (blog)

  Alan Kulwicki had authored one of the most unlikely stories in NASCAR history in 1992, becoming the first owner-driver to claim the Cup championship since the legendary Petty pulled off the feat in 1979. Through the first Ford Motor Company public

• 

  Oh, my! Dick Enberg feted in Cooperstown with writer Gage

  07/25/15, via Bristol Herald Courier (press release) (blog)

  COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — The Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasters was presented on Saturday to Dick Enberg and Tom Gage received the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for writers in a ceremony at Doubleday Field. Enberg, a national voice for multiple sports 

• 

  Some Colonel Sanders fans find new KFC ads distasteful

  05/28/15, via USA TODAY

  In 1979, Sanders rolled up in a chauffeur-driven white Cadillac to the Hikes Point KFC. Back then In the month before his death, The Courier-Journal archive shows Sanders still trotting around town, appearing in the white suit for crowds. To take

• 

  KFC puts the colonel back in the chicken

  05/19/15, via USA TODAY

  On the Courier-Journal's Facebook page, reader responses included concern about service to longing for simpler fare. While KFC has declined, the menu has become more complicated, including unpopular grilled chicken. "Someone unlock the vault and get 

• Win some, lose some, tie some

  06/18/15, via Charleston Post Courier

  So imagine my relief when, as the Post-Courier's rookie high school sports beat writer in 1979, I discovered that McKissick wasn't just the hard-nosed coach of a perennial high school football powerhouse. He was friendly, funny and folksy. At 52, he

• 

  Noting Clemson's post-spring depth chart

  05/29/15, via Charleston Post Courier

  starters (seven offense, three defense, one special teams) is the team's fewest since 2007, which also featured 11. According to a Clemson release, it's the first time the Tigers have had only three returning defensive starters since 1979, Danny

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  1979 Ford Courier "my little hot rod" - Tulsa, OK owned by psiborg42 ...
  Image by www.cardomain.com
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  1979 ford courier 79 ford courier 2 0 5sp work in progres
  Image by www.cardomain.com
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  1979 Ford Courier Classic, Runs Great!, Daily Driver, Automatic. on ...
  Image by 2040cars.com
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  Lot # 27921541 1979 FORD COURIER
  Image by www.autobidmaster.com
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  psiborg42’s 1979 Ford Courier
  Image by www.cardomain.com
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  Another 2scpsfrmfrtloops 1979 Ford Courier post...
  Image by www.cardomain.com
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  1979 Ford Courier Rat Rod Truck Runs and Drives Good Tons of New Parts ...
  Image by www.2040cars.com

Noting Clemson's post-spring depth chart - Charleston Post Courier

CLEMSON – Although there were few surprises, Clemson’s post-spring depth chart released Friday adds some clarity to the pecking order when the Tigers break fall camp Aug. As the coaches were well aware, the defense will be full of new faces with only three returning starters: cornerback Mackensie Alexander , free safety Jayron Kearse and nickel back Korrin Wiggins. Goodson , who played strongside linebacker last year, is moving to middle linebacker. Wiggins and Goodson each started six games in 2014. Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd are the listed defensive end starters in place of the departed Vic Beasley and Corey Crawford, while Carlos Watkins and D. J. Reader are filling the void at defensive... Alexander’s new bookend for the time being is Cordrea Tankersley , who was the post-spring starter last year before being supplanted by Garry Peters. The only either-or designation among Clemson’s starters on offense, defense or special teams belongs to strong safety, where T. J. Green and Jadar Johnson are battling to be Robert Smith’s successor. Source: www.postandcourier.com

Longtime attorney, activist Curtis W. Smith dies at 68 - Southgate News Herald

Curtis Wade Smith, an influential and well-respected lawyer around the Downriver and Dearborn area, died Wednesday morning at Henry Ford Hospital. Smith practiced law for more than three decades, handling criminal cases in Downriver district courts and operating the Law Offices of Curtis W. Smith, which he opened in Lincoln Park in 1979 upon graduating from the Wayne State University Law... Smith worked in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office as an assistant prosecuting attorney until his retirement in 2001 and served as the special chief assistant prosecuting attorney 2004-13. The last several years of his life he continued his... Zelenak described Smith as “an intelligent, sharply-dressed lawyer’s lawyer, with a certain flair and sartorial elegance. He began his career with Wayne County in the Health Department and worked as a probation officer until he passed the Michigan State Bar Exam in 1979. He served as a military policeman in the United States Army for two years beginning in 1966.... Source: www.thenewsherald.com

Boyne City man charged in connection with deputy shooting incident - Petoskey News-Review

You can come back at the end of your 30-day period for more free articles, or you can purchase a subscription. Only one obituary column is free during this period, but a higher limit is applied to other articles. If you have a newspaper delivery subscription, you can activate access for free. You can come back at the end of your 30-day period for more free articles, or you can purchase a subscription. Only one obituary column is free during this period, but a higher limit is applied to other articles. If you have a newspaper delivery subscription, you can activate access for free. Source: www.petoskeynews.com

• 1979 Ford Courier Parts & Replacement/Aftermarket Body ...

  Make: Select...AcuraAlfa RomeoAmerican MotorsAudiBMWBuickCadillacChevroletChryslerDaewooDaihatsuDodgeEagleFerrariFiatFordGEOGMCHondaHummerHyundaiInfinitiInternationalIsuzuJaguarJeepKIALand RoverLexusLincolnLotusMazdaMercedes BenzMercuryMerkurMGMiniMitsubishiNissanOldsmobilePeugeotPlymouthPontiacPorscheRolls RoyceSaabSaturnScionSterlingSubaruSuzukiToyotaTriumphVolkswagenVolvo

  Model: Select...300AerostarAngliaAspireB600B700B7000BroncoBronco IICapriClubClub WagonConsulContourCortinaCountry SedanCountry SquireCourierCourier Sedan DeliveryCrestlineCrown VictoriaCustomCustom 300Custom 500CustomlineDel Rio WagonDeluxeE-100 EconolineE-100 Econoline Club WagonE-150E-150 Club WagonE-150 EconolineE-150 Econoline Club WagonE-200 EconolineE-250E-250 EconolineE-250 Econoline Club WagonE-250 Super DutyE-300 EconolineE-350E-350 Club WagonE-350 EconolineE-350 Econoline Club WagonE-350 Super DutyE-450 Econoline Super DutyE-450 Econoline Super Duty StrippedE-450 Super DutyE-450 Super Duty Stripped ChassisE-550 Econoline Super DutyE-550 Super DutyEconolineEconoline Super DutyEdgeEliteEscapeEscortExcursionEXPExpeditionExplorerExplorer Sport TracF SeriesF Super DutyF-100F-100 PickupF-150F-150 HeritageF-250F-250 PickupF-250 Super DutyF-350F-350 PickupF-350 Super DutyF-450 Super DutyF-500F-550 Super DutyF53F59F600FairlaneFairmontFalconFalcon Sedan DeliveryFestivaFiestaFive HundredFlexFocusFord300FreestarFreestyleFusionGalaxieGalaxie 500Gran TorinoGranadaGTGT40LTDLtd Crown VictoriaLtd IIM-400M-450MainlineMaverickMustangMustang IIP-100P-350P-400P-500Park Lane WagonPintoPrefectProbeRanch WagonRancheroRangerSkylinerSprintStarlinerStation BusSunlinerSuper DeluxeTaurusTaurus XTempoThunderbirdTorinoVictoriaWindstarZephyrZodiac

  Year: Select...19821981198019791978197719761975197419731972Other

  Part Type: Select...Air Filters & Intake SystemsBrakes, Suspension & SteeringBumpers & ComponentsCar CareEngine & DrivetrainExhaust Systems & ComponentsExterior AccessoriesExterior Body PartsFenders & ComponentsFog Lights, Driving Lights, Components & AccessoriesGrilles & ComponentsHeadlights & HeadlampsHeating, Air Conditioning & ComponentsHoods & ComponentsInterior AccessoriesMirrors & ComponentsOther Lights, Lighting & AccessoriesRadiators, Cooling Systems & ComponentsTools & GarageWheels & Wheel Covers

  

• Ford Courier - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2012) Ford Courier The most recent model in the Ford Courier series, developed by Ford Brazil and introduced in 1998 Overview Manufacturer Ford Production 1952–2013 Chronology Successor Ford Transit Connect (Europe)Ford RangerFord Ranger (T6) (Europe and Brazil)

  The Ford Courier name has been used on a variety of automobiles produced by Ford since 1952.

  Contents

  1 Sedan delivery (1952–1960) 2 Mazda-based models 2.1 First generation (1971–1976) 2.2 Second generation (1977–1985) 2.3 Third generation (1985–1998) 2.4 Fifth generation (1998–2006) 3 Fiesta-based models 3.1 Europe (1991–2002) 3.2 Brazil (1998–2013) 4 References 5 External links Sedan delivery (1952–1960)[edit] 1956 Ford Courier sedan delivery

  This was a sedan delivery based on Ford's full-size station wagon line. Its model code was designated 78A. It had a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.

  From 1952 to 1956, access to the rear storage area was through a unique door hinged on the side. For 1957 and 1958, the rear access door was a combination of the lift gate and tailgate being connected with two connecting struts. This design meant that the rear-door back glass had to be divided into three sections, two outer curved portions and a center piece.

  In 1959, all Couriers took on the windowed body style very similar to the Tudor Ranch Wagons and their model code was redesignated as 59E. The last year for the passenger car-based Courier was 1960, when it would remain a commercial wagon.

  Mazda-based models[edit] First generation (1971–1976)[edit]

  In the early 1970s, the Ford Courier name was applied to a compact pickup, manufactured by Mazda. It had greater fuel economy than the full-size pickups of the time. The Courier was manufactured by Toyo Kogyo (Mazda), and imported and sold by Ford Motor Company as a response to the unforeseen popularity of the small Toyota and Nissan/Datsun pickups among young buyers in the West.[citation needed] Like the other mini-pickups of the time, it featured a sub-2-liter four-cylinder engine, a four-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, an impressive load capability of 1,400 lb (635 kg) considering its size, and a fairly small price tag compared to full-size pickups of the time. To circumvent the 25% "chicken tax" on light trucks, Couriers (as with Chevrolet LUVs) were imported in "cab chassis" configurations, which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed, and were only subject to a 4% tariff. Subsequently, a truck bed would be attached to the chassis and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck.

  The second-generation Ford Courier sold for a little over US$3,000 when introduced—close to the price of the larger F-100.

  The body styling was effectively that of the related Mazda B-series; however, its front styling was unique, with a grille designed to emulate the larger Ford F-series, and large single headlights instead of the B-series' smaller twin units.

  When the Courier was introduced, it came standard with a 1.8-liter overhead-cam engine, which produced 74 hp (55 kW) at 5,070 rpm, and 92 lbf·ft (125 N·m) at 3,500 rpm. A four-speed manual transmission was standard, and a three-speed automatic was optional (a five-speed manual option came in 1976).

  The Courier's badging changed a few times in the first generation. In 1972 and 1973, the tailgate read "COURIER" in large raised letters, with a small "FORD" badge on the upper left. The 1972s have a small "COURIER" badge on the front of the hood (from '73 on through '76 the hood badging read "FORD"). From the 1974 model year, the tailgate read "FORD" in large letters, with a small "COURIER" badge on the lower right. In 1976, the cab was lengthened by 3 inches (76 mm), and the grille received added trim.[1]

  Second generation (1977–1985)[edit]

  Beginning in 1977, Ford gave the Courier a fresh look, moving into the more blocky, angular styling that is distinct of 1980s automotive design. In 1979, the base model engine was increased in size to 2.0 liters (120.1 CID).

  The truck was available with front disc brakes, as well as a Ford-built 2.3-liter engine option (which was the same as that of the Ford Pinto, Granada, and Mustang II). The key identifying feature of the Courier from the Mazda B-Series was still the singular headlights, although with park and indicator lights placed inset starting in '78 ('77s still had the turn signal lights in the bumper). In 1979, the base model engine was increased in size to 2.0 liters (120.1 CID). The optional Ford 2.3-L (140-cu-in) engine was produced in Brazil. The Courier was never available with a diesel engine in the US. However, the 1980 Mazda B2200 was available with the S2, a Perkins-built 4.135 (four-cylinder, 135-CID) 2.2-liter diesel engine, producing 66 hp (49 kW) at 2,100 rpm. This same diesel engine was available in the 1983 and 1984 Ford Rangers, but it was replaced by the Mitsubishi 4D55T 2.3-liter turbodiesel (also used in Mitsubishi's own Mighty Max and the Dodge Ram 50) for the 1985 to 1987 Ford Rangers.

  The Courier continued to be sold in North America until the model year 1982. For 1983, Ford introduced its own Ford Ranger to fill its compact truck segment in the United States and Canada, effectively replacing the Courier. However, in other markets (such as Australia), this generation of Courier continued on until the 1985 calendar year, when the next generation was introduced. Australian models received a facelift around 1982/1983.

  Electric variants Between 1979 and 1982, a number of electric Ford Couriers were produced – Jet Industries purchased "vehicle gliders" (Ford Courier bodies minus their engines), and put in a series DC motor and lead acid batteries, to produce the Jet Industries ElectraVan 750. These were sold mainly for use as service trucks, generally to local government departments. They had a top speed of about 70 mph (113 km/h), and would go 50 to 60 miles (97 km) on a full charge. A number of these vehicles still exist, usually with upgraded motor control systems and higher-voltage battery packs.

  Third generation (1985–1998)[edit] Main article: Mazda B-Series

  Coinciding with the 1985 redesign of the Mazda of the Proceed/B-Series, the Courier was given a larger, more modern cab. New options included five-speed manual transmissions, four-wheel drive, and a V6 engine. For the first time, extended and four-door cabs were available.

  In a similar fashion to the North American Ford Ranger becoming the donor platform for the Ford Explorer SUV, a sport utility would be based upon this version of the Courier. Branded the Ford Raider (and equivalent Mazda Proceed Marvie), it was sold from 1991 to 1997.

  Fifth generation (1998–2006)[edit] Main article: Mazda B-Series

  In 1998, a new generation of the Courier pickup was released following a redesign of the Mazda B-Series. Unlike the previous generation, the Courier nameplate was sold primarily in Australia and New Zealand. In other markets, the Courier nameplate was phased out in favor of Ranger for all compact trucks, both Mazda-produced and Ford-produced.

  In 2003, Ford would release the Ford Everest mid-size SUV based upon the Courier/Ranger for the Asia and Central American markets.

  Fiesta-based models[edit] Europe (1991–2002)[edit] Ford Courier van (Europe)

  A Ford Courier Van based on the Ford Fiesta was launched in Europe in 1991. Initially based on the Mark III Fiesta platform, it was also produced in the 1995 Mark IV version. It had a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. It was replaced in 2002 by the Ford Transit Connect. However, a minivan based on the Fiesta bearing the Transit Courier/Tourneo courier name was revealed in 2013.

  Brazil (1998–2013)[edit] 2000–2010 Ford Courier pickup (Brazil)

  The name was also applied to a small coupe utility of similar layout produced by Ford in Brazil and exported to countries such as Mexico, but suddenly it was removed to make way for the North American Ford pickups, instead.[2] It is based on the 1998 model of the Ford Fiesta. While its front treatment is the same as the South African-built Fiesta-based Ford Bantam "bakkie" coupe utility, it has a completely different load box. The South African version had the short doors of the five-door hatchback and small quarterlights in the style of larger extended cab pickups, and the Brazilian version had the three-door's longer doors and no quarter windows.

  Its load capacity is 700 kg (1,543 lb). Until 1999, the Courier used the Endura 1.3-liter engine and the Zetec-SE 1.4-l 16v engine. The Mk IV 1.4 16v Zetec-SE has a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph) and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 12 seconds. Since 2000, both engines were replaced by the Zetec Rocam 1.6-liter. The Mk V 1.6 model has top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 10 seconds.

  Its dimensions are 2,830 mm (111.4 in) wheelbase, 4,457 mm (175.5 in) length, 1,793 mm (70.6 in) width and 1,477 mm (58.1 in) height.

  From 2013, the plant in São Bernardo do Campo in Brazil has suspended the manufacturing model for ordinary consumers and business, but Ford has not confirmed that the model was taken from line definitely. It was revealed that the Courier had ended production and possibly replaced by the Ford Ranger (T6).

  References[edit] ^ Yewdall, Zeke.

• 1979 ford courier | eBay

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• Ford Courier pickup

   

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  Under construction. I am adding loads of information from the original sales brocures on the year to year differences between models

  Sales brochures for each yearGeneral discussion about the CourierEngine specsOther specsDetails of Gen1 differencesDetails of Gen2 differences4x4 couriersElectric CouriersDiesel CouriersThe Mazda B-series -- before the CourierThe Mazda B-series -- after the CourierMazda Rotary PickupV6, V8, and other hotrod couriersThe other Ford CouriersCurrent Ford Courier overseasOther options -- flatbeds, stepsides, utility bodies, RV's etc

  The Courier was manufactured by Toyo Kogyo (also known as Mazda), and imported and sold by Ford as a response to the unforseen popularity of the small Toyota and Nissan/Datsun pickups among young buyers in the west.  Like the other mini-pickups of the time, it featured a sub-2 liter four cylinder engine, a four speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive, an impressive load capability considering its size, and a fairly large pricetag compared to full size pickups of the time.  The Ford Courier sold for $3,000 when introduced -- close to the price of an F-100. When it was introduced it came standard with a 1.8 liter overhead cam engine, which produced 74HP at 5000rpm, and 92ftlbs at 3500rpm.  A 4 speed manual transmission was standard. The body styling, especially the front grill, was designed to reflect the styling of the F-series lineup of the time, so it obviously looked like a little Ford Truck. The 1.8 liter (109.6 cu in) overhead cam engine produced 74 horsepower at 5,000rpm, and 92 ft-lbs of torque at 3,500rpm.  It was a long stroke engine (3.07" bore x 3.7" stroke) with a chain driven cam shaft.  It was coupled to a 4 speed manual transmission.  For the first 5 years, this was all that was available. The styling of the Courier's grill was designed to reflect the design of the F-series pickups of the time.  Note the similarities to the 1973 F-100 pictured to the right.

  2nd gen courier -- In 1977 the Courier was redesigned, and a host of new options was available.  They now had front disk brakes, a 2.3 liter engine option, automatic transmission option, a 5 speed manual transmission option.In 1977 a 5 speed manual transmission became available as an option. 1979 the engine was increased in size to 2.0 liters (120.1 cu in) with a xxxxx bore and stroke, producing xx horsepower at xxxx rpm and xxx ft-lbs or torque at xxxx rpm.   In 1977 Ford also added one of their own engines to the lineup -- the 2.3 liter engine (140.3 cu in) that was shared with the Ford Pinto and Mustang II.  The Ford 2.3 liter engine was one of the first all metric engines produced in the US.  An automatic transmission was also an option beginning in 1977. 

  It was now available with an optional 2.3 liter Ford designed engine, the same one that the Ford Pinto used.Mazda also introduced a bigger version of their engine, now 2 liters, and rated at 77HP@4300rpm, and 109 ftlbs of torque@2400rpm.The Courier continued to be sold until 1982, but was also available as a Mazda B2000 now.In 1983 Ford introduced its own Ford Ranger to fill its compact truck segment, and the courier disappeared from North America.

  We need more info on the '77 - '82 couriers.   Guys who own one of these.....? 

  Original Sales Brocures from Ford Couriers

  Click the picture for a hi res pdf file of the brochure

  1972

  1973

  1974 (4.24MB)

  1975

  1976

  1976 4x4 Sasquatch (0.9MB) 

   1977

  1978

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982 (6.3MB)

  Design Details -- Gen 1 Couriers

  Though the basic bodystyle was the same from 1972 to 1976, there are a number of small differences that can often tell them apart.

  In 1972, the tailgate said Ford Courier in large letters

  In 1973 it was changed to say Courier in large letters, with a small Ford badge

  In 1974 it was changed to say Ford in large letters, with a small Courier badge in the upper right side

  Trim levels....

    In 1976 the cab was lengthened by 3 inches (so, if you want a 1st gen courier, but are over 6 foot tall, consider a 76 over a 72-75)

  Hmmmmmmmm

  Design Details -- Gen 2 Couriers

  come on people... give me some info here 

   

  1971 B1600 and  1967 B1500

  The Mazda B-series pickup was actually started in 1961 as the Mazda B1500/Mazda Proceed, with a 1.5 liter engine producing 59HP. In 1966 the body styling was changed, the engine was upgraded to 73HP, and in 1971 a 1.6 liter was introduced. 

  1971 B1600

  1972 Mazda B1600

  In 1972, the body style was changed again, and it was imported to the US for the first time, under license from Ford, as the first Ford Courier. The Ford Courier was much the same as the new B1600, but with a larger 1.8 liter engine, and a different grill.  Interestingly, the B1600 was rated for 1,000kg load (2,250lbs) -- more than 800 lbs more than the Ford Courier which was only rated for 1,400 lbs. The Mazda Rotary Pickup

  From 1974 to 1977 the Mazda version was also available with a 1.3 liter rotary engine producing 146 horsepower  ?? – this version had flared fenders, disc brakes, and another different grill (www.mazdarepu.com) has more information on this truck

  

  Four wheel drive Ford Couriers

  The Ford Courier was never available as an OEM 4 wheel drive version in the US (the Mazda B-series didn’t get 4 wheel drive until 1986). However, there were several companies doing 4x4 conversions of the Ford Courier by adding a transfer case and solid front axle beginning in 1975 . From 1975 to 1979 Northwest ATV in Kelso Washington converted about 1500 Couriers to 4WD, which where sold as the Ford Courier Sasquatch, in the WA, OR, CA, and ID markets only. (Ford Sasquatch brochure).  Other conversions of early 80's Couriers were done by other companies as well.

  These were popular, however when the manufacturers began offering OEM 4x4 versions of their small trucks, the  higher cost of a conversion could not compete.  Toyota introduced a 4x4 truck in 1978, Isuzu in 1979, Datsun in 1980, and Mitsubishi in 1982. 

  Note: Toyota did have a 4x4 pickup truck sold in the US from 1963 to 1967, the FJ-45 landcruiser, with a 6 cylinder engine, but by the 70's they did not have a 4x4 pickup offering in the US.

  

  Diesel Ford Couriers

  The Ford Courier was never available with a diesel engine in the US.  However, the 1980 Mazda B2200 was available with a Perkins 4.135 (4 cylinder, 135 cu in) manufactured 2.2 liter diesel engine, producing 66 horsepower at 2,100 rpm, and xxx ft-lbs of torque at xxx rpm.  This same diesel engine was available in the 1983 and 1984 Ford Ranger, but was supplanted by the mitsubishi 4D55T 2.3 liter turbodiesel for the 1985 to 1988 Ford Rangers.  Overseas, Mazda continued to develope their diesel engines, and the 2007 Ford Courier comes standard with a 2.5 liter turbodiesel engine, producing 110 horsepower at 3,500 rpm, and 200 ft-lbs of torque at 2,000 rpm.   Electric Ford Couriers

  Between 1979 and 1982 a number of electric Ford Couriers were produced -- Jet Industries purchased "gliders" without engines, and put in a series DC motor and lead acid batteries, to produce the Jet Industries ElectraVan 750.  These were sold mainly for service trucks to electric utilities and the like.  They had a top speed around 70mph, and would go 50 to 60 miles on a full charge.  A number of these are still around, usually with upgraded motor control systems and higher voltage battery packs.

    The California Stepside conversion

  A few Couriers were sold without a bed, to allow a chevy stepside bed to be added

  Work Trucks

  Couriers have been available or converted to have utility bodies, flatbeds, and Uhaul box trucks  

  

  V8 Couriers

  Yes, a 302 (5.0 liter) Ford smallblock V8 fits in the engine compartment if you are clever.   A number of Couriers have been hotrodded with V8 engines and new drivelines.   Some people have also put various V6 engines in the Courier

  For more information on hot-rodded couriers, visit here  

  The current Courier -- that's right.  They are still available (till 2007) overseas. More info 

  There are actually four unrelated Ford vehicle lines which have used the Courier name.  More info on the other three is here

  If you have any questions, or information to add to this, please email me at zyewdall at gmail dotcom.

  

• 1979 ford courier pickup | eBay

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• Mike McKinney's 1979 Ford Courier - Stance Works

  -August 11, 2013- Jeremy Whittle

  Photography by Aaron Long.

  Upbringing plays an important role in how individual interests are developed. What you are raised around, like it or not, strongly influences what you end up passionate about, whether it be towards or against. We all develop unique interests and personal taste, but the apple tends to not fall too far from the tree. Mike McKinney's history with Fords begins back in 1986 when he acquired a 1st generation Ranger, a chassis that he still owns to this current day. However, that is not the truck that sits before you.  Mike loved his Ranger, and still does, but he always had a desire to build something a bit less common, and the Ford Courier caught his eye early on. He looked for one on and off, no easy task in West Virginia where most cars are plagued with rot, but time went by and the intensity of the search died off, into nothing more than a passing thought, until one afternoon where luck was on his side.

  

  A little over 9 years in total after the search began, he came across a Courier sitting in front of a local house with a for sale sign attached. Mike immediately pulled off to look at the car, and as he approached and saw a clean chassis and a modest asking price of just $500. He knew this was the one. He rushed up to the gentleman’s door and  informed him that the truck was sold, and to please wait for him while he ran to a local ATM, barely leaving the owner time to ask “you don’t wanna hear it run first?”. Mike knew this was the truck he needed, running or not. But as chance would have it, it was $500 well spent; the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder motor purred right along, allowing him to drive the truck home. Ecstatic that he had finally found “the one”, Mike worked out a plan for the path the truck would take that was modest, but a long time coming.

  

  The first thing to tackle was, of course, how to get the car friendly with the pavement. Considering this was still going to be used daily as a parts runner, air suspension was chosen. Getting a truck to lay out isn’t as simple as most unibody cars, and requires more than simply bolting in a made to order strut kit. That said, the front of the Courier is straightforward, requiring only custom made brackets for the bags to allow the front of the truck to sit down. Mike, knowing the Ford would see daily use, fabbed up custom shock mounts, and utilized shocks, something that is not always done in the mini-truck community.

  

  To follow, Mike had to take care of the ball joint angle at a lower ride height. Mike accomplished this by taking 20 degrees out of the control arm angle by the simple but effective method of putting a pie cut into the control arm and bending it downwards, followed up by the re-welding of the control arm in its new form. This allowed the truck to cruise along happily at very low ride heights without the strain and premature wear that comes from running ball joints towards the end of their range of motion.

  

  The front end of the truck was now situated, leaving the task of getting the rear to join suit. This is where things start to get complicated compared to the cars most of us are familiar with; the rear of the truck uses a solid axle. With the stock frame, the main issue isn’t the wheels and tires hitting the fender; but rather the axle hitting the frame well before the rear is able to lay out. The solution lies in notching the rear portion of the frame up a hearty 5 inches. Unlike the semi circle notches cut into the frame of cars like Volkswagens that allow a FWD/AWD car’s front axle another inch or so of contact free travel, a truck notch involes cutting out an entire section of the frame and moving it up 5 inches. This is a complicated task and a big undertaking to say the least, but running a metal fabrication shop made the task manageable. Mike wanted a smooth ride out of the truck and went with a 4 link setup to re-attach the axle to the modified frame. The bags in the rear were mounted directly to the link, and again, he created custom brackets to mount a shock to ensure a comfortable ride. The last step was raising the floor of the truck bed to be able to clear the new frame and axle setup, which now were well into where the bed originally resided.

  

  Control over the air ride was done in the tried and true old school fashion of two Viair 480 compressors hooked up to a 5 gallon tank, and management via a pair of 3/8” manual switches. As Mike lightheartedly put it, “no side to side bullshit.” He was building with a purpose. The truck was now sitting how he wanted; however, it left Mike with a shop truck that had a storage-impaired bed. To remedy this, a hitch was installed and sees use quite often, something that is refreshing to see. Mike related “It is so funny to see the looks on people faces when a 46" tall truck pulls a trailer with 1,500 lbs of firewood," a necessary task as the firewood is used to heat his shop throughout the winter. Mike also swapped out the truck's 3-speed automatic for a 5-speed manual, one of his favorite “mods.” He boasts that the little 2.3 will now cruise along happily at 75mph.

  

  Mike is passionate about his Courier, and it shows in both his enthusiasm towards it and the end result of the truck. It makes a great moving billboard for his metal fabrication shop, and you can tell he truly enjoys driving it around daily as his shop runner. While individual tastes change, and there is the constant urge to move on to bigger and better, or simply new things, it is admirable to see a long-time dream carried through. Good things come to those who wait rings true, and you can tell through his excitement regarding the Courier that Mike is pleased he did. It may not be a show-stopper, or the next big thing, but it is exactly what he wanted to build, and in the end personal satisfaction is far more enjoyable than the praise of others.

  

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