2.3 5spd vs 3.0 automatic

[rusty ol ranger]

2.9 FTW

 

[00t444e]

Typical , as how a 4.0 person would say..

Your not abke to construct proper criticism here, go be constructive elsewhere. This not a trash talk here about the 3.0 or another 3.0 vs 4.0 debate. If I wanted a 4.0 I would buy one. I seriously despise that engine. This is I asking about the ones I asked about.

That was already answered, get the 2.3 5 speed.

 

[Blmpkn]

If A/C is of extreme importance and you still want an enjoyable driving experience.. and im sad to say this.. id probably look for a 3.0.

Turning the air on in a 2.3 makes it feel like a 1.6 in my experience.

 

[stmitch]

Trucks that I've owned:
95 2.3L/5spd
00 3.0/Auto ---> converted to manual
01 2.3L Duratec/5 spd

I know you're focused on earlier trucks, but those might be difficult to find in decent shape, and in my opinion you'd get a nicer driving truck by looking a few years newer.
98+ regular cabs got:
- Slightly longer cabs provide a bit more legroom (I'm 6'1" and the extra 2-3" is a big deal)
- SLA front suspension (superior geometry that rides better and is easier to work on)
- rack and pinion steering (lighter, simpler and better feel than a box)
- Larger disc brakes in many cases

If you prefer the Lima engines, 98-01 got a displacement bump to 2.5L. Personally I'm a big fan of the 01+ Duratec 2.3L though. They're super efficient, clean, and have been very reliable. My 01 truck returned 30mpg highway in the warm months, and 26ish in the cold months.

An early 90s truck is going to be ~30 years old now. Wiring, sensors, fluids, gaskets, rubber seals on the body, etc are all going to be old and finnicky even if they still work. For a daily driver that's supposed to be comfortable to use and not a headache to live with, I'd choose 01+ duratec/5spd trucks all day, every day over the options you mentioned.

 

[scotts90ranger]

If they made a Duratec with twin I beam suspension I would have gotten one, couldn't talk myself out of TIB when I ended up with my '97, I'm very familiar with the Lima engines though... being a '97 I got two piston calipers, only one air bag, still a speedo gear so tire changes aren't a big deal...