Which Ranger should I buy?

[Ranger_XL]

1995 Ford Ranger Regular Cab XL -- 3.0 Vulcan V6, 5-Speed, Manual Transmission, 4×4 with Manual-Transfer Case and Manual-Locking Hubs, Manual, Window Cranks, 184k Miles, $2,900

1996 Ford Ranger Regular Cab XL -- 2.3 Lima I4, 5-Speed, Manual Transmission, 4×4 with Manual-Transfer Case and Manual-Locking Hubs, Manual, Window Cranks, 160k Miles, $2,000

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

My personal inclination would be the I4 for slightly better fuel mileage. The 4x4 I4 is somewhat rare but that doesn't up the value any.

 

[4x4junkie]

Both seem like good deals to me. The 2.3L 4x4 trucks are rare birds.

The 3.0L truck will have a better front axle under it (larger differential & gears with more aftermarket options available), though the one under the 2.3L truck can also easily be swapped with one from another truck. The 3.0L will also have better power, but of course with a small MPG penalty.

Welcome to TRS.

 

[r1ch999999]

I had a 95, nothing but electrical issues. It was a 2.3 4x4 regular cab. I think it had a lift as my tailgate was higher than most f150s. If it wasn’t for the electrical issues I would have kept it longer.

I’d get the 4cyl

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

What are you doing with the winner?

 

[sgtsandman]

1995 Ford Ranger Regular Cab XL -- 3.0 Vulcan V6, 5-Speed, Manual Transmission, 4×4 with Manual-Transfer Case and Manual-Locking Hubs, Manual, Window Cranks, 184k Miles, $2,900

1996 Ford Ranger Regular Cab XL -- 2.3 Lima I4, 5-Speed, Manual Transmission, 4×4 with Manual-Transfer Case and Manual-Locking Hubs, Manual, Window Cranks, 160k Miles, $2,000

It depends on what you are going to be using it for. If just on the street, the 2.3 will be fine.

Also, which one is in better shape? There is a lot of unanswered things behind all this.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

+1 on what are you going to use it for.

Do you plan on any towing with it? Will you be going on any hunting trails with it? Which one has less rust?

 

[racsan]

Id go with the 4 cyl. Its a little less money & has less miles, newer body too. compare normal problem areas like rear spring hangers and front core support, cab mounts. neither is a bad choice but the 4 cyl would be my choice if both are in good shape rust-wise.

 

[wildbill23c]

As much as I'd like to say get the one with the V6, I'd really go for the 4 cylinder 4x4...don't see them around very often.

 

[Dirtman]

Not that much difference in power between the 3.0 and 2.3...

I'd go for the 4 cylinder as well, cheaper and less miles. Given the condition of the two trucks is fairly even in other aspects (rust).

 

[Ranger_XL]

I have a 2003 F-250 Super Duty Super Cab with a 6.8 V10, ZF6 (6-Speed, Manual Transmission), 4×4 with Manual-Transfer Case and Manual-Locking Hubs, and XL Trim (Window Cranks, Vinyl, Bench Seat, and Vinyl Flooring). Any towing, hauling, or otherwise heavy moving could be accomplished with that; seeing as I am daily-driving a V10, I am looking for a truck strictly to commute to work roundtrip (16 miles) and to accomplish local errands on the weekends while still having the option of four-wheel drive if needed. Towing, driving in inclement weather, general driving for pleasure, and camping trips with the wife would be done with the F-250. The 2.3 Lima 4x4 is in excellent shape admittedly; however, I have also found RWD examples with all three of the engine options (2.3 I4, 3.0 V6, and 4.0 V6), but I figured the 4×4 is worth the slight penalty in MPG rating, as it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

[Josh B]

I have a 2003 F-250 Super Duty Super Cab with a 6.8 V10, ZF6 (6-Speed, Manual Transmission), 4×4 with Manual-Transfer Case and Manual-Locking Hubs, and XL Trim (Window Cranks, Vinyl, Bench Seat, and Vinyl Flooring). Any towing, hauling, or otherwise heavy moving could be accomplished with that; seeing as I am daily-driving a V10, I am looking for a truck strictly to commute to work roundtrip (16 miles) and to accomplish local errands on the weekends while still having the option of four-wheel drive if needed. Towing, driving in inclement weather, general driving for pleasure, and camping trips with the wife would be done with the F-250. The 2.3 Lima 4x4 is in excellent shape admittedly; however, I have also found RWD examples with all three of the engine options (2.3 I4, 3.0 V6, and 4.0 V6), but I figured the 4×4 is worth the slight penalty in MPG rating, as it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Haha, I think you just answered your own question

Welcome to TRS btw

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sounds like the 4 banger truck is a steal...

Welcome to TRS...

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Thanks for giving us all the info.
I'd definitely say go for the 4 banger. It'll be perfect.

 

[Dirtman]

If you ever have future plans to get more power. In all honesty the 4 cylinder has more upgrades available and cheaper than the 3.0. The 2.3 lima has a HUGE race following with parts. But you say you just want a DD that gets mileage and can still offroad. With the right gears (which it should already have) it's gonna be your best friend.

The 3.0 is a great reliable engine but it's not powerful and has an odd powerband for a truck. It does have more hp and torque than the 2.3 but it makes it at way higher rpm.