88 BII 2.9 questions

[bagdranger]

Hey guys I already own a 89 ranger with the 2.9 and have only a few problems with it. Now on to my post. I looked at an 88 BII just now and has been sitting for bout 7 years. The guy said that his son drove it and it overheated and quit running. This would be a possible head problem, correct? He only wants 250 for it. Its got the 2.9, 4wd with auto hubs, and auto transbad. Is there any possiblity that its got damage to the block. All I'm hoping to do it put heads on it (if needed) and drive it. Other than that does anyone have anything that they could add to check before this thing hits the road. Thanks in advanced.
-Matt

 

[copperminer2002]

The 2.9 heads had some weak sports in them around the rocker arm pillars. They are prone to cracking when overheated. If it were me I think I would buy it, if the body and running gear is good. Go to the JY and get you some heads. They will usually give you a 30 day warreny on them.

 

[bagdranger]

Well I'm getting it next week. I was yesterday but all the rain were getting here been hard to get it out of his yard. But I figured get it home and drain the oil and see what it looks like and do the same with the coolant. If there's oil and eater mixing I'll pull the heads and get the fluxed for cracks.

 

[87LiftedHigh]

Just a thought but if the truck has been sitting for 7 years then there is probaley water in the oil from condensation building in the crankcase over the years. I would still pull the heads though just to make sure. Better to be safe than sorry. Congrats on your purchase.