'88 Ranger 4x4 x-cab/$3000..worth it?

[chimpanzee]

I ran into a clean '88 Ranger 4x4 (31" BFG All terrains), 2.9L, automatic, xtra cab. Asking price $3000. Excellent condition. Kelly Blue Book has it for $2450.

What can I expect for city/hwy mpg for the 2.9L/auto combo?

Is the Dana 28 (on the fly 4x4 select switch, prone to problems) a real liability, & should be avoided?

The Dana 28 axle assembly has been known to break under severe off-roading.

Upgrades:

If you have the Dana 28 there isn't much available to upgrade your axle. Powertrax makes the Lock-Rite locker for the Dana 28 and Precision Gear makes gears up to a 4.56 ratio.

I'm aware of the Dana 35 (or Dana 44) TTB upgrade, so I would definitely want this in the future. How much are they, so I could bargain down the price?

Or, just forget about the whole thing & get a '90-'97 Ranger 4x4 (equipped w/Dana 35)?

 

[Sunk]

For that price you could probably pick up a newer Ranger with the 4.0 and D35, but its up to you. I paid $1300 for my truck bone stock, good shape. The autos are just as much of a weak point (if not more) the the front axle one these trucks.

The upgrade to a D35 isn't very hard, you just need the axle, and the front driveshaft from the same truck, or you can get your shaft shortened about an 1".

 

[mhughes165]

mileage will be a large decideing factor on it, i personally love the 80's ext cabs, but 3k is one hell of a asking price for one, i had gotten my old one in great shape for 900