89 4x4 vs 2000 4x4, Which one is better?

[bossbob]

Looking for opinions on the 4x4 set up on these trucks. My son and I looked at a couple trucks yesterday.

Truck #1 is a 1989, V6, 5spd, 4x4, it has a solid front axle and lifted quite a bit with 33" tires. This truck looks like a beast, 4x4 only has 4 wheel low and does not have a 4 wheel high, is this correct for this year. Seller want $2000 for it.

Truck #2 is 2000, V6, 4x4, auto, it has the 2 half shafts in the front. Also, lifted with 32" tires. This truck looks a little bit more streetable. This truck has a switch on the dash for 4 wheel high and low. Seller wants $4000.

I'm looking for my son's 1st car and reliability is part of the equation, but he is looking for something for off road. Both trucks have the fiberglass fender kits.

I guess I'm looking at which system would be better, I'm thinking the solid axle would be better but this truck looks like it's going to be more of a project than I'm looking for. It is somewhat cut up, electrical is in poor shape meaning gauges don't work, fuse box is hanging down, lights need attention, etc.

The 2000 is in better shape but also needs some tlc. Is there anything wrong or weak on this 4x4 system.

Thanks for any input.

 

[RonD]

1989 is modified if it has solid axle up front and should have 4high so that is odd
'89 will be the 2.9l V6 good reliable engine, transmission will be Mitsubishi FM146 which was just OK, could have problems

2000 may have Pulse Vacuum hubs(PVH) up front, these need to be changed to AVM manual hubs
3.0l Vulcan or the 4.0l OHV were V6s in 2000 Rangers
4.0l OHV is the better one to have, but both were reliable
Automatic will be 4R44E(3.0l) or 4R55E(4.0l), good for automatics but Manual is better, IMO

Later model year should have less problems and parts easier to come by for the problems you encounter
Also while the larger tires are nice MPG is a real concern for "1st car", lol, gas money can be hard to come by

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Both trucks are heavily modified.

I would pass on the late model trucks (98+) if you want a prerunner type truck.

Also if you want to use it as a prerunner truck a leaf sprung SAS probably isn't the best way to go either. 4low only isn't right. If it has electric 4wd it probably has an issue somewhere.

 

[heavy breather]

I agree with RonD.

Unless you are willing to commit to completely re wiring the older one with a new aftermarket wire harness. Finding a good used one that actually matches the truck will be a tall order. New aftermarket will be the best/fastest way to clear up all the electrical issues. Other wise you could spend months and hundred of dollars chasing each problem down. I don't know for sure that its will be that bad since I cant look at the truck my self, but that's what I would plan on.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Who's paying for it?
For a first vehicle I'd vote for a stock rust free 4x4 of any vintage. Let your son pay for the upgrades, either he does them himself or he pays someone to do them. He'll learn about true ownership, costs and benefits.

 

[97RangerXLT]

I would run far and fast from the 89, and be leary of the 2000. I agree with heavy breather and alwaysfloored. As an inexperienced driver. Let him get used to a stock truck and gain experience in driving and wrenching before any mods that change the center of gravity or handling characteristics.

A properly running stock 4wd will also give him a better chance at troubleshooting any issues of the mods he puts on it. He won't have to worry if it is his work or the previous owners mods that are causing him problems.

After trying to chase down the previous owners mod failures, those two are good candidates for him to say "screw it Dad, I'm getting a Honda". You don't want that on your conscience do you?

AJ

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[stmitch]

The 2000 appears to have had the front end converted to lights/grille/hood/etc from a newer truck. This could've been done for cosmetic reasons when the fiberglass fenders were added, but it's also common to do if the front end has been damaged in a collision. Check it over thoroughly if you're considering it.

I'm leaning towards agreeing with the other posters though. Heavily modified might be cool in the parking lot, but it's not the most reliable or fuel efficient, and I'd have trouble handing the keys toeither one of those to my 16 year old kid. Could get in over their head really quickly in either one of them, because they both look more capable than they probably are in reality.

Buy him something cheap and safe, with low running costs. Either of those trucks is going to drink gas silly fast. Big tires are expensive to replace, and they go through brake parts faster too. Blah blah blah. It's probably going to get wrecked to some degree anyway, why spend money on something fancy before he values it?

 

[Shran]

The 2000 would be OK, but define "needs some TLC." As long as whatever has been done is mostly cosmetic on that one, I say go for it, but major issues would be a dealbreaker.

Dunno on the '89. It looks cool. T-case may have some issues if it only goes into 4 Low, that seems awful weird. Cut up wiring, probably a 2.9 engine and FM146, probably a Dana 30? and 7.5... just full of mediocre parts. Owner probably knows it's a basket case and is tired of spending money on it. I'd buy it for $500 as is but that's about it.

 

[Denisefwd93]

It's not rocket science.. but I went for an older Ranger (93) on purpose. Less.. way less electronic
stuff"

 

[bossbob]

Thanks for all the input, the 89 is out for sure. The 2000 is in the running, but I like the advice of looking for something a little more stock. That way when we do any work, I'll know it's done right.

I'll keep looking for now.

 

[heavy breather]

I just picked up my 2003 4.0 5speed man extra cab for $3,800. I had to stay on top of the want adds to find it for that price, but it was a bone stock truck with 150k on it. Around here they were listed between 5k and 8k depending on private seller vs a dealer.

I'm not sure what the market for rangers is like where you are at, but with some patience and diligence you can find a good deal on one.


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[RonD]

Amen to that ^^^^

And you have to be quick when you do see a deal.
Independent used vehicle dealers that specialize in certain types of vehicles will buy up a "good deal" quickly, they don't want the lower priced vehicle seen because it devalues their vehicle inventory
Kinda like "price fixing", lol.

 

[heavy breather]

The guy had it listed for $3,500, I asked if I paid $3,800 would he hold it for me until I could drive the 3 hours to go get it. He agreed to hold it for me. He said he got over 90 calls that night on it.

Until I had the keys and title in hand, I was expecting a scam of some kind.