93 Ranger: to buy or not to buy? 1st ranger, advice appreciated!!!

[wakingtowinter]

So I recently sold my 97 F250 Powerstroke so I can downsize to a smaller vehicle because I don't need to tow anything real heavy anymore. I've been looking at rangers, 2nd and 3rd gen. Don't want to spend more than 2500. I need an extended cab, prefer a manual, and prefer it to be lifted already. This one on craigslist caught my eye and I thought I'd run it by the experts before I go make an important decision. here is the link:

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/1675521306.html

here is the ad text:


1993 Ford Ranger Xl
5 Speed manual
runs and drives good
just put new breaks and wheel bearins on
needs new tires and allignment 3 are good 1 is bad because i put new tires on and never got them alligned so fron right is bald.
3 in body 4 in suspenion lift
second owner of truck
4wheel drive works great
3.0 v6
manual hubs

Dude wants 2500 for it. He told me it has 160k on it and that the previous owner had a new tranny put in 5 years ago. Also said he rebuilt the front end a couple years ago. I don't feel the need for speed too bad and I don't need to tow anything more than a small utility trailer, so I figure the 3.0 would be okay for me. I hear they take can take a beating and easily go upwards of 250k. But from what I've been reading these things also seem to go through trannys every 150k or so. It seems strange that a manual would have to be replaced around 100k (or whatever it was at 5 years ago).

So do people think this is a good deal or should i wait for a 4.0? all i really care is that it goes a long time without major repairs. thanks very much in advance!!

 

[-Nathan-]

id pick it up. Im betting if its going through trannys that fast that it wasnt regeared...may want to consider doing that. And the tires are shot...theres a grand or so.

 

[PaleBlue90]

also consider it has a busted tail light

 

[bmonee5]

maybe the guy wheeled it. Def check and make sure its not leaking really bad or burning any oil or anything. Since it does need tires maybe you could just take the body lift off and still have 4 inches of lift but save money on smaller tires. Either way you go it looks like a nice truck and looks like your either from washington or oregon and i'm from oregon so welcome and good luck!

 

[wakingtowinter]

yep, from washington. i've been looking around here but nothing in my price range that i like, so i figured i'd extend my search into oregon a bit.

yeah i figured i could pick up some decent used 31s or 32s while i get the money for some new 33s

 

[Hopman]

Snag it man!!!

 

[Irokranger93]

lower the price because the scrap tire to $1800 considered affordable

 

[mp3deviant721]

I'd pick that up if I was in Maine. Just for kicks and giggles, see if he will go lower.

 

[adsm08]

lower the price because the scrap tire to $1800 considered affordable

Getting closer. Almost all of that post made sense.

 

[Nhaz]

Take into consideration the tire. On a 4x4 that sees road use alot, the 4 tires really should be the same size. Worn tires on the front and not worn on the rear means the ratio between the front and rear end is going to be slightly off and can cause higher transfer case wear and tear.

So when you go to replace Only the front two tires. the ratio is going to be off again since the fronts now have more tire then the rears.

anyways. in my opinion . 1500 due to having to replace expensive tires+ alignement.

 

[wakingtowinter]

Take into consideration the tire. On a 4x4 that sees road use alot, the 4 tires really should be the same size. Worn tires on the front and not worn on the rear means the ratio between the front and rear end is going to be slightly off and can cause higher transfer case wear and tear.

So when you go to replace Only the front two tires. the ratio is going to be off again since the fronts now have more tire then the rears.

anyways. in my opinion . 1500 due to having to replace expensive tires+ alignement.

assuming he's driving it around in 4x4 on the road, right?. which he better not be doing. I think he means 3 are the same and then the right front is bad because of the misalignment. I'm probably just going to end up replacing them all with 31s or 32s and getting the alignment

 

[Nhaz]

assuming he's driving it around in 4x4 on the road, right?. which he better not be doing. I think he means 3 are the same and then the right front is bad because of the misalignment. I'm probably just going to end up replacing them all with 31s or 32s and getting the alignment

I do know that in normal conditions you don't have the 4x4 on. Where I live, blowing snow covered roads and then dry pavement and back to snow covered isn't unusual. which means for days at a time the 4x4 stays on. Right now of course its nice out and the 4x4 isn't on.

Not my point though. its a reason to reduce the offer on the truck =>

 

[wakingtowinter]

yeah i'd be happy if i could get it for 2k

 

[strvger]

with those big tires, could also be wheel bearings causing the one to go bald. i think i'd figure in some front suspension components in case the lift isn't quite "professional" and there may be issues with it. just a thought.

 

[bmonee5]

have you talked to the guy yet? Any word?