96 vs 99 ranger help!

[kcarsey]

Hey guys I'm a new poster here, been lurking for quite a while though and am starting to post here on the forums more. I have a delima at the moment. I have a 1999 ranger xlt 4x4 4.0 auto. I really like this truck but have thought I had always wanted a 97 or earlier for the ttb front end. I just found a guy near me with a 96 xlt 4x4 4.0 auto for sale for $500. Its a nice looking truck. Where it gets complex is that I am planning a 5.0 swap from a 99-01 explorer into my current truck along with a body lift and possible conversion to front coil covers. I don't like the way the lifts are designed for the 98+ rangers so I decided I would change over to coil covers and get 1.5-2 inches from that, add upgraded CV axles and call it a day. I plan on running 33x10.50 on this truck. So bottom line should I buy the 96 with blown up motor for $500 and go that route, or keep what I have and mod that. Either truck I decide on it will be getting a 5.0 swap and it seems the swap would be easier on my 99.

Any and all opinions/advice appreciated.

By the way was not sure if this should be in general or 4x4 so I'll start here.