97 RANGER 4X4 145K MILES

[GUTS]

Hi all, new here and looking to buy a small truck. An acquaintance is selling his 97 ranger 145k miles. He originally wanted 3500 for it but it needed some work. He was going to sell it to his neice but she backed out due to not having enough money and he offered it to me. Now he wants 5k to recoup what he lost on the repairs. He said the front end was worked on, new front wheel bearings , new differential. I'm going to look at it this week and was hoping someone can give me some ideas on what to look out for.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Look in local Craigslist and Truck Trader to see what small pickups are selling for in YOUR area
Asking prices vary widely by area
(Asking price is not the value of a vehicle, only the buyer can set the value of any vehicle when they pay for it)

Buying a running vehicle from a friend is usually not a good idea, lol
Buying a non-running vehicle is fine, its broke, you both KNOW its broke, no expectations

A 26 year old vehicle WILL breakdown, period

1997 was last year of 2nd generation Rangers
2.3l 4cyl
3.0l V6
4.0l V6
These were the engine options

2.3l SOHC Lima engine was hard to get in 4WD, rare, good reliable engine, low power
3.0l OHV Vulcan engine, very reliable, not a lot of power
4.0l OHV Cologne engine was also reliable but couldn't stand to be overheated, would crack a head, good power

All used the M5R1 manual transmission, bullet proof and reliable
OR
4R55E automatic, good automatic but IT IS an automatic so $$$$ if there is a problem

Rust was the big killer in alot of areas, not a Ford or Ranger issue just in general, underside rear of pickups were especially vulnerable

 

[GUTS]

Welcome to TRS

Look in local Craigslist and Truck Trader to see what small pickups are selling for in YOUR area
Asking prices vary widely by area
(Asking price is not the value of a vehicle, only the buyer can set the value of any vehicle when they pay for it)

Buying a running vehicle from a friend is usually not a good idea, lol
Buying a non-running vehicle is fine, its broke, you both KNOW its broke, no expectations

A 26 year old vehicle WILL breakdown, period

1997 was last year of 2nd generation Rangers
2.3l 4cyl
3.0l V6
4.0l V6
These were the engine options

2.3l SOHC Lima engine was hard to get in 4WD, rare, good reliable engine, low power
3.0l OHV Vulcan engine, very reliable, not a lot of power
4.0l OHV Cologne engine was also reliable but couldn't stand to be overheated, would crack a head, good power

All used the M5R1 manual transmission, bullet proof and reliable
OR
4R55E automatic, good automatic but IT IS an automatic so $$$$ if there is a problem

Rust was the big killer in alot of areas, not a Ford or Ranger issue just in general, underside rear of pickups were especially vulnerable

Thanks for the detailed response! So I live in alaska, it seems like a decent price. The trucks I've seen around here are either over 200k Asking ridiculous amounts or they have reconstructed titles. I'll be taking a look at it in a few days and will post my findings. I do all my own work on my cars so I know a bit but it's always nice getting opinions from people with a wealth of Knowledge.

 

[GUTS]

Welcome to TRS

Look in local Craigslist and Truck Trader to see what small pickups are selling for in YOUR area
Asking prices vary widely by area
(Asking price is not the value of a vehicle, only the buyer can set the value of any vehicle when they pay for it)

Buying a running vehicle from a friend is usually not a good idea, lol
Buying a non-running vehicle is fine, its broke, you both KNOW its broke, no expectations

A 26 year old vehicle WILL breakdown, period

1997 was last year of 2nd generation Rangers
2.3l 4cyl
3.0l V6
4.0l V6
These were the engine options

2.3l SOHC Lima engine was hard to get in 4WD, rare, good reliable engine, low power
3.0l OHV Vulcan engine, very reliable, not a lot of power
4.0l OHV Cologne engine was also reliable but couldn't stand to be overheated, would crack a head, good power

All used the M5R1 manual transmission, bullet proof and reliable
OR
4R55E automatic, good automatic but IT IS an automatic so $$$$ if there is a problem

Rust was the big killer in alot of areas, not a Ford or Ranger issue just in general, underside rear of pickups were especially vulnerable

What's the tapping noise??? It's the 4.0 https://youtube.com/shorts/ZNJxtHZWFcU?feature=share

 

[00t444e]

I would only buy it if it was a 4.0, 5 speed with the manual shift 4x4.

 

[4x4prepper]

If it s a 4x4 with an automatic I would buy it for the $5000. It is what they sell for in Atlanta. A manual around here is worth about $2500 -IF- you can sell it, most manual trucks sell eventually in the $1200-$1800 range. Personally I like the manual transmissions and it would be my first choice, but, if you break a leg or get a knee replacement, maybe it would not be as attractive.

Make sure the front differential (just replaced) and rear differential are the same ratio.

 

[00t444e]

If it s a 4x4 with an automatic I would buy it for the $5000. It is what they sell for in Atlanta. A manual around here is worth about $2500 -IF- you can sell it, most manual trucks sell eventually in the $1200-$1800 range. Personally I like the manual transmissions and it would be my first choice, but, if you break a leg or get a knee replacement, maybe it would not be as attractive.

Make sure the front differential (just replaced) and rear differential are the same ratio.

Manuals sell quicker and for higher prices around here, I would pay more for a manual, they are far more reliable than the autos and you get better control.