best year pre 90s ranger

[millertime]

Ok heres the scoop. My toyota tacoma has bottom end noise. I want to swap in a turbo diesel but i dont have time or money right now. It still runs but i dont know how much longer.

My buddy has an 88 ranger 2wd 4cl that we did a complet tune up on and i was amazed at the ease and price/availablity for parts.
So here is my question what is the best pre 90 ranger 2wd preferbly 4cyl and why. I see them on craigslist for like 800$ all the time. I'm in diesel school right now so ill be able to do a compreson check and that stuff.

 

[TheTopher]

If you want a four cylinder an 89 would be the best. That was the year they added the dual plug, distributorless ignition system. Easily one of the most reliable motors ever made. The m5od trans was added to the four bangers in 88, I believe. Other guys may have different opinions, but I like that engine and drivetrain combo.

 

[adsm08]

I'd say anything 86 and up is pretty good, just stay away from the autos.

 

[scotts90ranger]

yep, '89 to '92 4 cylinder manual, should get mid 20's for mileage and last forever... the engine management system is pretty simple, no distributor (so no TFI to deal with), not much to go wrong, the 2.3's are known to last a long time... so is the manual tranny