Buying '96 4cyl. 4x4

[Evilfungi]

Hey everyone,

Long story short: Looking at a '96 4 cylinder 4X4 XL with 130,000 on it. Clean history report. Seller asking $1995.

Is there anything specific I should be looking for when I drive it today?

I know to check the usual used car stuff, but is there anything specific with this model?

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[metalmacguyver]

Look at the rear leaf spring hangers, they have a tendancy to rot out, other than that if everything is in decent condition, thats a fair price for the truck.

FYI, 4cyl 4x4s are hard to come by.

 

[JohnnyO]

The 2.3-2.5 four-banger will basically run forever if decently maintained.
I'd advise putting a new timing belt on just as a precaution if there is no evidence that it has been changed already, but otherwise I wouldn't worry about it.
I used to have a 2.3L Mustang, I did have to get new valve seals at one point. I bought it new and had it for 11 years and 130,000 miles, no problems other than the valve seals and a water pump.
ALL four-banger 4x4's have a 5-spd stick and 4.10 gears. Factory limited-slip was not available on the 4 cyl. Decent on gas but very slow.

 

[Timo99]

sounds like a good deal, but, before taking it on any long trips, you need to check everything first, and like metalmacguyver said, check the leaf springs.

 

[Evilfungi]

Awesome, Thanks so much for the information guys. I will pay extra attention to the hangers.

 

[Evilfungi]

I looked it over and drove it.

Brand new clutch and starter. Underbody & leaf spring hangers in good shape.

4 low & high grab good.

Rubber = slicks at this point.

Noisy water pump, evidence of rear dif leak, original plug wires(probably plugs too), full of steering fluid but whines when making semi-tight turns, and by the looks of it the original u-joints as well.

Looks like someone put a pissed off, chain-smoking raccoon with a switchblade in the cab and then insulted its mother...twice.

Thinking of offering $1300 of the original $1995

Thoughts?

 

[metalmacguyver]

If the interior is that bad and it needs a water pump and other work like ujoints, that is a fair start, offer 1300 negotiate with him and maybe meet at 1500.

 

[Mechanickid]

ALL four-banger 4x4's have a 5-spd stick and 4.10 gears.

Not mine I have a 85, 4x4, 4cyl, 5 speed tk and it has 3:45 gears we call them airplane gears around here cuz It flys.