Here We Go

[rusty ol ranger]

Looks like a really nice solid survivor truck.

Neither of my 87's had a check engine light. They had a space for one though. I believe theres a way to add one in the empty spot but im not sure how.

The biggest thing with the 2.9 is keeping it cool. One slight overheat is enough to crack a head. If it happens its not the end of the world though. But if you ever suspect it dont drive it untill you verify/fix, otherwise youre liable to toast the bottom end.

2.9's also like to tick. As in lifter tick. Its not really a cause for concern unless it comes along with other issues.

Once he gets it out and starts driving it he'll like it, IMO the 2.9/5sp trucks are the most fun to drive. They got good giddyup and they are pretty hard to kill (as long as they stay cool )

If youre worried about smogging/codes spend the 30 bucks on the innova EECIV reader. It makes code pulling dirt simple.

Welcome to TRS

 

[19Walt93]

Whatever you plan to do to the truck has already been done by someone here- ask questions and you'll get answers, often with some free smart assed comments. Welcome aboard.

 

[superj]

Super cool first truck.

There is so much cool stuff he can do with that

 

[Brain75]

with the eagle eyed looking at the intake and deciding it is a 2.9L (I agree btw) and someone else commenting they like to crack the heads if they overheat (it is true), I'm going to throw out one of the first, easiest, and cheapest "upgrades" to double the insurance against cracking heads and hopefully keeping it on the road longer. Look into the 4.0L explorer with AC style radiator swap (just search here on TRS) - it is a double thick radiator that cools a lot better... it is on my 1st thing to do for myself now as well. $50 spent at the junkyard to save hundreds from rebuilding the top end someday...