In the market for something new...

[flymo]

Hey everyone, first time poster...

Well, after moving to Texas from up north, I have realized that AC is a must down here. My current Ranger, a 96 XL 2.3 manual, has gotten me through a lot over the past 8 years, but it came from the factory without an AC installed. I researched the cost required to install one and figured that it wasn't cost effective considering the age of the truck. I hate to see the truck go, but I need to do something before it gets hot again this summer.

I would like to get a 4x4 manual, preferably a 3.0, and one that isn't super new, so the insurance isn't a killer. I read through the buying a used ranger page, but was wondering if you all had any other tips to consider.

I ran across this listing the other day. The history report looks pretty good, but I am not sure I want a lifted truck with gas prices like they are right now.
Possibility #1

Then I thought the price on this one was pretty good considering the age of the truck, however it seemed almost too low compared to similar trucks.
Possibility #2

Thanks, I sure appreciate any feedback you all have.

 

[michowski]

Both look super clean and in great shape. If I were you I would go for the fx4. Its only 2 grand more and its a more recent vehicle. Already got the nice bumper. I would put leveling springs on the front tho to level it and just drive it. I honestly dont think you could go wrong either way. If you got the 10 grand id go for the fx4

 

[RobbieD]

Yeah, both of those are nice. If you're really not wanting the lift, you might can trade it off or work something out with somebody on the parts in getting the truck back to stock.

 

[odie1969]

I would go for the fx4 do to the fact of the 4dr option. my dad and I have basicly the same truck but I have the 4dr option and he just has a regular extcab. and even he said that is next truck will have the 4dr option just for ease of use. and I don't like using his truck just cause it a pain to get things in and out of the back of the cab. (but his is stock height and get better gas mileage on ski trips)
good luck with either one you get. the both look really clean.

 

[Black'03LevelII]

I may be a little bit partial, but I would get option number 2. I have the exact same truck minus a few thousand miles, and I absolutely LOVE it!

 

[94STXRanger]

They are both nice looking trucks. I would get the FX4 also, but beware of the lifting disease. The other truck is still really nice also. The lift on it wont effect gas mileage. The tire size will. If they are bigger tires, and the axles arent regeared, that is what will effect mileage.

 

[flymo]

Thanks for the advice so far! I just got back from looking at the FX4. I was hoping it would just be a city slicker that had been driving it around town, but the owner had appeared to take it out in the mud on occasion since there was dirt on the inside of the body panels and a little bit of wear and tear. Here is what I noticed with the truck:

-The body and interior were in good shape, though the bottom left instrument cluster light was burned out. The paint looked good.
-The bed had the spray in liner, though it was chipped and peeling in some places.
-The windshield had a 1.5ft crack traveling across the right side.
-It appeared that the truck may have traveled across some pretty good bumps since the rear shocks had approximately 6" wear marks on them. I am not sure if this is stock, but the exhaust curved down to a stop right after the muffler, and didn't travel over the rear axle. It appeared to be wire welded, by an amateur, on the joint after the muffler.
-The bottom cross pipe on the bumper guard was slightly bent.
-The Alcoa wheels were in good shape, with good BFG tires on them.
-The truck drove well, shifted nicely, and has quite the get up and go compared to my 2.3.
-The 4x4 shifted in and out nicely and seemed to work, though I was on pavement so it was a little hard to tell for sure.
-The owner said that he only had to replace the fuel pump in the three years he owned it; he bought the truck from a friend. He had a set of plugs that he hadn't had chance to put in yet. He was selling because he needed a full size automatic truck. He was driving a full size Chevy, and said he was still making payments on the Ranger. The lowest price he was willing to go was 9000.

Sorry, that's a little long, but what do you all think?

 

[Insanejughead]

I say that I'd like to think about trading you my A/C unit almost straight across.

I'm in Missouri and hardly ever use A/C. I feel perfectly fine with just rolling the windows down whenever I need cooling.

The only thing keeping from doing it almost instantly is that I'd like to keep the A/C for when I sell my truck after I get my '85 up and running again.

As far as the new trucks... totally up to you.

 

[RobbieD]

I think you did a good job looking this first truck over. It does sound like it's been rode a little hard. Take a look at the second one, and then more as you find 'em. You'll end up with the right truck, for sure.

 

[flymo]

I say that I'd like to think about trading you my A/C unit almost straight across.

I'm in Missouri and hardly ever use A/C. I feel perfectly fine with just rolling the windows down whenever I need cooling.

The only thing keeping from doing it almost instantly is that I'd like to keep the A/C for when I sell my truck after I get my '85 up and running again.

As far as the new trucks... totally up to you.

Yeah man, the big MO is where I moved from! Just like you, driving around with the windows down was perfectly fine for me up there, but the heat and humidity down here in Houston never lets up. I just wanted to get a jump start on finding something else before it gets hot again this spring.

 

[Insanejughead]

Yeah man, the big MO is where I moved from! Just like you, driving around with the windows down was perfectly fine for me up there, but the heat and humidity down here in Houston never lets up. I just wanted to get a jump start on finding something else before it gets hot again this spring.

Where from? I'm in Warrensburg, but I'm from Cassville.

 

[flymo]

From Palmyra; spent some fun years in the Burg at college though

 

[Insanejughead]

From Palmyra; spent some fun years in the Burg at college though

I don't seem to understand.. I didn't think CMU was that big of a deal.. but apparently ALOT of people go to or have gone to it.

What did you study while there??? And when?

 

[mikhail]

The heat down here is bad, I went without a/c last summer in my b2. Its not fun, I had to cut the roof off because of it.

 

[flymo]

I don't seem to understand.. I didn't think CMU was that big of a deal.. but apparently ALOT of people go to or have gone to it.

What did you study while there??? And when?

Heck yeah, Don't mess with the Mules! Aviation-graduated in May