Kind of torn between two lovers...

[Mark_88]

I have to make a decision...I have two trucks and need to sell one and having difficulty deciding...just wanted some input...

First Truck- 88 Ranger -- completely rebuilt but doesn't run right yet...may need carb...tranny has nearly 400,000 on it but worked well...engine is 2.3 with about 150,000 on the short block and a rebuilt head...new brakes including parking cables...most everything is new...

Second Truck 95 Suzuki Sidekick -- had it since 137,000 and now has over 300,000 but runs like a top...needs rear brakes and shocks and front struts as well as some front end work from an accident...very little rust but starting to show here and there...

Thanks for any input...

 

[OilPatch197]

The Suzuki hands down! (I assume it is a 4wd, those Suzuki's got amazing gas milage)

 

[Maverick]

I'd be hard pressed to get rid of the Zuk because of the fuel injection and better fuel mileage.

 

[kunar]

yeah, i agree. sounds like you need to keep the zuk. and getting this kind of response on a ranger forum should really say something too.

 

[Mark_88]

Thanks for the input so far...the poll actually shows the Ranger as favorite to keep, but the comments are what counts...

I should also have mentioned that the Zuk insurance is double the Ranger...and the Ranger doesn't require extensive Drive Clean due to its' age and the fact that it is considerered a 'rebuilt' vehicle...and it's been 'frame-off' restored with very little rust even on the cab corners...

But the gas mileage is way better on the Zuk...and I've changed the oil every 5 or 6k and maintained the vehicle well...including replacing transmission fluid, complete exhaust system and new windshield...

I don't need to go far for the next eight months or so, but will probably have to commute upwards of 1,000 K a week after that...unless I can find work locally...

I've been leaning towards the Zuk all along but I'm afraid I will loose a LOT of money on the Ranger...and the Zuk is a small vehicle (that can be good of course)...

I will look for some more input...but so far it's keep the zuk in the comments and keep the Ranger in the poll...hmmmm...

 

[inferno94]

Although the 4wd isn't necessary it's nice for winter driving especially in your area. Is the suzuki a convertible? If so that adds to summer cruising coolness.

 

[OilPatch197]

You COULD probably try to sell the suzuki at a "premium price" because of the fuel milage, but I would think you would save more if it was your daily driver.

I like Fords however. My '87 gets 25mph with a 2.0L. with a "old Fart" fiberglass topper.

 

[almostclueless]

What is wrong with you people?


BTW, the ranger not being injected is almost moot; it's engine is rebuilt. Engines that need replacing kinda blow the gas mileage savings out of the water.

 

[Ranger44]

I'd really have to lean towards the zuk myself. Gas mileage, 4x4 etc.

If you ever wanted to upgrade, modify, etc. the zuk has a bit more aftermarket support. And it'd still get better mileage.

Even though I love my Rangers, a fuel injected vehicle is a better choice.

 

[AllanD]

2.3 with a carb?

Was the Ranger originally a 2.0?

Frankly, I'd sell the Zuki and retrofit EFI onto the Ranger.

also most Rangers that were originally 2.0's were geared with
either 3.08's or 3.45's and that gearing is not best for maximum
fuel mileage on a 2.3 engine'd 2wd Ranger.

Besides the differences in mileage which is likely a wash
because of the higher price of insurance on the zuki.

And frankly in the event of a collision I'd rather be in a Ranger than in a Zuki.

AD

 

[Mark_88]

Thanks again everyone.

A bit more background...The Ranger was originally a 2.0 Standard cab...upgraded the head/intake/carb to a 2.3/motorcraft 5200...had a hole in one piston...upgraded to 2.3 short block that had 140,000 original Km on it...

I found the cab was rusted out at the firewall and door supports so I bought a complete 2.9 (motor was baffed) Automatic with the extended cab...was going to put the cab on the first Ranger...once I saw how much work that would require I removed the 2.9 and had the frame and underside of the cab and firewall sand blasted and prime painted...dropped the 2.3 into it with my new clutch and manual M5OD tranny...replaced all cab mounts with new OEMs...replaced front shocks...new gas tank (no fuel pump)...replaced all brake lines, flex hoses, and brake cylinders...

The gears in the new Ranger are 3.73 and it should be not too bad on gas but I'm hesitant to go FI for a few reasons...1) intank fuel pump...2) wiring harnesses and sensors (I went with the carb because it was very simple) and 3) intake/TB/return fuel lines and all the other bells and whistles that are required to make it work properly.

The Suzuki size is a consideration because three times in the last two winters I was nearly wiped out (by bad drivers) during bad weather. I know that size doesn't matter when something big enough hits you...but having a bit of a buffer there is more comforting.

I've used the 4x4 feature on the Zuk exactly 4 times in three years...and probably could have gone without it. I do engage it regularly just to keep it working...and have replaced on front drive shaft (the other was pending). It is also automatic (my first since I was 16) and I must say I do like not having to shift gears while commuting.

Still looks like the Ranger is the better bet...

Thanks again for all the replies...will leave it open for more input...still undecided...

 

[AllanD]

Conversion to EFI isn't all that difficult.

I did the entire job on an '84 in a day and a half.

And no I didn't have a complete donor vehicle, but
I knew what was needed and had it all in (literally)
three milk crates.

but if you don't want to get involved...

AD

 

[feellnfroggy]

zuk's are hard to find in 4x4 and good cond, makes it a keeper. HOWEVER you will get alot more for the suzuki and put less money into the ranger from here on out.


besides auto's suk....

 

[Mark_88]

Conversion to EFI isn't all that difficult.

but if you don't want to get involved...

AD

I had the chance to go FI because the 2.9 had everything there...but the engine was crap and I had everything for the 2.3 carb setup...I've often thought about it and it's still an option...maybe later though...

zuk's are hard to find in 4x4 and good cond, makes it a keeper. HOWEVER you will get alot more for the suzuki and put less money into the ranger from here on out.

True...and the Ranger does have more carry capacity...

BTW, the ranger not being injected is almost moot; it's engine is rebuilt. Engines that need replacing kinda blow the gas mileage savings out of the water.

Yes, that's my main concern...the head was recently rebuilt and the bottom end is nearly new...

You COULD probably try to sell the suzuki at a "premium price" because of the fuel milage, but I would think you would save more if it was your daily driver.

The main reason I got the Zuk was for the gas mileage...the only thing I don't really like is the 40 litre gas tank...only gets 400Km and that's about two days commute to Toronto from Barrie...but I'm sure there are larger tanks that can be put in...

I miss driving the Ranger though...even with all it's problems on the first one it was nice to drive a pickup truck...

 

[skippy]

this the little voice in your head,keep the ford,keep the ford,keep the ford.

oh yeah,btw keep the ford.