Looking at a '97

[Am4wag]

Wrecked my '90,and am looking to replace it.What a good little truck it was.
2WD,2.3,A/T,no rust.I just ran across a '97 2WD,4 cyl.,5-speed.140,000 miles and seems to be in really good shape.Anything I should look for or anticipate with the "97 4 cyl.,5-speed?

 

[adsm08]

Mechanically the 97 is almost the same as your 90 was. It has upgraded front brakes, 2 piston capilers instead of the 1 piston.

 

[straycat]

Try to find a V6 if you can. I had a 4 cylinder once and I got rid of it in less then a year!! A V6 is really the only way to go if you want to pull something or load up the bed. 97-99 is a great year for 2wd or 4wd. There are so many out there for sale in great shape for great prices.


Good luck!!!

 

[straycat]

One of my buddies wants to buy this 98 Ranger he found on Cragslist in Florida. I am going to look at it tomorrow with him. A long ways to drive, but he is driving me there to look at it. He is going to make a cash offer tomorrow and buy it if it is as nice as it seems to be. Hope it is nice since he wants this so bad.....



http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/ctd/2091089829.html

 

[adsm08]

I have an S-10 that physically speaking is much the same truck that the OP is looking at. Power to weight ratios are about the same, both 2wd 5 speeds. I really have no complaints about driving it. It's faster than my 2.9 Ranger. Doesn't climb hills as well though, but it can outpace the Ranger loaded down.

 

[Lrpalo]

I had a 96 2wd 2.3 5speed and it was a great truck just sold it when I got my 4x4. I sold it to a friend of mine with 296k on it and it ran perfectly didnt burn a drop of oil. Was a tad sluggish when loaded up but other than that is was a great little truck.

 

[strvger]

Am4wag, if you were happy with your old 4 cyl, auto, you'll be even happier with the 4 cyl manual i'm willing to bet. couple more hp in the newer model. also a couple more ft/lbs of torque that comes in a couple hundred rpms earlier. that with the more control you'll have with the 5 speed and you should also be looking at some better mileage figures hopefully.
as long as the rest of the truck checks out ok, sounds like a good deal depending on the price tag.
just my $.02.