New purchase

[sgrooms]

I have an opportunity to purchase a Ranger. It has the 2.9 V6, 5 speed manual, 4x4. It does need a rear seal and some wiring work. I am not sure of the year either, but it is pre 1989. It doesn't have that smooth front end. Sorry I can't be more specific!

Purchase price is $200. Body is in great shape, and the interior is near perfect. Seat don't show hardly any wear.

I can get the work done, but all I have read about the 2.9 has me a little nervous. It is right aroudn 100k on the original engine as far as I know.

Worth it? I am buying this as a second vehicle, something to keep the miles off my Dodge diesel, drive around town, short trips, things like that.

Thoughts?

 

[351rangerxxx]

buy it

 

[sgrooms]

What else do you look for?

 

[wrecking-crew]

ask if the heads were replaced. if so buy if. and not buy it still. new head set costs bout 400 but these motors are good once you fix em right. and if you hear a tap, its normal. check for coolant in your oil(will look like a milkshake if coolant is present) thats about all thats bad on these motors. remember a little ticking noise is fine.

 

[sgrooms]

Really. That makes me feel better. I was really nervous about buying it simply because of all I have read about the reliability of these 2.9s.

What are they like for fuel economy with a 5 spd and lockouts?

 

[wrecking-crew]

Really. That makes me feel better. I was really nervous about buying it simply because of all I have read about the reliability of these 2.9s.

What are they like for fuel economy with a 5 spd and lockouts?

probably 20 combined around 17/18 city and a little over 21/22 highway if taken care of. if you get shitty mileage though check some threads on here. they helped me and im sure they'll help you

 

[sgrooms]

Many thanks guys!

 

[sgrooms]

Ok...small change. I went out and looked (I have bought it) and it is a 2.8L
V6 not the 2.9L

Does that change things?

 

[88gt]

just a 2.9 with a carb instead i think