New to forum but been lurking for years.

[oemranger]

Good day
I have loved this site for tips and great reading from you more experienced wrenchers out there. I have owned an 87 2wd auto and just recently put to rest my 96 3.0 4x4 auto.
Just looked at another 87 2.9 4x4 extra cab today, been sitting for 9 years! I have always leaned towards the first gen style as it reminds me of my old 78 f150. Could I please get your guys opinion on the 2.9 as I have never owned one before. If this truck was running and driving 9 years ago and sounds really healthy at least just turning it over, are they pretty tough motors? Likelihood of coming back to life? Obviously its going to need to be gone through with a fine toothed comb, but I would hate to see this thing sit for another 9-10. Appreciate any advice and look forward to picking your Guys' brains

pic of what i looked at today. recap: 87 2.9, 4x4 5 speed manual locking. body pretty decent.

 

[Dirtman]

The 2.9 is a quirky but reliable engine. However I'd be leary of purchasing ANYTHING that has sat untouched in a feild for 9 years. Unless you can get it for basically scrap value its probably not worth it. The wiring will be a chewed up nightmare from corrosion and animals, pretty much every gasket will be dried out and need replacing, the engine itself internally (if it worked 9 years ago) is probably fine but everything around it is likely to be junk.

 

[Curious Hound]

 

[oemranger]

The 2.9 is a quirky but reliable engine. However I'd be leary of purchasing ANYTHING that has sat untouched in a feild for 9 years. Unless you can get it for basically scrap value its probably not worth it. The wiring will be a chewed up nightmare from corrosion and animals, pretty much every gasket will be dried out and need replacing, the engine itself internally (if it worked 9 years ago) is probably fine but everything around it is likely to be junk.

Thanks for the reply, I think hearing that is what I needed to make a good decision. We always want to see the potential in a truck but will have to break it down and let common sense prevail. Will let you guys know what I decide. 500 bucks is the asking price with extra tranny btw. Appreciate it.

 

[sgtsandman]

 

[oemranger]

Yikes. Lol
Well....too good to be true. Turned out, the 87 ranger was not insured for the past 19 years according to the insurance company. Without getting into it out of respect, the original owner is no linger with us. I walked away. Back on the hunt!