Non-Ford, Compact Trucks

[1990RangerinSK]

No, but my very first vehicle was a Datsun pickup. Years later when I decided to get another truck I looked for a Datsun 4x4, but the rust was hard on them, a Chevy S-10 because my dad had one, and finally ended buying a Ranger.

Isn't that something. When I was in highschool, somebody on my way to school was selling a 1973 Datsun pickup. The metal bed had been replaced with a wooden box bed. I asked my dad to buy it for me, but he said no. Four years later, I bought my first vehicle, (well, Grandpa bought it for me) but unlike you getting a Ranger, I got a 1976 Toyota Corolla.

 

[8thTon]

Around 2005 I got a 1991 S10 2wd and had it for a year or two. Basically a friend of my neighbor had it break down, left it on my property and could not pay to get rid of it. He sold it to me for $200, and it only needed something minor. It was a 2.5 OHV 4cyl and a 5spd. It was a sophisticated as a hammer, but it worked, at least until the rear went and I disposed of it. There was nothing impressive about it at all.

After that I got a 1990 2wd, 2.3 Lima, 5spd Ranger. The difference between the two was amazing, even though they were both simple trucks. The Ranger was built so much better, had a much more sophisticated engine control system, got better mileage and handled better. Funny thing is I still saw that Ranger on the road until a year or so ago.

 

[Bigghoss]

For the last 7 years I've been driving a 1993 GMC Sonoma and it has been a wonderful little truck. The only reason I'm selling it is because I decided I wanted a 4x4 and the Sonoma is 2wd.

Me personally, I hate any kind of auto hubs, CAD, anything like that. The 4wd S10 you can get a Posi-Lok but I've read mixed reviews. In 93 or 94 Dodge went to a live hub setup so you don't have to worry about them not engaging when you need them. But even the V6 Dakotas get relatively crappy milage compared to an S10 or Ranger. I had looked at Dakotas when I was having trouble finding a Ranger I liked.

In short, S10/Sonoma if you want a 2wd, 94+ Dakota if you want a 4x4. Assuming you're dead-set on those two options.

 

[19Walt93]

before the s10/sonoma or Dakota I would choose a Toyota Tacoma. but I would get it from a southern state as Toyota had some rust issues on the frames.

AJ

"Toyota has some rust issues on the frame"?? Our local Yota dealer's back field had a pile of over 100 rotted frames they'd replaced on trucks as new as 5-6 years old. Examples of understatement:Toyota frames have some rust issues and Jennifer Lopez is in pretty good shape for a 50 year old woman.

 

[Ranger_XL]

Which Ranger would you guys prefer?

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2506142506071378/?search_query=inventory_management

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/522496231716548/?search_query=inventory_management

 

[Blmpkn]

"Jennifer Lopez is in pretty good shape for a 50 year old woman.

She's had her fair share of human bondo work done though I'm sure lol. Anything/one looks good with a good cheese job

 

[Ranger850]

Cant decide? How about the ExStang

Ford Explorer With Mustang Front End Surprisingly Isn’t Awful

A first-generation Ford Explorer gets some plastic surgery thanks to a new front end sourced from a Ford Mustang that's more than 10 years newer.

www.motor1.com

 

[Jim Oaks]

Which Ranger would you guys prefer?

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2506142506071378/?search_query=inventory_management

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/522496231716548/?search_query=inventory_management

Between those 2 I think i like the '99 better.

 

[cbxer55]

Cant decide? How about the ExStang

Ford Explorer With Mustang Front End Surprisingly Isn’t Awful

A first-generation Ford Explorer gets some plastic surgery thanks to a new front end sourced from a Ford Mustang that's more than 10 years newer.

www.motor1.com

PUKE!

 

[Ranger_XL]

Jim, is it a style or color preference? They are identical except for the engine: a 2.3 Lima versus a 2.5 Lima (0.2 stroked 2.3).

 

[Bigghoss]

Which Ranger would you guys prefer?

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2506142506071378/?search_query=inventory_management

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/522496231716548/?search_query=inventory_management

Without actually seeing them in person it's a coin toss.

 

[racsan]

love the cayman green, my ‘93 was that color. Black would have to be cleaned constantly. any “real” noticeable diffrence between a 2.3 lima/2.5 engine? Ive always wondered but doubted that 10 cubic inches would make any difference. I did drive a 2.3 duratech shortbed and wasn’t impressed, maybe they make more power at a higher rpm and they might be better on fuel but leaving a stop my old 94 2.3 has more “punch”. Ive always wanted a stepside, not very practical as far as bed space but the look is cool. the no-rusting bedsides appeal to me also.

 

[Ranger_XL]

love the cayman green, my ‘93 was that color. Black would have to be cleaned constantly. any “real” noticeable diffrence between a 2.3 lima/2.5 engine? Ive always wondered but doubted that 10 cubic inches would make any difference. I did drive a 2.3 duratech shortbed and wasn’t impressed, maybe they make more power at a higher rpm and they might be better on fuel but leaving a stop my old 94 2.3 has more “punch”. Ive always wanted a stepside, not very practical as far as bed space but the look is cool. the no-rusting bedsides appeal to me also.

I have a black Trans Am WS6, and yes, the meticulous maintenance of black paint is onerous; moreover, I tend to concur with your sentiment regarding the two engines: I believe the Lima possesses modestly more low-end torque, whereas the Duratec has modestly more top-end horsepower and a nominal increase in fuel efficiency. Although, the Limas are simpler and less expensive to fix than the Duratecs.

 

[Ranger_XL]

By no rust, are you intimating that the flares of a flareside bed are fiberglass?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

By no rust, are you intimating that the flares of a flareside bed are fiberglass?

Yes they are.