Shopping for a 4x4 ranger...

[zottyzot]

Hey guys,
I'm in the market for a ranger. I'm looking for an inexpensive (<$2500.00) truck, that will mostly be for winter driving and general fun/utility.
I've found two particular trucks that I'm seriously considering.

The first is a '94 ext. cab, 4.0l auto, shift on the fly, 114k miles. The interior of the truck is pretty bad, no carpet, dirty, some tears in the seats. 3" body lift, 31" mudders (not much tread left). Body is in decent shape, a couple of minor dents, some bubbling in the paint on the rear fender. Seems to run pretty strong. $1800.00

The second is an '87 ext. cab 2.9l 5 spd. For its age the truck is pretty clean, interior is as nice as could be expected, paint is faded but not real bad, some minor rust on the hood and above the windshield. 140k miles and it smokes like a chimney, nice bright white smoke. The guy says head gasket, but from what I've read I'm assuming its a cracked head, it also has a pretty noticable valve tap. $600

I'm pretty handy with a wrench, but I'm not looking to do an engine
swap or anything like that. I could handle replacing the heads on the 2.9 but thats as far as I want to go. I'm looking for opinions from people who know these trucks.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnnyO]

Where do you live? That would be helpful because it's not worth spending $1500 to ship a $2000 truck.
Used car lot near me in western PA has two Rangers and a Mazda all are around $3000 or less.

 

[zottyzot]

I'm just northwest of philadelphia, the two trucks I mentioned are within driving distance.

 

[feellnfroggy]

get the 4.0

 

[wrecking-crew]

2.9's are solid once you replace the heads(replace the bad one. if other one is also original replace it just in case). i'd also reccomend checking the timing belt and pistons and such while the heads are off.
my 2.9 just has the valve tap but thats normal in high milage engines.

 

[zottyzot]

If I were to go with the 2.9l would you recommend aftermarket heads (world ind) or a swap from a later model engine?

Are there other issues I should be concerned about on that engine, other problems that could arise from the cracked heads??

Also are the drivetrains the same on the two trucks or does the 4.0l have upgraded equipment?

The '87 is an XLT, I think the '94 is a base model.

 

[tony314]

Go with the 4.0 4x4. It's an awesome engine that will take a beating. Just my 2 cents

 

[RedneckSTX]

Go with the 4.0, you will be alot happier with the performance, I have had a couple few of both engines, and the 4.0 is alot better in my opinion.

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

4.0............if you have to get the 2.9 fine, but a 4.0 is better to me

 

[BlackBII]

I wouldn't even monkey around with a 2.9, when you can get a 4.0.

 

[wrecking-crew]

2.9 haters.

 

[Toms01PSD]

2.9 haters.

Once you drive a 4.0 Ranger, you won't go back.

I have a 99 3.0 4x4 ranger with two cracks in the frame i'll sell you.

 

[zottyzot]

OK, so it sounds like the 4 liters win in a split decision (sort of)

Anything i should be looking out for on the '94?
I took it for a short test drive and when I engaged 4L the indicator light on the dash didnt come on... What is the process to engage 4L?
The light for 4H came on and I heard something engage in the front end (I guess that was the hubs?)

 

[Toms01PSD]

4lo=neutral and brake.

 

[zottyzot]

I'm pretty sure I tried that. What are the possibilities that it's functioning but the indicator light is burnt out?