which truck to choose???

[Buddha62]

6 or 4cyl???

i have a 88 4wd ranger with a 2.9 thats getting worn out clutch slipping and 1 qt per tank oil leak. but gets 19mpg and sounds like a sewing machine
the 2.9 has a very good hitch and topper but will need a rebuild but decent body


i also have an offer for a 92 4cyl 2.3 extended cab 2wd with a rough body. (needs a new bed) for $300 135k miles (8plugs) it runs good and get better gas milage (about 26mpg)

both are 5 speeds

both will need work and $400-600 dumped into them. i only need 1 truck and will be driving it 130 miles a day. which would be the better truck to have??????
will the 4cyl have enough power to pull a trailer at all??? i would prefer the room of the extended cab.
if both engines were rebuilt which would be the cheaper rebuild and better engine to have??
would the 2.9 still have the oil problem(ticking like a sewing machine)

which would everyone choose?????

Buddha

 

[fastpakr]

Both will pull a reasonably sized trailer. Is that something you're going to do on a regular basis, or just on rare occasions? The large motor will certainly be more comfortable doing it, so if it's a regular thing I'd consider that. If it's just an occasional task, either is fully capable of doing the job.

Honestly, neither engine is worth rebuilding. There are too many low mileage spares available in junkyards for less money to make it worth doing.

I've owned two different 2.9 trucks over the years, as well as a 2.3. For my use, the 2.3 is a far better engine. More reliable, and far better fuel economy unloaded. It was also in production more recently.

 

[Ozwynn]

keep the truck you have and buy the 4cyl ........ fix the 4cyl for your daily driver and fix the 4x4 as time and money allows .......... never part with a paid for 4wd unless replacing it with another.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Yeah I was goign to say, A 4x4 is always nice. I never look at trucks unless they are 4x4's just because I like going places others can't but also because both my friends that have 2wd trucks are always calling me to get them unstuck. You may not have that problem with getting into places you need 4x4 but i guarantee if you sell it you will miss/need it.

I agree with BDAB, get the new one, if you commute that much you will love the extra mileage plus you don't have to fix the bed up immediately. You can work on one while having another to drive.